9 Best Deck Strippers of 2023

If you’ve recently moved into a new house or need to resurface a deck or wooden surface, you’ve arrived at the right place!

A deck stripper, if used in the correct environment, can effectively remove unwanted stain or sealer. It’s a common use, but its market can be quite diluted.

Since there are so many deck strippers for sale, it can be quite difficult to pinpoint which one will most effectively work with your deck.

Careful consideration must be given while deciding which deck stripper to use; otherwise, you may end up with an unfinished or poorly done job!

Things to Consider When Looking For the Best Deck Stripper

If you want to find the best deck stripper for your desired use, take note of the items below.

  • Method of Dispersal. Deck stripper is often more effective when dispersed a certain way.

    For instance, one brand of deck stripper may work better if scrubbed, whereas another type may work better if you spray it across the surface of the deck. Make sure you astutely note details such as this.
    .
  • Grime Removal. Some deck strippers will remove paint, varnish, and sealant, and that’s all they’ll do. Some deck strippers, on the other hand, will also remove dirt and mold from wooden surfaces.

    Depending on the job you need completed, you may have to purchase a deck stripper that does both. This all boils down to carefully considering the product before purchasing it.

Top 9 Deck Strippers Comparison Table

PictureNameInterior/Exterior PriceRating (1-5)
Picture
Name
Interior/Exterior
Price
Rating (1-5)
1. 3M Paint and Rust Stripper Brush Both$$4.5
2. Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel Both$$4.3
3. Blue Bear 605 Pro Coating Remover Exterior$$$$4.1
4. Sunnyside 657G1A Multi-Strip ADVANCED Paint & Varnish Remover Both$$$$4
5. Dumond Chemicals Smart Strip by Peel Away One Quart Paint Remover Exterior$$$4.1
6. Citristrip QCSG801 Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel Both$4.3
7. Sunnyside Corporation 634G1 Paint & VarnishBoth$$$3.8
8. TotalBoat TotalStrip Fast-Acting Heavy Duty Gel Paint and Varnish RemoverBoth$$$$3.9
9. Max Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper 1 GallonBoth$$$3.8

Buying Information

Still not convinced that you know which type of deck stripper your deck needs? More clarification lies below. Hopefully, you’ll be able to deduce the best deck stripper for your porch after reading this.

  • Coverage per Square Foot. To avoid purchasing an excessive product (or, even worse, not enough), you’ll need to measure your deck and align them with the appropriate amount of deck stripper.

    If you don’t do this beforehand, there’s a chance you’ll badly estimate. You could end up with a smaller-than-needed supply.
  • Range of Stain Removal. Somewhat related to the category discussing grime removal, you’ll want to know what stains need to be removed from your deck.

    For instance, if your deck is a common area for social gatherings, there might be stains from drinks or food built over time. It’s important to know the range of capabilities deck stripper has!

Top 4 Best Deck Stripper Reviews

1. 3M Paint and Rust Stripper Brush

Attachable to various power tools, this varnish and paint remover is a potent force for deck stripping.

Forget paying large amounts of money for expensive varnish gels. This varnish and paint removal tool is quite cheap. It doesn’t require supplemental supplies besides the drill or rotary tool it’s mounted on.

It’s great for a wide variety of uses and surfaces. You’ll be able to remove light layers of paint from furniture gently. You’ll be able to remove rust from metal surfaces gently. Most importantly, you can strip your porch of old or decaying varnish and paint.

It can be used effectively in a wide variety of power settings. This tool will still function effectively if your drill doesn’t have the most power in its tank.

The 3M Paint and Rust Stripper Brush is a great paint and varnish removal tool. You’ll save money and save time with it.


2. Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel

Just because it’s touted as industrial grade doesn’t mean it’s harsh! This superior deck stripping gel has all the necessary components to skin your deck bare.

For next to nothing, Citri-Strip’s Stripping Gel offers incredible performance. You can put it on a surface that needs to be stripped of paint and let it set. It’s delightfully water-resistant and will stay that way for almost a full day after the initial application.

It doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that could damage the environment or your skin. It’s also delightfully biodegradable. You’ll be able to use it in the presence of plants and animals safe.

You’ll be able to do a lot more than just deck stripping! For an incredible value, this gel is a home run.


