The 5 Best Paint Strippers (2022 Review)

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Once applied, this stipping gel stays wet and active for up to 24 hours if you want to wait before removing the paint.

-Has a fresh citrus scent
-Removes dried latex and oil paint
-Doesn’t contain methylene chloride or other harmful chemicals

Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover

-Takes 30 minutes before it’s ready to remove paint
-Can cause burns if it comes into contact with skin

Best for indoors

Dumond

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This paint stripper is odor- and chemical-free, so it works well in indoor spaces with minimal ventilation.

-Comes as a thick paste that doesn’t slide down your walls
-Has a 100% biodegradable formula
-Can remove up to 15 layers of paint from wood, brick, metal, concrete, stone, and more

Lift Off Latex Paint Remover

-Works best on post-1980s paint
-Has an unclear dwell time that varies based on the surface and paint

Best for latex paint

Motsenbocker's

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This water-based paint remover uses a biodegradable formula to strip latex paint.

-Comes in a spray bottle for easy application
-Safe to use near pets and children
-Contains half of the regulated limit of volatile organic compounds

-Only designed to remove latex paint
-Comes in a small bottle

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After waiting 15 minutes, this stripper has done its job to wet your paint and make it ready to remove.

-Designed for wood, metal, and concrete
-Can remove up to five layers of paint
-Can remove oil paint, latex paint, varnish, epoxy, polyurethane, and more

Best comprehensive stripper

-Can be difficult to remove once it dries
-Doesn’t work on fiberglass, vinyl, linoleum, or plastic

MAX Strip

Paint & Varnish Stripper

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This paint stripper works on wood, metal, glass, and more to remove multiple layers of varnish, shellac, and other coatings.

-Doesn’t have an unpleasant odor or harsh fumes
-Cleans up with just water
-Has a skin-safe formula in case you accidentally spill some on yourself