If you’re redecorating or remodeling your home, furniture and wood floors require meticulous preparation, like stripping old paint layers to achieve a great finish. But not all paint strippers are appropriate for wood, and some may even damage it!
To help you choose, our expert woodworkers listed their tested popular paint remover products, the best paint strippers for wood. Keep reading!
Reviews of the Top Paint Strippers for Wood
1. Smart 'n Easy's Citrus Paint and Varnish Remover Gel
Smart N’ Easy Citrus Paint and Varnish Remover Gel is an excellent product that removes more than 15 layers of oil-based and latex paint in a single application.
It’s non-toxic and has a pleasant citrus scent, so you can use it on surfaces inside your home without any worry.
We’re very satisfied with the results as we tested it on different surfaces, such as wood, tiles, concrete, metal, and masonry. It only takes a few minutes for the paint to bubble and soften, then it completely comes off as we scrap it with sandpaper.
What We Like
- Fume free
- Pleasant scent
- 100% biodegradable
- Non-drip and water-based solution
- Non-flammable and non-toxic
What We Don't Like
- Suitable for small surfaces only
- Can be expensive
2. Dumond's Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover
Dumond is known for manufacturing revolutionary woodworking products, and their Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover did not disappoint us. It removes more than 15 layers of tough paint in just 24 hours upon application.
We like how it can efficiently remove paint from many surfaces, including wood, concrete, metal, tiles, brick, tiles, fiberglass, and more.
You can use it indoors as it’s non-toxic and does not need to be neutralized after stripping. We find it easy to apply using a spray applicator, paintbrush, or roller. However, we suggest you wait 48 hours before scraping the paint to achieve better results.
What We Like
- Zero-VOC and non-toxic
- 100% biodegradable
- pH neutral
- Odorless
What We Don't Like
- Longer application process
- May require sanding
3. MAX Strip All-purpose Remover
If you’re looking for an effective paint stripper that can also be used to clean spills, grease, grime, paint drips, glues, graffiti, and stickers residue on any type of surface, this all-purpose remover from Max Strip is the ideal choice.
It effectively cleans dried and tough paint from wood, glass, metal, porcelain, granite, brick, marble, concrete, fiberglass, laminate, clothing, and carpets, among other surfaces.
Another excellent feature that we like about Max Strip Strip All-Purpose Remover is it has lower volatile organic compounds (VOC) and is non-caustic compared to other paint strippers. Hence, it’s safer to use on indoor furniture.
What We Like
- No harmful chemicals
- Multipurpose gel
- Does not release fumes
- Fast acting
- No strong odor
- Cheaper compared to other paint strippers
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for factory-finished paints
- May take several applications to get better results
4. Sunnyside Corporation 65664 Hi-Speed Ready-Strip Citrus Paint and Varnish Remover Gel
Next on our list is this Sunnyside Corporation 65664 Hi-Speed Ready, which works well and fast on various surfaces. After just two minutes of application, it removes three layers of paint on a wood surface.
So, if you’re looking for a paint stripper that can help you finish your project faster, we recommend this paint stripper.
It’s also a no-drip formula, so it is very convenient to use and easy to clean up. If you’re concerned with the unpleasant odor, don’t worry because this product has no strong scent and does not contain harsh chemicals.
What We Like
- Removes paint faster
- Does not contain methylene chloride
- Non-flammable
- Easy to clean with water
- Ideal for interior and exterior finishes
What We Don't Like
- Can be thick when sprayed
- May not work quicker with latex
5. Citristrip QCSG801 Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel
The Citristrip QCSG801 Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel are effective in removing hard and dry latex or oil-based paint. But it also works well with shellac, polyurethane, varnish, and lacquer on wood, metal, and masonry surfaces.
It remains active on surfaces for 24 hours, making removing more than five layers of paint easier in just 30 minutes. But we suggest you wait one hour after the application to get the best result.
