Have you wondered what the best stripper is for your paint and varnish stripping?! Today I will be comparing five different paint strippers to determine which one is the best overall. We will be looking at factors such as eco-friendliness, effectiveness, cleanliness, and ease of use.
Among the contenders for the title of “Best Overall Paint Stripper” are:
- Premium Stripper by Clean Strip
- Smart Strip Pro
- Quick Strip
- Green Ease strip and clean with their finishing cleanser
- Citrus Strip
Supplies Needed:
Before I started the process, I gathered the following essential tools:
- A sharp, clean paint scraper
- Painters tape for sectioning and protection
- Heavy-duty kitchen or work gloves (You can find these at Lowe’s)
- Disposable bristle brush (not foam, as the foam breaks down with all the strippers)
- Safety goggles
- Saran wrap (specifically for Citrus Strip and Green Ease)
- Paint opener
- Cardboard for placing the strippers
Getting Started with the Stripping Comparison!
Let’s start by discussing the application process for the eco-friendly strippers. It is recommended to apply these strippers thickly and evenly. They all require different time applications however! READ THE LABELS!!
CitriStrip Paint and Varnish Stripping Gel
First up is one of our eco-friendly options is Citrus Strip, which has a gel-like consistency. It is applied thickly and left on for 30 minutes before scraping a small area. When working with CitriStrip it was frustrating. It might be eco-friendly, but it took two times of applying it to get the result you see below. It’s not effective enough and leaves a lot of residue. There is nothing that comes with it to get that off! So this one is out for me.
GreenEz Strip and Clean
The next eco-friendly option is GreenEZ Strip and Clean, which is applied with a bristle brush and covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying. This goes a long way in application as it self levels! This company is awesome, they gave me a 10% off coupon to give to those I recommend this brand to but you’ll see why I love it. I might be biased but you can see why in the results below. Both Citristrip and GreenEZ options are non-caustic (wont burn your skin) and safer to use compared to other strippers. It needs to be left 30 minutes to an hour depending on what you are stripping but you’ll see it working, especially on paint. It scraped right off in this experiment! And the finishing cleanser that it comes with is worth its weight in gold. It gets off any sticky residue and makes sanding a breeze as you can start with a higher grit and not burn through any veneer or damage any wood.
Premium Stripper with Klean Strip
3rd up is Premium Stripper by Klean Strip! This stripper is known for its fast-acting formula, but it is also caustic and requires proper safety precautions. It is applied thickly and works fast, depending on the number of layers to be removed. It is important to wear a respirator and gloves when using this stripper. In the experiment it worked the absolute fastest!! I put a timelapse on it in my youtube video because it’s mesmerizing to watch. It stripped right off. The best residue clean up for this is a product found near it called Afterwash. It can be poured on and scrubbed with steel wool to get off the residue. Wear a mask and eye protection! It’s very toxic!
Smart Strip Pro
The Smart Strip Pro is another option for professional use. It is applied thickly and left on for a few hours before scraping. This one is eco-friendly but did not work well at all. The first go round I might have applied it too thin and I hardly was able to scrap any paint off. The next go round I left it for hours under a thick layer and got off more but not nearly enough to make me purchase this EVER AGAIN.
Kwik Strip Spray
Lastly, we have the Kwik Strip Spray, which is a spray-on stripper. The top came rusted and that was frustrating! However, it did not perform as well as the other strippers in terms of effectiveness. It may require multiple applications and longer wait times to achieve the desired results.
After applying the strippers, it is important to scrape off the softened paint or varnish using a paint scraper. For stubborn areas, steel wool can be used to remove the remaining residue. It is recommended to use a finishing cleanser or after wash to remove any leftover residue and prepare the surface for painting or refinishing.
In terms of effectiveness, the GreenEZ Strip and Clean stood out as the best option. It was able to remove a significant amount of paint and varnish without the need for multiple applications. It is also eco-friendly and does not require special disposal.
Overall, when considering factors such as eco-friendliness, effectiveness, cleanliness, and ease of use, the GreenEZ Strip and Clean is the top choice. It offers a balance between effectiveness and safety, making it a great option for DIY projects.
Remember to always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and take proper safety precautions when using paint strippers. It is important to wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator if necessary. Additionally, make sure to properly dispose of any chemical waste according to local regulations.
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the best paint stripper, the GreenEZ Strip and Clean with the finishing cleanser is the top choice. It is effective, eco-friendly, and easy to use. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional, this stripper will help you achieve the desired results without compromising your safety or the environment.
So, the next time you have a paint or varnish stripping project, consider using the GreenEZ Strip and Clean for a hassle-free and eco-friendly experience. Happy stripping!