3. Blue Bear 605 Pro Coating Remover

Coming in a hefty one-gallon bottle, this decking stripper is effective and large. It’s potent, powerful, and easy to use.

Blue Bear 605 Pro Coating Remover is certainly on the expensive side of the deck stripper spectrum. It’s effective, however, and will get any job done.

The price your pay will mainly be for the size. One gallon of deck stripper removes the stain from the back of your neighbor’s porch.

The bottle is designed to protect its product and prevent overuse. Ensure the money you spend on this potent deck stripper isn’t thrown down the drain.

It’ll surely peel through layers of paint, whether set on wood, metal, or plastic. Blue Bear 605 won’t disappoint if you purchase and use it! It’s got the muscle to get the toughest jobs done.


4. Sunnyside 657G1A Multi-Strip Paint and Varnish Remover

Sunnyside 657G1A Multi-Strip Paint and Varnish Remover is nonflammable and noncombustible paint and varnish remover formulated with no methylene chloride or NMP. It can remove up to 15 layers of paint, varnish, stain, lacquer, and urethane and begins working in 30 minutes.

This paint remover can be sprayed on and removed with a stripping tool or applied as a wipe-on for surfaces covered with a light coat. A heavier coat will remove multiple layers.

Recommended for wood and metal surfaces, it may be applied with a brush or heavy-duty pad. With fewer VOCs than comparable competitive products, you can feel good about choosing this CARB compliant version.

Sunnyside suits many home improvement projects, including stripping paint from window frames, doors, or walls.


Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Stain Stripper?

A stain stripper is a powerful cleaning solution to remove tough stains from various surfaces. It can be used on decks, patios, driveways, and other outdoor areas.

Stain strippers typically contain harsh chemicals that can break down stubborn stains, including those caused by mold, mildew, and water.

In most cases, stain strippers are safe to use on all surfaces. However, it is always best to test the stripper on a small area before using it on the entire surface. This will help to ensure that the stripper does not damage the surface or leave behind any harmful residue.

Is it Better to Sand or Strip Wood Deck?

Sanding gives a completely clean and smooth finish, but it can be tough to be consistent in practice. Stripping is far easier for people without experience, but it will likely have to be done every few years as it wears down.

If the deck is only redone every few years, you may want to consider stripping the wood deck. However, if it is completed in a day, you may want to consider sanding.

Can You Pressure Wash Stain Off a Deck?

The key to pressure washing a deck with a wood finish is not so much the pressure as the material.

Pressure washing works wonders on a deck surface that has been sealed, but you probably don’t want to clean the surface off with high-pressure water if it hasn’t been sealed. Assuming that your natural wood deck will look good after pressure washing is unrealistic.

Hosing off your deck can remove dirt and grime, but it may not remove stains. Pressure-washing the deck can blur a finish, but removing some stains is necessary.

Is It Necessary to Strip the Deck Before Applying a New Stain?

Stripping the decking is an important step in refinishing, and simply not doing so can result in poor results. Stripping the old finish and preparing the wood surface for fresh staining will ensure that your next application of deck stain will adhere more easily.

Stripping the deck is the most necessary step when applying a new coat of stain. Stripping exposes and prepares the wood surface for a new application of stain or paint. This process is necessary if your coating looks fresh and lasts as long as possible.

Strip back your deck to bare wood, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful backdrop to enable the currently available deck stains to achieve the best results possible.

Can I Sand After Staining?

Once you’ve applied a coat of water-based stain to your woodworking project, you’ll need to sand it down before applying additional coats. This is because the water in the stain will raise the wood grain, creating a rough surface. By sanding down the surface after the first coat, you’ll create a smooth foundation upon which subsequent coats can build.

After the first coat of water-based stain, you won’t need to sand between subsequent coats of gel or oil-based stain. However, you should always sand down the final coat of any stain to ensure a smooth, even finish.

Conclusion

Stripping paint from window frames, doors, or walls can be a challenging home improvement project. However, a stain stripper can easily remove tough stains from various surfaces.

In most cases, stain strippers are safe to use on all surfaces. However, it is always best to test the stripper on a small area before using it on the entire surface. This will help to ensure that the stripper does not damage the surface or leave behind any harmful residue.