Best Paint Removers of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Paint removers are a type of chemical solution that is used to strip paint from various surfaces. These products are designed to dissolve the paint, making it easier to remove without damaging the underlying material. There are several types of paint removers available on the market, including those that are water-based, solvent-based, and gel-based. Water-based removers are typically safer to use and are better for removing latex or acrylic paints, while solvent-based removers are more effective at removing oil-based paints. Gel-based removers are thicker in consistency and are better for vertical surfaces as they do not drip. When using paint removers, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and wear protective gear to avoid any potential health hazards.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Paint Removers
Citristrip Stripping Gel 40 oz
Citristrip Stripping Gel is designed for easy use and efficiency. It remains wet and effective for up to 24 hours, allowing you to tackle multiple layers of paint in one application. Whether you're dealing with dried latex or oil-based paints, varnish, lacquer, polyurethane, or shellac, this gel can handle it all. You can strip away layers from various surfaces like wood, metal, and masonry, making it a versatile choice for your projects. Plus, it’s free from harmful chemicals like methylene chloride and NMP, ensuring a safer working environment for you.
Sunnyside Corporation 63432 Paint & Varnish
The Sunnyside Corporation 63432 Paint & Varnish, also known as Sunnyside Paint & Varnish, is a highly effective stripping gel that can remove multiple layers of paint or varnish in just one application. With its new, safer formula that is methylene chloride free, you can feel confident in using this product without worrying about harmful chemicals. Whether you're working on vertical or horizontal surfaces, such as wood, metal, or masonry, this gel is safe to use and will not cause any damage. The fast-acting nature of this gel means that it will begin to work in just 2-10 minutes on most coatings, saving you time and effort. With a coverage of approximately 100 square feet per gallon, you can tackle large projects with ease. Sunnyside Paint & Varnish is a reliable and convenient solution for all your paint and varnish removal needs.
MAX Strip All Purpose Remover
MAX Strip Remover is a fast-acting spray gel stripper that removes a variety of substances such as paint spills, graffiti, markers, gum, glues, adhesives, tape residue, decals, sap, and more. It contains no methylene chloride or NMP, making it easy and safe to use without harsh fumes or unpleasant odors. This product is ideal for use in confined or small spaces and is user-friendly enough for all your DIY home projects. Simply apply to the surface and check every 15 minutes until it's ready, then remove with a scraper. This powerful product is perfect for painting contractors and restorers, and is a great spot cleaner. However, it should not be used on plastic and is not designed to remove factory finished or baked-on coatings such as vehicle paint.
Motsenbocker's Lift Off 41301 Paint Remover
Motsenbocker's Lift Off is an effective solution for removing both old and new latex paints. Its unique water-based formula makes it safe to use on various surfaces, including fiberglass, carpet, and even vehicles. You can easily clean your painting tools without worrying about damage, making it a great choice for maintaining your brushes and rollers. Plus, the product simplifies paint disposal by leaving paint solid and intact, ensuring a hassle-free cleanup. With Lift Off, you can tackle your paint removal tasks confidently and safely.
MAX Strip Professional Strength Paint and Varnish Stripper
Max Strip Paint Stripper is a powerful and user-friendly paint and varnish stripper designed to remove various coatings such as paint, latex, polyurethane, shellac, varnish, acrylic, and oil-based coatings. This product is perfect for DIY home projects and professional painting contractors and restorers. With no harsh fumes or unpleasant odor, it is the ideal stripping choice for use in confined or small spaces. Max Strip Paint Stripper is easy to use without caustic chemicals, containing no methylene chloride or NMP. Simply apply it to the surface and check every 15 minutes until it's ready to be removed with a scraper. The product is not designed for the removal of deck coatings, factory finished or baked-on coatings such as vehicle paint.
Motsenbocker's Lift Off 41345 Paint Remover Spray
Motsenbocker's Lift Off Paint Remover is designed to make removing latex paint, acrylics, enamels, and stencil paints simple and safe for you. Its special formula breaks down paint bonds, so you can clean dried or fresh paint without worrying about damaging surfaces. This remover works on a wide range of materials like walls, carpets, tools, and even vehicles, giving you flexibility for many cleanup tasks. It also helps protect your brushes and rollers by keeping paint solid for easy disposal. Plus, it’s water-based and biodegradable, so it’s safe for your family, pets, and the environment without harsh chemical smells.
