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Last updated: 17 Feb 2023
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Effective Paint Removers for Your Convenience

Best Overall
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MAX Strip Paint Remover
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Runner Up
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Dumond Paint Remover
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Honorable Mention
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Sunnyside Multi-Strip Paint Remover
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Also Consider
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Sunnyside Ready-Strip Paint Remover
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Whether it’s your child manifesting their inner Da Vinci on your walls or an accidental spill, getting rid of paint stains is no easy task. Scratch that. It is, in fact, a hellish nightmare. Dirty/stained walls and carpets can slowly become very annoying, disturbing the aesthetic of your space and forcing you to live a reduced quality of life. You must get rid of any stains on your walls and restore them to their former glory. However, in some cases, even constant scrubbing and scratching do not make a difference, even if you implement the countless home remedies like baking soda and lemon juice, or pouring scorching hot water on paint stains. If you have been suffering from this issue then, no need to fret anymore. We are here with some of the best paint removers of 2023 that will help you get rid of stubborn stains. So, let’s get on with it!

What is the Best Paint Remover of 2023?

1

MAX Strip Paint Remover

– Best Overall
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Even if your little one is painting portraits on walls, it is not going to be an issue after you purchase this product. Max Strip’s all-purpose paint remover is just the right item you can purchase and is an absolute lifesaver. This immediate-acting gel spray works on all types of surfaces. It’s effective on surfaces like flooring, granite, marble, concrete, carpet, rugs, upholstery, laminate, fire glass, furniture, windows, metals, tools, brick, ceramic, and even countertops.

This multi-purpose cleaner is an all-in-one product that cleans off stubborn paint spills. One of the common complaints most people have with these kinds of sprays is the irritating odor. Well, not anymore because this spray is prepared with a non-caustic volatile formula that guarantees no irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat. Surely a must-purchase product!

Pros
  • Its high-quality composition does not contain any harsh fumes, making it safe to use
  • This spray has no unpleasant odor
  • Works like butter. Just spray it on the stain and cover it for 10 minutes before wiping it clean
Cons
  • It doesn’t work well on concrete and granite as advertised but still does a fair job
2

Dumond Paint Remover

– Runner Up
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Next up on our list is a cleaning item that will surely impress you. Smart Strip’s paint remover can be an ideal pick for not just one, but numerous reasons. This item offers plenty of benefits.

Prepared with a biodegradable formula, this one is useful as well as an environment-friendly paint remover. The biodegradable formula of this remover guarantees reduction of waste, including the production and emission of greenhouse gases. As it is water-based, this paint remover is safe to use and odor-free. Prepared with methylene chloride, Smart Strip’s paint remover is non-carcinogenic and non-toxic. It is effective on all surfaces like marble, wood, brick, stone, metal, tile, plaster, molding, porcelain, glass, decking, and much more! Whether it’s acrylics, oil-based paints or water-based paints, smart strip is here for the rescue. 

Pros
  • Easy to clean up after use
  • No skin, throat, or eye irritation
  • Odorless formula
  • Works on layers of latex and lead-based paints as well
Cons
  • Can make the paint go gooey and jelly-like if applied for longer durations
3

Sunnyside Multi-Strip Paint Remover

– Honorable Mention
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The next item on our list is the Multi-Strip Advanced Paint Remover from Sunnyside that is going to become one of your top choices. Multi Strip’s paint remover guarantees to easily remove oil and water paints with ease. This fast-acting and effective formula works great on almost all kinds of surfaces varying from wood, plaster to concrete, marble, and a lot more.

Unlike many other paint removers, you won’t have to apply heavy coatings of paint remover to remove 1-5 layers of paint. Just applying a light layer can do the job. A thick coating works wonders if you are looking to remove 8-15 layers of paint. Its advanced formula is effective on tedious coatings like two-part epoxy and urethane. We surely recommend this item for a safe and satisfying run!

Pros
  • Prepared with biodegradable formula, making it environmentally safe
  • Free of irritating odor
  • Safe to use and non-flammable
  • Free of NMP and methylene chloride
Cons
  • Can cause harm to thin wood if applied for a long duration
  • The paint can get sticky at times
4

Sunnyside Ready-Strip Paint Remover

– Also Consider
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A common complaint that is often submitted by the users with liquid paint removers is that they are too messy to use and offer little to no results. Well, this liquid paint remover is extremely easy to use and the reason for that is its no-drip formula which makes it cling to the surfaces as soon as it is applied on it. It easily removes oil paints from surfaces like masonry, wood, brick, stones, and concrete. 

Apart from the stains, this paint remover can remove latex and varnishes very easily. But, there’s a catch. Make sure that you don’t use this product on plastic, sheetrock, rubber, or linoleum. Just spray it on the region that needs paint removal and you will see the results after 30 minutes. Pick up your weapon, start scraping and you are done! You can remove three or more layers of oil or water paint very easily with this liquid paint remover.

Pros
  • It comes with a reasonable price package that is easy on your pockets
  • Can easily be cleaned up with water, making little to no mess in the process
  • No toxic fumes formula makes it safe to use the product around children
  • Odorless and free of irritation-causing chemicals
Cons
  • The spray nozzle can be a bit faulty at times
  • The spray at times comes out in straight streams
5

Citristrip Paint Remover

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For any individual who is obsessed with painting and making messy abstract artworks, paint stains on the walls, carpets, and furniture will always be an issue. But, not anymore! This gel paint remover by Citristrip is one of the paint removers that can really be a game-changer for you. It can remove up to five layers of dried latex and oil paints in an hour as well as varnish, lacquer, shellac, and polyurethane from surfaces like wood and metallic surfaces. 