More importantly, it’s safer to use since it does not contain any NMP or methylene chloride, so it has no harsh fumes. But we recommend wearing proper gear when applying Citristrip as it may cause skin burns and lung irritations.
For a comprehensive guide, we detail how to use CitriStrip stripping gels properly and effectively here!
What We Like
- Works well with latex paint
- Suitable for many finishes
- Pleasant citrus smell
- Does not release harsh fumes
What We Don't Like
- Can cause burns
- Can be more expensive than other brands
6. MAX Strip Paint and Varnish Stripper
This is another product by Max Strip that can remove tougher paints and varnishes on many surfaces. We prefer it for removing shellac, acrylic, latex, and polyurethane finishes. It has professional strength and quality at a very affordable price.
The organic formula of MAX Strip Paint and Varnish Stripper does not contain chemicals or release harsh fumes, so it is eco-friendly and safer to use indoors or even in work areas with poor ventilation.
However, you’ll find this difficult to work with when removing factory-finished surfaces, deck paintings, and baked coatings, like vehicle paint. But when it comes to wood, this is one of the best products!
What We Like
- Professional quality
- Affordable
- Has no NMP content
- Easy to clean up with water
- No harmful effects
What We Don't Like
- Can damage some surface types like synthetic
- Cannot remove baked-on or automotive paints
7. Goof Off FG900 Paint Splatter Remover for Hardwoods
Goof Off FG900 Paint Spltter Remover for Hardwoods is popular among DIYers and professional woodworkers due to its efficiency in removing tougher paints on different types of hardwoods.
You’ll only need a few minutes to let it stay on the surface, and then you can easily scrape the paint off the hardwood without damaging it. We find it ideal for use on horizontal surfaces like floors.
While you can use it on vertical spaces like walls, you’ll need to sand first before repainting. Also, you’ll find this paint remover a bit pricey, so you’ll need to pay more for big projects.
What We Like
- Ideal for hardwoods
- Removes paint faster
- No harmful chemicals and
- Does not release toxic fumes
What We Don't Like
- Suitable for smaller surfaces only
- Harder to apply on vertical surfaces
4 Types of Paint Strippers
There are many factors you must consider in choosing the best paint stripper for wood. Below are the things you must keep in mind when buying a paint stripper ideal for your project.
Biochemical Paint Strippers
This type of paint stripper is a combination of organic compounds like NMP and plant-based solvents, such as terpenes extracted from citrus and pine.
If you’re looking for a safer paint stripper, biochemical paint is a safe alternative to caustic and solvent strippers.
You can use it on different surfaces, such as wood, concrete, and metal. However, one of its downsides is it takes a longer time to varnish and strip paint.
Although they have lower Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and harmful fumes, their NMP content is hazardous if inhaled and may cause respiratory and reproductive problems. While skin exposure to NMP may cause severe irritation.
Therefore, wearing protective gear, such as a mask, goggles, and gloves, is necessary when working with it.
Caustic Paint Strippers
These are water-based solutions with high pH and are considered alkaline. They contain an active ingredient known as lye, which consists of potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide.
Essentially, lye transforms dried paint or mostly the paint film’s oily part into soap, helping to loosen up the paint on the wood surface.
Its only disadvantage is it’s highly hazardous and can cause skin burns and lung irritation. So, wipe down the wood surface with water and vinegar solution to effectively neutralize its high pH level.
Solvent Paint Strippers
Solvent strippers utilize toxic chemicals to soften the paint and completely remove it from the wood surface. Most solvents contain methylene chloride with higher VOC content. While some solvent products have higher alcohol, acetone, and methanol content.
This mixture works more efficiently, causing the coats to bubble up, soften instantly, and remove several paint layers in one application. After stripping the coating, you do not need to neutralize the surface, as solvents have lower pH levels.
However, they release strong fumes that are more hazardous compared to other paint strippers. These fumes are highly flammable and may cause brain damage if inhaled. So, always wear high-quality protective gear when working with solvent paint.