Learn the best paint remover for wood on the market today. We’ve shared the best overall rated paint stripper, the most eco friendly paint stripper and the quickest paint stripper.
Folks, I originally wrote this post a few years ago. Since then, new products have entered the market and old products have changed formulations. I have UPDATED this post with THREE NEW PRODUCTS because I just couldn’t vouch for my old tried and true paint strippers anymore. So here we go with the new products I’m loving.
There is nothing quite like refinishing a piece of furniture to create a gorgeous and customized piece! While some restorations are easier than others, there is no doubt that stripping paint can be a messy job. Preparing the surface of your project for a fresh layer of paint is vital for the result of the piece. We want to make sure you are prepared for the work ahead of you, with listing the strengths and specialties of the BEST PAINT STRIPPERS on the market. I’ll also save you time by presenting some key characteristics of the paint removers and chemical strippers to help you decide which option will be ideal for your project.
Pictured above is when I stripped an old antique wood table. I wrote a post about how to strip paint and stain off wood with this easy tip! This method worked great, but sadly, the product changed formulations and didn’t work as well as it used to.
Table of Contents
How to choose a paint remover for wood
Assess your surface before you begin the paint stripping project. The material of the surface you are stripping, as well as the condition of the surface are both important to consider before selecting the type of paint stripper.
The key is to strip all the old paint, sealer and debris so that the surface of your project is completely clean. Whether it’s vertical surfaces or multiple metal surfaces, chances are they have to be stripped and clean before refinished again.
Sometimes this can be asking a lot if there are multiple layers of paint on your project. However, a clean surface is more attainable and far easier to achieve with the correct paint stripper.
In the descriptions of the paint strippers below, be on the look out for the type of surfaces these paint strippers work best on as well as the time frame you have to work with. The resources you are working with will help you choose the correct paint stripper for your project.
Disclosure; this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay. This disclosure statement refers to the rest of the amazon links and other affiliate links in this post.
Side note; you might be interested in seeing this post with a few different METHODS and PRODUCTS to stripping furniture. You might be surprised at what I’ve used. Also be sure to check out my thoughts on using Easy Off Oven Cleaner as a paint stripper here. I’m no stranger to using alternatives to varnish remover like a heat gun and vinegar to name a few.
The three best paint strippers on the market
1) The Winner: QCS Paint Stripper
I recently stumbled upon a new (ALL NATURAL, NO VOC) paint stripping product. It’s easy to use, highly effective and, I have to say, beats the rest of these products hands down. It’s called QCS paint stripper by Stripwell. I’ve stripped a lot of previously-finished furniture, and the more I do, the more I lean towards this product.
Also, as I get older and wiser (haha), I tend to think more about safety and health concerns. The old strippers are sooo hazardous to the environment AND YOU! They are full of volatile organic compounds and have many safety precautions. There are also a handful of caustic strippers that are a little more safe than chemical strippers, but why be a “little safer” when you can remove any sort of solvent strippers and use a better product with no harsh fumes? This is definitely the safest of the safe paint strippers.
Enter my review on QCS paint stripper! Read it, you won’t be sorry. Goodbye toxic chemicals!
2) The Eco-Friendly Option: Dumond Chemicals Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover
Coming in second place is the Dumond Chemicals Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover for its eco-friendly characteristics and gentle effectiveness on all surfaces. The best thing about the Dumond Chemicals Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover are the ingredients. This stripper is odor free and water based, formulated without methylene chloride or carcinogenic ingredients. Because the active ingredient is non-toxic, the paint thinner can be for indoor use or outdoor use. The Dumond Chemicals Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover works well on most surfaces and can remove up to 15 coats of paint in a single application.
One thing to note about this product; it works best when used with laminated paper. Remember the picture I shared earlier with the pink paint stripper covered in plastic wrap? It’s the same method just different products. The idea is that the laminated paper covers the stripper product and keeps it wet longer and in working condition for more time. This helps break through a thick layer of paint and stain.
3) The Speedy Option- Sunnyside 2 Minute Remover
When you feel crunched for time, or simply impatient, you will want to grab the Sunnyside 2 Minute Paint Remover. This remover literally works in minutes to eats away at the layers of paint and varnish on your project. It is safe for all surfaces and it works well with oil-based paint and finishes, acrylics and latex paint and varnish. On tougher surfaces such as floors or polyurethane finishes, the Sunnyside 2 Minute Remover may need to sit for 5 minutes to really do the trick. However, waiting for only 5 minutes can still save you a lot of time for your project. Also, this product is quite a bit cheaper than the other two options.
So what’s the downside? It’s full of harsh chemicals and is suggested to suite up with personal protective equipment to make sure you don’t harm yourself. It needs to be applied in a well-ventilated area with open windows. That being said, if you are looking for a fast and cheap option, this is it! Just be careful. It also comes in a liquid or gel form. The varnish stripping gel formula is great for a horizontal wooden surface like table legs.
Final thoughts on deciding which paint removers to purchase
Before any DIY home project, it is important to do your homework and prepare for your project. We all know that preparation is never as fun as the actual project, which is why we are here to do the homework on the best paint strippers for you. Whether you are looking for a quicker urethane stripper or a few non-toxic strippers, these three options work well.
Now all you have to do is decide if you want a product that is known for; the best all around paint stripper with no VOC’s or harmful ingredients, a super eco friendly paint stripper, or a fast and budget friendly paint stripper.
Check out more of my Paint reviews below:
Best White Paint Products for Kitchen Cabinets
Valspar Cabinet and Furniture Paint Review
Best Metallic Paint for Furniture
Heirloom Traditions All-in-One paint review
Valspar One-Coat Exterior stain and sealer in solid review
Lindsey**