While choosing the best paint remover, you need to consider the different types of paint strippers, such as solvent, caustic, biochemical, and eco-friendly paint strippers. Solvents are usually the strongest and most common type of paint strippers, but they contain high VOCs, making them greatly carcinogenic and toxic.

Choosing the right paint stripper for wood depends on whether you are dealing with skirting boards, flooring or wooden furniture – for example. Chemical paint strippers are hazardous substances, so you can’t throw them in a regular trash chain or flush them down the drain. You must cover the empty container with paper or plastic wrap to properly dispose of it at a hazardous waste facility. How can you remove paint stripper residues? Johnathan Brewer, a licensed general contractor and a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board Deane Biermeier, licensed contractor and carpenter and also a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board says, "Before committing to a time-consuming paint-stripping project, decide if you really need to strip all of the paint, or if you can repair the painted surface and cover it with a new coat."But, don’t get fooled by its mild chemical composition because the stripping gel can effectively remove dried latex, oil-based paint, lacquer, varnish, shellac, and polyurethane. You can also use it on multiple layers, including metal and wood.

You can use this paint stripper to remove any paints manufactured after the 1980s, including oil, latex, and acrylic paints or coatings. Moreover, it’s easy to use, and you don’t need to neutralize the stripped surface afterward. Simply apply the paint remover on the paint surface, let it set, and then rinse it off thoroughly. So, do be aware when you’ve stumbled across an old tin of paint stripper. Many solvent based paint strippers on the market now have other active ingredients in to replace methylene chloride which are extremely flammable posing another risk. Nevertheless, care should still be taken when handling and paint strippers, even the water based ones. Caustic Based Paint stripper Removing paint that’s soaked into the porous surface of masonry can be a challenge. This paint remover works to break the molecular bonds in paint, making it capable of lifting spray paint, aerosol paint, enamel, and other paint types from porous concrete. Our window casing and basement floor had previously been painted. We spray-painted the roofing material and let it cure for a week prior to stripping. Following the directions on the label of each product, we applied the strippers, let the product work for the minimum recommended amount of time, then tested with a scraper at intervals until the paint was ready to remove. Then we used a paint scraper, paint-stripper pads, and stiff bristle brushes to remove the paint as if we were preparing the surface for a fresh paint job. If any of the products required additional time or another application to complete the job, we did so. FAQs

Solvent: The most versatile paint strippers, solvent products rely on toxic chemicals to loosen the bond between paint and surface. While some have methylene chloride, which has a high VOC content, others include a combination of alcohol, toluene, and methanol. High-VOC products generally have smellier fumes and are more of a health hazard than other strippers. This spray paint stripper from Klean Strip is highly versatile as it can remove latex and oil-based paints, epoxies, and polyurethane from metal, wood, and masonry surfaces. Its fast action time also makes it one of the best paint removers on the market. The Sunnyside Ready-Strip paint and varnish remover comes in a convenient spray bottle, making its application almost effortless. It contains no harsh chemicals and leaves behind a refreshing citrus odor on the metal surface. Also, its fast activation time will allow you to finish the job within four hours or less.

All sorts of painted-over wooden surfaces may need stripping, from bureaus to walls. This option from MAX Strip is free from methylene chloride, NMP, and other caustic chemicals but can still successfully remove paint from wooden items—even layers of paint.It also works on other surfaces, such as metal, tile, glass, stone, and masonry.SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE: Spray the paint remover liberally onto the surface or component from a distance of 15 to 20cm, ensuring a good coating. Leave for up to 15 minutes to soften or dissolve the paint or gasket. Remove with a scraper or similar implement.