There are four different types of paint and varnish strippers. Solvent strippers contain toxic chemicals, caustic strippers are lye-based, biochemical removers contain non-toxic plant-based chemicals, and non-toxic strippers are often water- or alcohol-based.

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Some paint strippers are toxic to humans, animals, and the environment, and others have low or no volatile organic compounds (VOC). VOCs can cause everything from eye, nose, and throat irritation to liver, kidney, and nervous system damage and, in some cases, cancer in humans. 

Max Strip's main ingredient is triethyl phosphate and is classified as non-toxic with very low VOCs. Smart Strip is a low-VOC stripper that is water-based and includes benzyl alcohol. Citistrip is alcohol-based (benzyl alcohol) and contains VOCs; it can cause burns if it makes contact with the skin. Minwax is a toxic solvent-based stripper that is also flammable.

We recommend working in a well-ventilated area while using any paint stripper and wearing protective gloves and goggles. If ventilation is inadequate, a respirator will provide additional protection.

I used a small paintbrush to apply a thick layer of Max Strip to half of a painted drawer front. Because it's a no-drip gel-based product, it wasn't messy and stayed right where I wanted it to.

I used plastic wrap to cover the product during the recommended 30-minute soak time. This prevents the gel from drying out. I was pleasantly surprised to encounter no harsh odors while using the product; in fact, it almost had a "clean" smell to it.

Citristrip is a stripping gel that really does smell like oranges, which was delightful during application. The instructions recommend leaving it to soak in for at least 30 minutes. I applied the gel with a paintbrush, then let it soak in for 30 minutes.

Citrstrip came off in nice thick pieces. It contains natural wood oils that condition the wood as the finish is being taken off, making it great for antique wood furniture that has dried out over time.

I'm all about efficiency when it comes to flipping furniture and Smart Strip paled in comparison to the other strippers. It was very thick and goopy, which made the application messy. While it doesn't plastic wrap isn't needed for the soak time, it requires a minimum of three hours to penetrate the paint. I had to work much harder when removing Smart Strip with a scraper and ultimately did not see even results.

While Minwax is considered a "gentle product" for wood, it contains toxic solvents and is flammable, so I was extremely careful while using this product. I worked with it outdoors and wore thick rubber gloves and protective eyewear. Minwax had a harsh odor, but I didn't find it to be irritating.

I dipped the steel wool into a metal jar filled with Minwax and rubbed it in circles onto the top of the side table. Using moderate pressure, I saw the original finish begin to come off immediately. It was easy to get into all the corners and detailed areas and only took about 15 minutes to complete the top section. Per the product recommendation, I washed everything off with water to neutralize it after I was done. I was able to immediately move on to sanding to finish the piece.

You'll need to dispose of Minwax safely. There are toxic waste disposal sites in most cities, and I recommend utilizing one as soon as the project is completed.

Aside from Minwax, Citristrip was the best for removing finish. While the manufacturer recommends leaving it to soak in for at least 30 minutes, I noticed the finish bubbling up after only about 12 minutes. Plastic wrap isn't required for a shorter soak time, but the stripper can be left on overnight for tough surfaces. In that case, they do recommend covering it with plastic wrap to avoid drying it out.

Overall, it took about 5 minutes for application, 30 minutes of soak time, and 15 minutes for removal. It was extremely satisfying to use the plaster scraper to remove the Citristrip in thick gobs. I did notice I had to work harder to remove everything, using more elbow grease than with Minwax or Max Strip. I then neutralized the wood surface with water before moving on to sanding. 

Like with Minwax, you'll need to follow directions for the safe disposal of both Citristrip. There are toxic waste disposal sites in most cities and I recommend utilizing them as soon as the project is completed.

Max Strip is an excellent paint stripper, and we recommend it for DIY furniture projects. It's non-toxic, evenly removes paint, and makes quick work of the paint removal process.

When it comes to removing finishes, Minwax is hands down your best bet despite the extra caution required during application and disposal.

If you're looking for a good stripper to use on a piece of furniture that is finished with both paint and varnish, Citristrip is a good bet for getting the job done in one pass and you'll save a some money by purchasing only one stripper.

Best Paint Stripper For Your Project

Last updated April 14,

Removing paint from a surface is the first step to giving it a whole new look. You might want to take paint off a vintage piece of furniture or off pieces of wood trim that are part of your home. Whatever you’re working on, you must thoroughly remove old paint and stain to properly refinish a surface. This guide will teach you about the best paint strippers to get the job done.

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Table of Contents

1. Types of Removers

2. Types of Solvents

3. Paint Stripper Tools and Application

4. Paint Stripper Safety

Types of Removers

Paint strippers and removers eliminate all types of paint and finishes to reveal an object’s original surface. Removers are available in consistencies ranging from thin liquids to thick semi-pastes. Semi-paste removers cling to surfaces, making them ideal for vertical or overhead applications.

Biochemical and non-toxic strippers are not as harsh. They can take as long as four to 24 hours to fully penetrate the surface, depending on the size of the project, and can strip as many as seven layers of paint.

Solvent

• These removers work well on metal and masonry and can take off epoxy and polyurethane.
  They are among the best paint strippers for wood.
• The active ingredients in solvent removers are typically toxic chemicals, which means increased health risks when you use them. These removers generally have strong fumes because they contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• They can make you feel dizzy or give you a headache. These removers can also cause cancer, as well as lasting damage to your liver and kidneys.

Caustic

• The active ingredient in these water-based strippers is lye. It reacts with the paint to form a soap, which can then be more easily worked loose from the surface of the item.
• Use these removers on concrete floors, brick fireplaces and other masonry that has been painted with oil-based paint.
• Caustic removers can sometimes work to take paint off items made of metal or wood. However, they can leave stains on wood and break down metals such as aluminum.
• These removers can injure your lungs or skin.

