A beautiful wooden deck uplifts the look of any home.
A few months ago, I could not say the same for the one in my backyard. Since it is a frequent barbecue night and pool party venue, the wooden deck is a high foot-traffic area that sees its fair share of wear and tear.
Not to mention how a certain guest may drop some barbecue sauce, pool water, or wine on the painted white wooden floors. Nevertheless, all this is part and parcel of having an enjoyable time with friends and family. Anyhow, other unavoidable factors like flaky paint and harmful UV rays also lead to an unsightly deck.
So, about every five years, I have no choice but to redo the paint job. But first – I have to strip off the old paint, of course.
Hi! I'm Stacy Smith, and here are my top choices for the best deck stripper on the market.
Top 5 Deck Stripper Reviews
1. Sunnyside Corporation 65664
Sunnyside Corporation took care of all my painting gear and hardware needs even before I discovered the convenience of online shopping. In fact, this company has been around for over a century, and the products have shown great dedication to quality throughout its existence.
Product Highlights
Before stripping off stains and paints, it helps to know what kind of varnish or paint is at hand. With that being said, this paint stripper from Sunnyside Corporation works great on water-based and oil-based paint jobs.
As a matter of fact, one layer of the product can remove up to three layers of paint. Needless to say, you won't be spending as much time stripping it off as you did painting it on. Moreover, the paint remover starts working within 30 minutes, so it's safe to say that this is a good option if you are looking for a quick fix. However, the manufacturer recommends waiting at least 4 hours for optimal ease of scraping.
But perhaps, the highlight of this deck stripper is its pleasant smell. While most paint strippers are laden with harsh chemicals that produce harmful fumes, this one leaves a light citrus aroma.
What's There To Like About It?
The product's low-odor and environmentally safe formula makes it a cut above the rest. Needless to say, it proves to be non-toxic even when used in large quantities.
To get the most out of this paint stripper, I prefer to slather on a large amount on the work surface until it is dripping wet. Considering how one container provides about double the product as other paint strippers in the same price range, I can afford to be generous with the application.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The product dries extremely fast, so be advised that you may have to apply a very thick coat for it to be workable for a long time. Additionally, covering the area with a plastic sheet can help avoid evaporation.
Pros and Cons of Sunnyside Corporation 65664
Pros
Cons
- Capable of removing up to 3 layers of oil or water based coating
- No-drip formula makes removing paint convenient and easy
- Clings to vertical surfaces; stays wet longer
2. Safe 'n Easy Citrus Paint And Varnish Remover Gel
This product from Safe 'n Easy delivers what it promises – a DIY-friendly solution formulated with safe and fume-free ingredients. But, on the off chance that you find it less than satisfactory, contact the manufacturer and receive a full refund!
Product Highlights
This professional-strength paint stripper easily removes multiple layers of paint, even in the hands of non-experts. Not just a deck stripper – you can use it on tile, masonry, brick, cinder blocks, stone, fiberglass, and even more. At the same time, keep in mind that this solution works best on oil-based and latex paints.
What’s more, the product utilizes a gel-based formula that is 100% biodegradable and environmentally safe. No doubt then that it is considered to be a relatively harmless option, especially when compared to chemical-laden high-odor paint strippers, such as those containing methylene chloride. Additionally, a sweet, citrusy aroma replaces the smell of fumes.
It is worth noting that this product also dries up quickly, like many others in the same price range. To prolong moisture, the manufacturer recommends investing in a laminated paper engineered to cover and keep the product in a workable wet state.
What's There To Like About It?
Most water-based paint strippers have traces of acid in their formulation, which leaves the wood itself full of splinters; old wooden flooring is particularly susceptible to damage. However, I did not come across any such issue with this product.
In fact, it was able to strip off paint from an old wooden table corner that has been in my attic for over 30 years. Moreover, my husband has used it earlier to successfully remove paint from the pre-war wooden flooring in one of the neighbor's apartments.
What's There Not To Like About It?
