Do you want to remove paint from any wood or metal surface? Although there are many ways to remove paint, the best one amongst all is using a paint stripper.
Paint strippers are available in two forms – gels or pastes that can be used to remove many different types of paints from a surface.
A paint stripper works by breaking the bond between the surface and the paint. This is the best and less time-consuming method than spending hours sanding the metal or wood to remove paint.
The paint can be removed within a few minutes. Buying the best paint stripper for wood and metal is not easy since there are many options available. Thus, we have this guide for you to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
10 Best Paint Strippers for Wood and Metal Recommendations
1. Nitromors All-purpose Paint and Varnish Remover
The Nitromors all-purpose paint and varnish remover is the most popular and trusted paint stripper for metal, wood, and masonry.
The paint stripper is a green-coloured non-drip gel formula that can change its colour after the paint is ready to be removed from the surface. The gel formula makes it ideal for vertical applications.
The stripper is water washable after application, thus making it simple for you to clean. It is one of the best in terms of performance as well. It can safely remove up to 15 layers of paint in just 3 applications.
Per litre of the stripper covers 2.5 square meter surface. It has a fast cutting formula and is available in various sizes like 350ml, 750ml, and 2000ml bottles. This stripper is dichloromethane free and also less volatile when compared to other strippers.
Make sure to wear safety clothing and gloves while working with it. Also, as much as possible, work with the stripper in a well-ventilated space and not in direct sunlight or closed area.
For safety reasons, the brand has changed its formula which now has less striping power but it is an ideal and quality paint remover.
2. Rustins Strypit Paint and Varnish Stripper
The Rustins Strypit Paint and Varnish Stripper is one of the most effective and used paint strippers. It is suitable to use on glass, metal, wood, and also stone surfaces.
This paint stripper is a non-caustic dichloromethane free gel that is safe to use and at the same time highly effective.
The stripper has an orange color for you to know the places you applied to. It works best when applied generously and allowed to penetrate after applying two coats. Since it is a gel formula, it can be efficiently applied on vertical surfaces.
This stripper will strip varnish, paint, emulsion, polish, lacquer, and polyurethane. If you are planning to use it alongside a heat gun, then both these work together awesomely.
When compared to other strippers available in the market, this one is the best value for money and also highly effective.
The only downfall is that it requires a thick layer of the application to work.
3. Colron Furniture Stripper
The Colron Furniture Stripper is one of the most affordable paint strippers in this list of best paint strippers for wood and metal.
If you are looking for a stripper that would work specifically on the back furniture, then this is the right option. It can dissolve old paint, cellulose, varnishes, enamels, plastic coatings as well as other tough finishes without harming the wood underneath.
The Colron Furniture Stripper is suitable to use on all types of wood, pieces of furniture, and antiques.
Make sure to wear protective clothing including gloves and work in a well-ventilated space just like other paint strippers.
4. Polycell Maximum Strength Paint Stripper
Polycell is a highly reputable and trusted brand in the UK. The maximum strength paint stripper from Polycell is ideal for varnish and paint removal.
It is a non-drip paste formulation that starts working in just 20 minutes. Applying the paste is simple, all you need is a spatula to evenly apply and leave it for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, when you remove the paste, the paint will also be removed together. The stripper stripes up to 10 coats of paint in a single application. It can be washed easily with water after application.
The Polycell Maximum Strength Paint Stripper is an excellent option that is ideal for metal and wood. It comes in a 500ml container which is relatively expensive when compared to other strippers.
5. Autotek Paint Stripper Aerosal
If you are looking for a unique paint stripper to strip paint from wood and metal, then the Autotek Paint Stripper is the best option because it comes in an aerosol spray.
This paint stripper is made using a potent blend of solvents that remove most kinds of varnish, paint, lacquer and surface coatings.
The gel formulation clings on to the surface and thus helps you get rid of the paint easily. This stripper is compliant with the VOC regulation that sets restrictions on the maximum content of VOC in the stripper.
