Stripping paint off wood is miserable work. The right stripper makes it less miserable. Here’s what actually works.
Citristrip
My default choice. Orange-scented gel that stays wet for hours. Works on most finishes. Low fumes so you can use it indoors.
Downside: slow. Plan to wait several hours for thick paint. For multiple layers, plan to do multiple applications.
Smart Strip
Water-based, low odor. Stays active even longer than Citristrip – you can leave it for days if needed.
Good for old furniture with a million layers of paint. Apply, cover with plastic, wait, scrape.
Peel Away 1
Heavy-duty option for seriously stubborn paint. Comes with a fiber blanket that holds it against the surface.
This is what I use when nothing else works. Expensive and more involved, but effective.
Methylene Chloride Strippers
The old-school fast stuff. Works in minutes. Also extremely toxic with serious health risks if not handled properly.
Some areas have banned these. If you use them, full respiratory protection and outdoor ventilation are mandatory.
Heat Guns
Not technically a stripper but worth mentioning. Heat softens paint, you scrape it off. No chemicals.
Downside: risk of fire, scorching wood, and vaporizing lead paint which is dangerous to breathe.
What To Use When
Indoor furniture with clear finishes: Citristrip
Old paint, many layers: Smart Strip or Peel Away
Quick outdoor job with good ventilation: methylene chloride if legal
Small areas, modern paint: heat gun and scraper
General Tips
Apply strippers thick. Don’t skimp. Let them work – patience saves elbow grease.
Plastic scrapers for soft wood. Metal scrapers for dense wood and stubborn spots.
Always neutralize the wood with mineral spirits or whatever the product recommends before refinishing.
