Its special ingredients have been uniquely blended to provide a superior product that gels when it is applied, thus eliminating run off from vertical surfaces. When it is done too close to winter, when there is a change of freezing water, you run the risk of the moisture freezing and causing additional damage to your property. Before setting out to purchase a paint stripper, know that not all are suitable for all types of paint and surfaces. The product should be used in a well-ventilated space, and you should wear tight-fitting protective goggles, as well as protective gloves.

If your home or business has been hit by spray paint, you'll probably want to get rid of the graffiti as quickly as possible. As the neutraliser often doesn’t tend to penetrate as deep as the caustic alkalis, this can then lead to future damp issues as well as coating adhesion problems. One of the most appealing aspects of this paint remover is its scent: Instead of the typical odor of most products of this type, it offers a fresh citrus smell.

The Dumond paint stripper works best on post-1980 paints, so it might not be very effective in removing old linseed oil-based paints. When working inside, there’s a limit to how well open windows and running fans can ventilate the area. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.

After a second application and some work with a paint-removal pad, the residue came off easily enough.

We awarded it best overall because of its low odor, eco-friendly ingredients, and effectiveness for a broad range of surfaces and coatings. Citristrip Paint And Varnish Stripping Gelis an ideal option for those seeking a versatile and non-toxic paint stripper that works on various layers and surfaces while staying active for up to 24 hours. as ive tried many products and spent a fair amount on strippers that are not coming close… please help… Carla. Each kind has its strengths and weaknesses, so you must understand the differences between them to choose the best paint stripper for removing paint, epoxy, or even polyurethane. The product will take up to 45 minutes to work, and it should not be used on fiberglass or plastic surfaces.

In contrast, biochemical paint strippers are much less toxic and harsh, but they don’t work on epoxy and polyurethanes. The spray-bottle packaging and fast-acting formula of this paint stripper from Max Strip make it a good paint stripper for metal. Using them does not require an inordinate amount of investment in special applicators or safety gear.In the process of sourcing and vetting paint strippers for this article, we reviewed more than 50 paint strippers. It works like a charm in closed and confined spaces, so you can easily apply it while refurbishing your indoor metal furniture or metal closets and cabinets. Damage to brickwork and exterior walls can not only be costly to fix, it can also lead to damp in your building structure.

Caustic: Caustic strippers must be applied in a ⅛-inch to ¼-inch layer and require a dwell time of at least 30 minutes before paint can be scraped off. Caustic paint removers work slightly differently, as the ingredients work towards breaking down the chemicals in the paint. Then put on PPE, including long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, chemical-resistant gloves, a respirator, and safety glasses. Ideal for metal, this product also works on masonry and wood without damaging the surface or lifting wood grain. If you’re looking to speed up the process, try this fast-acting paint and varnish remover from Sunnyside Corporation.

For tough, resistant finishes like varnish or layered paint, pretreating with a heat gun or steamer loosens the finish before scraping. Speaking of safety, the product is surface-safe and can be an ideal option for easy paint cleanup without ruining the underlying surface. It cleaned up our basement floor test area with two applications and 3-minute working times and only produced a slight odor. For detailed woodwork, a chemical solvent like D Super Remover is sometimes best because it reaches deep into pattern work, quickly removes the finish, and won’t gum up the surface.