Max Strip Latex Paint Remover 22oz
The Max Strip Paint Remover is a powerful no-drip gel designed to quickly and easily clean up latex paint spills, drips, and overspray. Its fast-acting formula softens latex paint, making it easier for you to remove messes without much effort. The product works well on both indoor and outdoor surfaces, so you can trust it to handle your paint problems anywhere around your home or workspace. Plus, its color-safe formula means you can safely use it on a variety of materials like carpet, wood, fabric, brick, and concrete without worrying about damage. This makes cleanup simple and convenient for you.
MiracleWipes Paint Prep & Cleanup 60 Count
The MiracleWipes Paint Cleanup is designed to help you quickly tackle fresh messes like wet paint, stains, caulking, and adhesives. It’s especially effective when you use it right after the spill, making your cleanup faster and easier. These wipes work on your hands, surfaces, and tools, giving you a convenient way to remove tough grime without fuss. The dual-textured design grabs the mess and lifts it away, reducing smears and speeding up your work. For bigger or more stubborn messes, you can add a little water to the wipe to boost its heavy-duty cleaning power, then finish with a damp cloth for a spotless result.
Goof Off Pro Strength Remover 8 oz
The Goof Off Pro Remover is designed to tackle tough messes like dried latex paint, adhesives, glue, asphalt, and tar, making cleanup faster and easier for you. Its powerful formula works quickly, helping you remove crayon marks, stickers, decals, caulk, tree sap, and road grime without hassle. You can safely use it on many surfaces including baseboards, metals, glass, wood, concrete, and automotive parts, giving you confidence in its versatility. Plus, its compact 8-ounce size is perfect for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, so you can bring it along to any project and get the job done efficiently.
Smart 'n Easy Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover Gel - 32oz
Smart 'n Easy Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover Gel is a powerful yet user-friendly paint stripper that removes up to 15+ layers of acrylic, latex, oil, and water-based paints, varnishes, stains, and coatings from almost every surface such as wood, metal, concrete, and more. It contains no caustic chemicals like Methylene Chloride or NMP, making it easy to use without fuss. Smart 'n Easy is proudly made in the USA with globally sourced high-quality ingredients and is suitable for both DIYers and professionals alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best thing to remove paint with?
To remove latex paint without damaging wood, you can use denatured alcohol and a clean rag. For oil-based paint spatters, mineral spirits are effective, but it's important not to soak the wood. Thoroughly wipe with clean water and dry once the paint is removed.
2. What is the best solvent to remove old paint?
There are several chemicals and solvents commonly used to remove paint, including methylene chloride, acetone, toluene, methanol, N-methyl-pyrrolidone, sodium hydroxide, and ammonia hydroxide. Other options for paint removal include isopropyl alcohol, lacquer thinner, and epoxy.
3. What chemical takes paint off?
Acetone is a versatile chemical that can be used to thin paint and lacquer, remove adhesive, epoxy, and ink. It can also function as a paint stripper and clean up after projects. However, it is highly flammable and should be used with caution.
4. What paint thinner is good for stripping paint?
Some common paint thinners suitable for stripping paint include turpentine, acetone, naphtha, toluene, and xylene. These solvents effectively break down oil-based paints, primers, and stains, making it easier to strip paint or clean painting tools.
5. What is the quickest way to remove old paint?
There are multiple methods to remove old paint quickly. These include sanding and scraping by hand, pressure washing for exterior wood surfaces, power washing, using heat tools like heat guns, and applying chemical strippers. The best method will depend on the specific situation and surface.
6. What are the two most common methods for paint removal?
The two main methods for paint removal are heat removal and sanding removal. Heat removal involves using tools like heat guns to melt the paint for easier stripping. Sanding removal involves manually sanding the paint off the surface. Some paint removal jobs may require a combination of both methods.
7. What removes paint the fastest?
Heat guns are effective for quickly removing paint by melting it, making it easier to strip away. However, caution should be taken as heat guns can cause accidental combustion or release harmful vapors. When using a heat gun, it's important to move it back and forth in a sweeping motion and avoid focusing on a single spot for too long.
During our paint remover research, we found 48 paint remover products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 100,265 customer reviews through our big data system to write the paint removers list. We found that most customers choose paint removers with an average price of $14.10.
The paint removers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of paint removers, including Citristrip, Sunnyside Corporation, Max Strip, Motsenbocker's Lift Off, MiracleWipes. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.