Since it is an aerosol spray, applying it on vertical surfaces is super simple. The only downfall is that you may require scrapping on some surfaces.
6. Bartoline Paint and Varnish Stripper
Bartoline Limited is a family run business that was established in 1876. It is the UK’s most trusted and leading manufacturer of fillers, adhesives, pre-packed solvents, and other home improvement items.
It is one of the largest suppliers of solvent products in the whole of Europe. This paint and varnish stripper is the best solution for your painting and decorating requirements.
The stripper is highly effective and free from methylene chloride formulation thus safe to use. But this does not mean that you use it without any protective clothing and in an enclosed space.
The stripper ensures minimal evaporation and is non-flammable. The formulation clings to the vertical surfaces without any drips or runs. The stripper can be used by enthusiast DIYers as well as professionals.
7. Biostrip 20 Paint Stripper
Another popular and affordable option of paint stripper in this list of best paint strippers for wood and metal is from the Biostrip brand. It is a water-based solution providing a more eco-friendly approach to paint and varnish stripping.
The proven formulation can be used in most cases to remove primer, paint, varnish, etc. on stone, brick, soft and hardwood, masonry, and concrete. It can even be used on plastics but we recommend you do a patch test first.
The brand recommends you to cover the area with cling wrap and let it be for 24 hours before removing for easy paint removal. The 1000ml of the stripper can remove approximately 4-6 square meters of paint.
Since it is an eco-friendly product, it is not as aggressive as other products but does a good job.
8. Bartoline Fast Acting Paint Stripper
If you are looking for a paint stripper available at reasonable rates then the Bartoline Paint Stripper is the best option. Bartoline Limited is a home grown business run by a family since 1876.
The brand has been the UK’s most popular and trusted manufacturers of adhesives, pre-packed solvents, fillers and other improvement products.
Bartoline has been one amongst the largest suppliers of pre packed solvents in Europe. The fast acting paint and varnish stripper is an ideal solution for your home painting requirements. It is highly effective and does not contain methylene chloride formulation making it safe to use.
The non drip formulation makes it possible to be applied on vertical surfaces with ease. This product is ideal for use by professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
9. Bartoline TX10 Paint and Varnish Stripper
Bartoline Limited was established more than a century back in 1876 and is a family run business. It is one of the most trusted and old brands in the UK. They offer a number of home improvement products like pre-packed solvents, adhesives, pre-packed solvents etc.
The brand is one of the largest suppliers of pre-packed solvent in the entire Europe. If you are looking for a paint and varnish stripper for your home projects then this fast acting stripper is an ideal solution. It is effective and also is safe to use because it does not contain methylene chloride.
It is possible to apply the solution on vertical surfaces as well because of its non drip formulation. It has minimal evaporation and is perfect for use to professionals as well other than DIYers.
10. Everbuild Paint and Varnish Stripper
Another easy to use product by the DIY enthusiasts and professionals is the Everbuild Paint and Varnish Stripper.
This stripper is free from methylene chloride thus making it useful for everyone. The non-caustic formula is simple to use indoors as well as outdoors.
It works on all common kinds of varnish and paints. The stripper can remove up to 3 layers of paint in a single application. The product is non-flammable.
Make sure to put on protective clothing and gloves while using the stripper. Also, do not use it in an enclosed space but in a well-ventilated area.
Buying Guide
Before you pick the first paint stripper you come across on the web and regret making the decision, we have got the important points to be considered before buying one.
Make sure to keep in mind these points because these will help you understand your needs and ensure you are using the right product for your application.
Surface
The first thing you need to consider is the surface you will be stripping the paint off. This is because not every type of paint stripper will work great on every type of surface.
For example, heat guns work well on many surfaces but are better for metal surfaces than woodwork.
Biochemical strippers work to strip paint from floors as well as metal.