Pros
  • Stays active and effective for 24 hours that allow it to remove multiple layers of latex 
  • Free of methylene chloride and NMP
  • Free of strong chemicals that can cause irritation
Cons
  • Is known to have a slightly unpleasant odor that is rather different than citrus
  • Can be tough to remove at times

Buying Guide for the Best Paint Remover

Now that we’ve recommended and discussed some of the best paint removers of 2021, it is high time that we dive into the buying guide for these paint removers. This buying guide will include all the instructions and factors that you must consider while purchasing light-on-the-pocket and effective paint removers. So, without wasting any time, let’s dive right into the details!

What Are the Common Mistakes To Avoid While Purchasing Paint Removers?

Here is a list of some common mistakes that a lot of buyers make while looking for a paint remover. 

Over-priced but worthless

This is the most common mistake that individuals commit unknowingly. There is a stark difference between investing in a reasonable paint remover and an over-priced but ineffective paint remover. An average paint stripper spray or gel usually costs around $9 to $11 or $12 at maximum. If a company is selling a paint remover at a price point that is more than the average cost, forget about it. Don’t let the fancy advertisement fool you.

Fakes

Another common mistake that should be avoided is buying fakes. There have been numerous cases where paint removers from unknown companies are sold by manufacturers that label them as their own. Make sure to thoroughly look into the description and reviews before you purchase one from a reliable manufacturer. 

Beware of DCM

If you see this chemical on the ingredient list of any paint stripper, run! Avoid DCM as much as you can. DCM, also known as dichloromethane, is an extremely harmful chemical. If inhaled, DCM can cause health issues like dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Upon skin contact, it can cause redness, rash, and even burns. Always purchase paint removers free of DCM and NMP.

What To Avoid When Handling Paint Removers?

Apart from purchasing, proper guidelines must be followed when handling such a product. Here are some cautionary guidelines that must be considered.

Avoid skin contact 

There shouldn’t be any skin contact, yet individuals still commit this small but harmful mistake. Make sure that you are entirely protected when using a paint remover. Especially, if you have sensitive skin or other skin conditions, direct contact with a concentrated paint remover can cause dermatitis by peeling your skin off and removing its natural oils. In this condition, your skin will turn itchy and irritated and you will experience mild to severe rashes. In case of contact over a longer period, your skin may turn cracked, dry, and discolored. 

Stay away from fire

This precaution must be repeated until it’s well-understood: stay away from fire when using a paint remover. One way is to buy a non-flammable paint remover. But still, we would recommend you to stay away from fire when using a paint stripper or remover. This is to avoid any severe accidents. Move your items to safe surroundings before getting to work.

Always wear a mask 

While using a paint remover, make sure you are equipped with a mask. Some harmful chemicals present in the stripper might cause breathing issues and irritation to the airways. Coughing is a common complaint amongst those who use it without a mask. If you suffer from respiratory issues, we advise you to avoid or at least wear a mask when using paint removers.

What To Look for When Purchasing a Paint Remover?

When buying an effective and safe paint remover, the following points should be considered.

It should be water-based

A water-based paint remover is a lot more effective than a regular paint remover. It removes numerous layers of acrylics, varnishes, lacquers, oil, and water paints with ease. 

Odorless

Odorless Paint removers are becoming more common day by day. They are safer and easier to use as compared to regular paint removers. Discomfort caused by paint remover sprays and gels can now be avoided easily by buying odorless ones. 

Non-caustic and biodegradable

Instead of going for regular and caustic-based paint remover, opt for non-caustic and biodegradable paint strippers. These paint strippers are environment-friendly and safe to use. Free of any chemicals that may contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases, biodegradable paint removers offer a convenient and modern solution to your problems. 

People Also Asked

Q: How to use a paint remover?

A: Using a paint remover is quite easy. Spray or apply the paint remover with a brush over the items you need to clear. Let the paint remover sit on thin layers of paint undisturbed for the duration of 30 minutes to an hour. If the paint layer is thick, allow it to sit for 24 hours. Pick up any suitable equipment for removing paint and start scraping.

Q: Are paint removers useful?

A: Yes, advanced paint removers have proven to be very useful in recent times. They are very, if not entirely, similar to professional paint removers. You can always invest in a reputable paint remover for household tasks.

Q: Can I use a pain remover in a hot environment?

A: One common thing to be kept in knowledge when using a paint remover is that it tends to evaporate quickly in warmer surroundings. One way to avoid evaporation is to shift the work to relatively cooler surroundings. We advise that the coating that is applied should be thick and then covered with a cling sheet afterward. These measures will help in keeping the coating secure and to make sure that it stays on for a longer time to perform a thorough paint-removing job.

Q: On what surfaces can paint removers be used?

A: Recently prepared paint removers can be used on a vast variety of surfaces ranging from wood and masonry to concrete, marble, and flooring. We still advise that a test should be carried before the complete application. Apply the paint remover over a small area to see if the paint remover causes any damage. If you see no negative signs then you can proceed further with the process.  

Cleaning
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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