This deck stripper is available in a half-gallon and a 32-ounce container. Since the product has a thick yogurt-like consistency, a bottle will not last long. Perhaps you will be better off purchasing multiple bottles for flooring work. With that in mind, the paint stripper proves to be expensive in the long run.
Pros and Cons of Safe 'n Easy Citrus Paint And Varnish Remover Gel
Pros
Cons
- ALWAYS TEST BEFORE USE: Removes acrylic, latex, oil, & water-based paints, varnishes, & stains, typically in only a single application! TEST for compatibility with your coating before full removal!
- PERFECT FOR YOUR DIY PROJECTS: Wood furniture, cabinets, decks, & patios, brick or stone fireplaces, plaster walls, fiberglass bathtubs, chair rails, concrete flooring, crown molding, and more!
- NO CAUSTIC CHEMICALS! Our water-based remover does not contain ANY caustic chemicals commonly found in other paint removers. That means it won’t burn you when you touch it! It smells like citrus, too!
3. Dumond 027691033322
The Smart Strip from Dumond is non-carcinogenic, non-toxic, and non-caustic. In other words, it is entirely safe for the user and the environment. If you are looking for a reliable deck stripper that is free of methylene chloride, you might want to try this one out for size.
Product Highlights
Available in a one-quart can, this deck stripper from Dumond has a universal appeal. With that said, you can use it on a wide range of materials, including porcelain, brick, metal, tile, glass masonry, and wood, of course. Not to mention how it is suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces.
Moreover, it can effectively strip off multiple layers of different types of finishes, including oil-based, water-based, acrylics, and lead paint. Simply use a brush, roller, or a conventional spray gun to apply the product onto the surface, and allow it to dwell for 3 to 24 hours. And, don't worry about not slathering it on evenly – you don't need to be an expert for this.
Go on about your day as you wait; the product is formulated to preserve moisture for extended periods. Removing the paint is also hassle-free only requiring light scrubbing or scraping.
What's There To Like About It?
I wasn't always cautious when putting on paint strippers, especially while using new products, such as the Smart Strip. Without expecting too much, I used a foam brush to haphazardly apply this product on an antique wooden box. After placing a plastic wrap over it, I went to bed.
The following day, I did not expect to see results – more so because the low-odor made me believe that chemical-free compounds are not as effective. Lo and behold, the paint stripper had melted away each layer of coating and didn't even require further scraping. Simply wiping with paper towels did the job.
What's There Not To Like About It?
This one-quart container of paint stripper serves only as a sample size. With that being said, one can of this product may not provide enough coverage for large projects. For a clearer picture, you can expect to get around 10-15 sq. ft. of moderate coverage out of it.
Pros and Cons of Dumond 027691033322
Pros
Cons
- ALWAYS TEST BEFORE FULL USE: Every coating is different. Apply a test patch of Smart Strip Advance to ensure compatibility with any coatings present. This will also determine the required dwell time.
- WATER-BASED & NON-CAUSTIC: Smart Strip Advanced must remain in a wet state to perform removal. Cover with Dumond Laminated Paper (see bundles below) to prevent premature drying and speed removal.
- REMOVES MULTIPLE LAYERS OF PAINT: Strips up to 15 layers of acrylic, latex, oil, and water-based paints, varnishes, stains, and coatings, usually in a single application. Effective indoors and out.
4. Super Remover 1001NG
Super Remover's original deck stripper became one of their best-selling products since the company was founded in 1979. More recently, the trusted manufacturer has collaborated with the University Of Massachusetts Lowell to formulate a safer yet effective alternative.
Product Highlights
This innovative product came about to provide a chemical-free paint stripper that would be safe to use both indoors and outdoors. Unsurprisingly, the new and improved paint stripper from Super Remover does away with methylene chloride, which is often credited for producing toxic fumes.
At the same time, the product is a hard and fast worker; its effects can be noticed within 15 minutes of application. In fact, it is comparable to industrial-grade strippers and can work as effectively on heavy-duty projects.