Safety
When choosing the right paint stripper for your activity, safety is one of the most important things to consider. Many solvent-based and caustic paint strippers are not available for sale in a number of regions in the world.
There are a number of biodegradable as well as eco-friendly options available as well. These options have made the solvent-based paint strippers out of date.
Types
There are many different kinds of paint strippers available in the market each having its unique properties that make them suitable for removing paint from particular surfaces. Thus, know the types to make the right decision.
Biochemical paint strippers
This type of paint stripper has natural ingredients as well as enzymes that eat the paint and remove it from any surface. A biochemical paint stripper is an eco-friendly option for the other types – solvent and caustic strippers.
A few common ingredients in this type are lactic acid, pines, citric acid, terpenes, or dimethyl sulfoxide from wood pulp, soy oil, or by-products of paper. These are safe when compared to the other types and also does not affect your health as the others do.
This does not mean you use them in a closed space, make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area, and also avoid contact with skin. Some brands even add N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone with all the ingredients in this type of stripper.
Caustic paint strippers
We recommend you not to use this type of paint stripper. This kind has lye (sodium hydroxide) as an active ingredient that partially converts dried paint into soap, thus helping it loosen the surface.
Breathing in this harmful substance or getting it in contact with your skin could be too dangerous as it could lead to injury or death. Thus, we recommend you to stick to biodegradable paint strippers. Even though we don’t recommend these, let’s understand the basics.
The caustic paint strippers are perfect for removing oil-based paints on surfaces like a brick fireplace or concrete floors. They can even remove oil and water-based paints from a few metals and wood.
You need to apply 1/8th to 1/4th inch layer of this stripper and leave it for about half an hour. These strippers are alkaline in nature and thus need to be neutralized by vinegar and water solution.
Solvent-based paint strippers
These are the most versatile paint strippers. These rely on chemicals to loosen the bond between the surface and paint. They effectively strip water as well as oil-based paints. Apart from these they even remove epoxy and polyurethane from masonry, metal, and wood without any discolouration.
Some also have methylene chloride that has a high content of volatile organic compounds while others include a combination of toluene, alcohol, and methanol.
Remember that high VOC products have a very strong smell and are also hazardous to health than other paint strippers. Directly taking in the fumes of methylene chloride-based paint strippers can damage the reproductive system and brain. Thus, we do not recommend using such a product but you were too ensure to wear a respirator, safety glasses and skin covering clothing.
The solvent strippers should be applied in a thin layer and let it stay on the surface for approximately 15 minutes. Make sure to wash the stripped surface with water before repainting. It does not require to be neutralized like in caustic paint strippers.
Heat guns
Heat guns are convenient for paint stripping from many surfaces. If you are a beginner or this is your first time, then you need to be careful while using the heat gun.
Sensitive materials like plastic and wood can end up in the bin if the wrong settings are selected. Professionals have got more time to learn this tool. If you are a beginner then we would advise you to be very careful as it can easily injure you if you do not pay 100% attention to the heat gun.
This machine is very effective in stripping off paint from a surface. Using it in the right way can help you remove paint from a surface within a few minutes.
Electric strippers
This is also a handy machine to own at your home workshop. In case you have an old drawer at your home that needs to be paint stripped and repainted then the electric stripper can help you simplify the task.
These are available in both semi-industrial and DIY options as per your needs.
Respiration and protecting the skin
Take your health a priority when using any type of paint strippers like solvents or biochemicals. Ensure you use respiratory equipment to prevent breathing in any fumes or dust that would harm your health.
Also, wear gloves while working with chemicals to protect your skin as accidents can happen anytime.
Conclusion
We hope to have helped you know everything required about the best paint stripper for wood and metal. Since there are many products available in the market, buying one can be confusing. Read our buying guide as it will help you understand the important points to be considered before buying like the types of strippers available, safety etc.
To make your search simpler we have also reviewed 10 best paint strippers available online with its positive and negative points. Considering these reviews will help you make an informed decision.