Biochemical and non-toxic strippers are not as harsh. They can take as long as four to 24 hours to fully penetrate the surface, depending on the size of the project, and can strip as many as seven layers of paint.

Biochemical

• Made with solvents that come from plants, these removers are safer substitute for solvent and caustic products.
• When used on masonry, metal and wood, these kinds of removers can take off water-based and oil-based paint.
  They can be considered one of the best paint strippers for wood.
• They will not work for epoxy or polyurethane.
• Still, they can harm your skin and respiratory system, as well as your reproductive system

Non-Toxic

• These removers work best for getting oil- or water-based paint off metal and masonry. They can also be used on some types of wood.
• Don’t expect them to perform well on epoxy or polyurethane.
• While non-toxic removers are among the safest products, you will still need to use protective equipment to keep them from irritating your lungs and skin.

Tip: Once you've successfully stripped paint or finish, wait until the stripped paint or epoxy dries before disposing of it.

Types of Solvents

Solvents are used to dissolve or thin paint. They're also used paint preparation or cleanup. After a remover has been used, solvents are often needed to clean and prep the surface to receive a new finish.

Here are some of the most common types of solvents:

• Mineral spirits: This petroleum product is a budget-friendly and less toxic substitute for turpentine. You can use mineral spirits to remove paint, clean paint brushes and thin varnish and oil-based paints. Its liquid and vapor are flammable.
• Turpentine: Derived from tree resin, this organic solvent is often used by artists to thin and remove paint. It can be used to remove oil-based paint, acrylics, varnishes, tar and tree sap. It can be used as a thinner for oil-based paint, but shouldn’t be used to thin water-based paint, latex paint, lacquer or shellac. Its liquid and vapors are flammable. Breathing in turpentine can hurt the respiratory and central nervous system.
• Denatured alcohol: This solvent is made of drinking alcohol (ethanol) that has been altered with other chemicals. It works well for thinning shellac, lacquer, resin and ink. Denatured alcohol is also good for cleaning paint brushes and removing glue. Consuming denatured alcohol can be fatal.
• Linseed oil: Also known as flaxseed oil, this oil can improve the flow of oil-based paints. It can also be used to clean paint brushes and as a finish for wood furniture. With rags that have been used with linseed oil, there is a risk of spontaneous combustion. To prevent fire, when temperatures are above 40 degrees F dry any rags outside for at least 24 hours.
• Acetone: Often the main component in nail polish remover, acetone can be used to thin paint and lacquer and to remove adhesive, epoxy and ink. Acetone can also be used as a paint stripper and to clean up after projects. In both liquid and gas forms, acetone is highly flammable. It can also cause eye and lung irritation, dizziness and drowsiness.
• Methyl Ethyl Keytone (MEK): Also known as butanone, MEK is often used to wipe down surfaces before new paint or stain is added. It can be used to remove paint, adhesive, epoxy, grease and dirt.
• Xylene: This solvent can be used to thin oil-based paint, enamel, varnish and adhesive. Its liquid and vapor are flammable.
• Lacquer thinner: This solvent can be used to clean brushes, paint sprayers and other equipment after working with lacquer. In liquid and vapor forms, it is highly flammable.

Tip: Wondering about paint thinner vs. acetone? Acetone can be used to take old paint off a surface. However, if you combine acetone with new paint, the paint will no longer be usable.

Paint Stripper Tools and Application

You can use paint brushes, putty knives and paint brushes to apply paint solvent or removers. Once your paint solvent has taken effect, use dull putty knives, synthetic scrub pads and scrapers to take off the paint or finish. Here are some other tools and techniques to use when stripping paint:

• To remove finish from hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, place some wood shavings in your gloved hand. Wrap your hand around table or chair legs and rub them down.
• Rope can be useful for getting into cracks and turnings.
• If the remover creates a waxy buildup, make sure it’s thoroughly removed before refinishing.
• For a chemical-free option, heat guns can be used to remove paint. Once heated, simply use a scraper or putty knife to remove the finish.

Tip: To apply removers, use inexpensive, disposable brushes so you can throw them away after use.

Paint Stripper Safety

Make safety a priority when using all types of solvents and strippers. This is particularly when working with flammable materials or substances that emit toxic fumes. Plus, prolonged exposure to paint strippers has been linked a range of health problems. Read the manufacturer’s warnings and carefully follow the safety precautions on the label. Always use safety gear to protect yourself against the toxic chemicals and fumes.

• Protect your body by wearing pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves and an apron.
• Safety glasses or splash-proof goggles will keep your eyes safe while a respirator will help protect your respiratory system.
• Even if you're wearing a respirator, make sure you're working in a well-ventilated area. When you’re stripping paint, work outside whenever possible.
• Wear a face shield when working with caustic removers, such as lye.
• Roll chemical-resistant gloves over your sleeves to prevent drips from running down your arm.
• If you’re uncomfortable with the potential negative health effects that paint strippers can cause, consider hiring someone to do the work.

Safety Tip: If you have any old paint removers that are labeled “non-methylene,” dispose of them properly. Do not use them for your projects. Methylene chloride is a hazardous chemical that has been banned because it is connected to cancer, heart attacks and other serious health issues.

The best paint strippers can help you refurbish indoor or outdoor furniture or the architectural elements of your home. As you determine which product to use, consider what material you’re working with and any safety risks of each kind of remover.

Need supplies for your paint removal project? Use the Home Depot Mobile App to locate products and check inventory. We’ll take you to the exact aisle and bay.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Paint Remover(vi,ar,ru).