Even though the product is undeniably strong, the absence of harsh chemicals makes it safe for use on antique or old wooden furniture, flooring, and walls. What's more, the gel-like consistency helps it stick to vertical surfaces without dripping and making a mess. For optimal use, refer to the detailed instructions provided by the manufacturer.
What's There To Like About It?
When I started working with paint strippers, I believed most of them were pretty straightforward: apply, wait, and scrape. However, it wasn't until a few years ago that I realized that not all of them are made equal.
Keeping that in mind, the instructions that came with the product made my work much more manageable. In fact, I was able to remove layers of paint and wood stains off a section of the deck walls in a matter of four hours.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Although this deck stripper does not contain any methylene chloride, the toxic fumes may still be overwhelming if used indoors. Even though I worked in front of an open window, the smell seemed to linger for a long time. Needless to say, wearing a mask or a respirator is a must when working with this product.
Pros and Cons of Super Remover 1001NG
Pros
Cons
- STRONG: The strongest paint remover available without methylene chloride, NMP, or any other highly toxic chemicals.
- SAFER: This revolutionary, patent pending, new stripper works similar to products containing methylene chloride, but uses only safer ingredients. Safe for wood, metal and concrete. Brings a natural finish to your furniture. Gentle on antiques. Water cleanable.
- FAST: Ultra fast action. Works in 15 minutes for most stripping projects. Removes multiple layers in one application (up to 5 layers).
5. DEFY 300187
Some paint strippers are perfect for removing paint – and nothing more. These leave varnishes, polishes, and stains out of the picture. Since most decks have a wood stain finish, this deck stain stripper from DEFY might just be what you need.
Product Highlights
Restore the natural beauty of a wooden deck by spraying on this ready-to-use stain stripper by DEFY. Not only will it remove worn-out wooden stains, but it also zaps away dirt, mill glaze, and the damage caused by mildew.
In fact, cleaning and stripping with this product is the first step to renewing any wooden surface. The other two steps consist of using a high-quality wood brightener and a wood stain – both of which can be bought from the store itself.
As for the product at hand, it is effective and easy to use. Use a pump or a weed sprayer to cover the wooden surface, and wait for about half an hour to let the product seep into the wood. The manufacturers recommend rinsing it off with a pressure washer for best results.
Keep in mind that this product is made exclusively for wooden decks, so it is best suited for exterior use on all kinds of wood.
What's There To Like About It?
A few months ago, I went to the home improvement store and chanced upon lumber furniture, which cost an exorbitant amount. Suffice to say, replacing my wooden deck with new lumber would break the bank.
I had no choice but to give the weathered boards in my deck a makeover. After a round of stripping the boards with this stain remover, I could already see a stark difference.
And after brightening and two rounds of staining, the wood turned into a beautiful butternut color that could give stores a run for their money.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The product evaporates extremely fast, which means that someone always has to be present to reapply every time it seems to be drying up. In fact, I once made the mistake of using the stain stripper on a particularly windy day and ended up emptying a whole spray bottle just to keep it wet.
Pros and Cons of DEFY 300187
Pros
Cons
- EASY STAIN STRIPPING: Powerful deck stain stripper for wood removes weathered, clear, or semi-transparent stains. Spray on with a pump-up sprayer and rinse with a power washer for best results.
- RESTORES WOOD SURFACES: Effectively removes dirt, mill glaze, and old wood stain, revealing the natural beauty of your deck or wood furniture. Achieve a clean, like-new wood surface every time.
- READY TO USE FORMULA: This wood stain remover stripper comes pre-mixed in a 1 gal container. Simply pour into a sprayer and apply to any exterior wood surface that needs stripping.
Buyers Guide
There are a host of reasons to buy a deck stripper, but the benefits offered by one vary from brand to brand. Take a peek at these guidelines that will help you find the best deck stripper for your individual needs.
1. Type Of Paint Or Finish
Go out on the deck and find out what needs to be removed – paint that is flaking off, worn-out wood stain, or dirt?
