10 Best Paint Strippers for Wood of 2023

Whether you are seeking to repair a piece of wooden furniture, upcycle it to give it a completely new look, or repaint some wood paneling, one of the first steps that may be necessary is removing the paint.

As part of this process, you will want to avoid causing damage to the wood so that it is ready for its next stage. This means using the best paint remover for wood.

Since there are many different tools and products that you can use to remove an old layer of paint, our guide will highlight the top choices for you and provide you with a few tips to help you with your project.

Which is the best paint stripper for wood? Head on down to find out!

Top 10 Paint Strippers for Wood

PictureNameTypePriceRating (1-5)
Picture
Name
Type
Price
Rating (1-5)
1. HOMAX PRODUCTS 123100 Bronze Fine Wool Pad, 3-Pack Tool$4.6
2. Wagner Digital Heat Gun Tool$$4.7
3. Formbys Furniture Refinisher Liquid $$4.3
4. Citristrip QCSG801 Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel Liquid $$4.3
5. Wagner 0513040 PaintEater Tool$$$4.3
6. Dumond Chemicals Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover Paste$4.1
7. Max Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper Liquid$$3.8
8. Metabo LF724S 3-1/7-Inch 11,000 RPM 6.4-Amp Paint Stripper Tool$$$$4.1
9. PORTER-CABLE Heat GunTool$$4.7
10. Klean Strip Premium Sprayable Paint Stripper Liquid$4.2

Steps for Using a Paint Stripper

Take note of the type of paint that you want to remove so that you can also check that you have the right type of paint stripper. Read the label to determine whether it is for a specific type of paint.

Prepare the area in which you intend to work by clearing space and laying a drop cloth to protect the flooring. Cover any other items that cannot be moved but which still require protection from potential flying droplets of paint stripper.

If there are steps that you need to complete following the application of the wood stripper, then determine this to ensure that they can be carried out as instructed.

To ensure the desired result:

  • Read the instructions fully and follow them carefully.
  • Ventilate the room if working inside.
  • If using a liquid paint stripper, make sure you have a sufficient number of cloths to work with.
  • Clean the surface from which you are removing the paint so there is nothing to interfere with the operation of the stripper.
  • Have a scraper handy to help with the process of removing any stubborn paint.
  • Wash your hands after use.

Check whether the paint stripper comes with accessories that are needed to use the paint stripper.

All items that you want to protect must be removed from the vicinity to prevent the risk of them being splashed with paint stripper.

It will be necessary to remove the paint without causing the wood beneath any harm to ensure that it is ready for its next treatment or so that it is presentable on its own, and the best remover for wood will enable you to achieve this easily.

Check whether it is only useful for certain types of paint, such as matt or gloss. Some types of paint contain ingredients that make them difficult to remove so check whether the remover is appropriate to the type of paint being used.

The quantity of paint stripper that you need will depend on the surface area that you intend to treat, so make sure you obtain a quantity that accords with the size of the project that you intend to undertake.

It must be effective without causing discoloration or damage that could prevent the wood from looking as it should.

Top 3 Best Paint Stripper for Wood Reviews

1. HOMAX PRODUCTS 123100 Bronze Fine Wool Pad

Homax Products 123100 is an old-school way to remove paint from wood as it is bronze wool. It has a fine texture, so it can be used for a number of different purposes, including removing paint from wood.

It works by scrubbing away the paint rather than melting it, as would effectively be the case with a liquid paint stripper.

This provides an added benefit as, when using it with wood, it makes it possible to efficiently resurface it to make it ready for the next process, such as repainting or varnishing.

Using this method of paint removal can truly on dust being thrown up, accordingly, it is prudent to wear an appropriate mask when using this method to prevent the risk of inhaling the resulting dust.

It is said to go over sections that need to be redone without going overboard and causing damage. It comes in a pack of three good-sized pads.

For instant gratification, the Homan Products 123100 is the best paint stripper for wood.


2. Wagner Digital Heat Gun

The Wagner heat gun is a compact tool that is designed to remove paint by heating it to a level that makes it easy to do so.

It is easy to operate and is capable of stripping a large amount of paint in a short period and does so cleanly. With the two different nozzles that come as part of the package, it is possible to adapt the tool according to the task.

It works on all different types of wood and easily removes the paint by holding the nozzle close to the painted surface.

It works at 120V and heats up quickly and can be used alongside a scraper to remove paint, and should be used in a ventilated room.

The Wagner heat gun is an excellent tool for an efficient way to remove paint from wood.


3. Formbys Furniture Refinisher

Formbys  is a liquid varnish, lacquer, and shellac remover.

It is a formula that is designed to melt old varnish without taking color from wood or raising veneers surface of the wood to prepare it for its next treatment.

One treatment is capable of removing multiple layers of paint in one go.

Depending on the size of the task, it can be trickled onto the surface or onto a cloth that can then be applied to the surface and rubbed.

The screw top lid makes it easy to use and store when it is not needed.

For an easy way to remove varnish, lacquer or shellac and leave wood looking clean, Formbys  is a great option.