When it comes to mill glaze and paint removal, you should look for a paint stripper that is safe to use on wooden surfaces. Moreover, check that the product is effective on the type of paint you are dealing with – be it water-based, oil-based, or lead paint.
On the other hand, most stain removers won't help remove paint or solid color stains, but they work extremely well on wood stains. As for dirt, mold, and worn-out wood, most stripping agents can remove them to leave your deck looking clean and new.
2. Application
While most deck strippers can be applied easily with a foam brush or a regular paintbrush, some manufacturers recommend using spray guns. Without a doubt, using one to apply any product, be it paint, strippers, or stains, makes the experience easier.
As convenient as they are, not all deck strippers are compatible with spray guns. Paint strippers, in particular, tend to be extremely thick and jam up the nozzle.
On the other hand, deck strippers that focus exclusively on removing wood stain may be better suited for this application method. However, these usually require other equipment, such as a pressure washer, for the best results.
That being said, check product labels, manufacturer's instructions, and product reviews to determine whether special tools are necessary for application. You may have to purchase or rent one, or you may even have it lying around. Alternatively, you can look for a product that doesn't require extra equipment.
3. Material
The same brand of deck stripper can be used for the flooring and walls of your wooden deck. However, the same cannot always be said for the wrought iron railings surrounding them.
It is worth noting that some paint strippers are versatile and effective on a wide range of materials, such as iron, porcelain, plastic, fiberglass, brick, and wood. Save money and the effort of buying different paint strippers by getting one that has various uses.
In fact, some of the new products on the market are equally effective in removing multiple layers of paint from entirely different materials.
4. Coverage
Paint strippers are usually sold in one-quart containers that don't provide much coverage. Although the quantity may look sufficient at first glance, the thick consistency means that a significant amount will be used each time you apply. Moreover, most paint strippers have to be applied until they are dripping to provide the best results.
Generally, a one-quart can will have a coverage of about 20 sq. ft., which means you may have to buy more for multiple applications and larger areas. Keeping this in mind, manage your time and money before selecting a product.
5. Contents
Recently, many paint stripping agents have been discontinued since they contain methylene chloride. Apart from this, several other chemicals are added to products to increase their efficiency.
Needless to say, dousing your home and surroundings with harmful chemicals is not recommended. In fact, inhaling the toxic fumes produced by these in large quantities can prove to be fatal. With that being said, look for products that are relatively non-toxic and non-caustic.
In any case, it is advisable that you wear protective gear and take your work outside when working with paint strippers. Even then, you may want to go for an environment-friendly option. For this, there are 100% biodegradable products that won't pose any threat to the surrounding vegetation and won't contaminate waterways when they are washed off the deck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sanding helps even out the surface and allows the stripping agent to seep into the wood more easily. On the other hand, efficient paint and stain strippers are formulated to reach nooks and crannies. Most can even undo the damage caused by mold and UV rays, which are issues that run deeper than surface level.
In other words, sanding before applying a deck stripper is optional. To be on the safer side, refer to the instruction label on the product before proceeding.
For most paint strippers, it is advised that you leave it on overnight before scraping off the applied layer. However, high-quality products work fast and can be removed as early as three hours after application. But, of course, the thickness of the paint job, the extent of the damage, and the strength of the stripping agent will ultimately be the deciding factors.
As for stain strippers, most manufacturers recommend that you spray on another layer any time you feel that the product is drying up. In any case, try a small sample board before working on the entire deck.
My Final Recommendation
A visit to any nearby home improvement store will reveal that replacing the wooden boards on your deck may cost you an arm and a leg. At the same time, neglected decks can make your house look much older than it is.Â
But there’s no reason to fret! No matter how bad you think the damage is, a solid and effective paint stripper like the Sunnyside Corporation 65664 model will have your deck looking new again.Â
On the other hand, if you are willing to shell out a couple of extra dollars for added ease of use, go for the Safe 'n Easy Citrus Paint And Varnish Remover Gel.
Now that you know my favorites, it’s time to pick the best deck stripper. Go against the grain, remove the old and make way for the new. Good luck!