6 Best Paint Remover For Wood Deck Reviews & Buying Guide 2022

You’re in great tension that your wood gets old and it looks awful? Don’t worry! You can bring a good look at your wood furniture by stripping its paint and repainting it with deck strippers. Hence, the deck strippers can remove varnish, residue and stains effectively. 

However, not all strippers are created equal. It is common to get confused over which could be the perfect one to do the job. This is why we’ve created a lineup. Here, we will discuss the top 6 best paint strippers for wood deck 2022. Besides, it will assist you in narrowing down your search. 

Let’s jump – 

Our Top Pick

Properly stripping your deck is the most crucial step to take to refinish your wooden deck. Hence, deck stripping is an arduous task if you use metal strippers or wood sanders. But, with the chemical compounds, you can do it without a hassle. 

The DEFY Exterior Wood Stain Stripper is the best in all our testing and reviews from the products listed below. It was the sturdiest one and performed incredibly in our testing. 

Top 6 Best Paint Remover for Wood Deck

There are so many ways to clean a wood deck. But, some elements contain harmful chemicals that can decay the wood. Moreover, they could be dangerous for your health. In this article, we will discuss the best wood stain strippers. Keep reading the review to learn about different wood deck stain removers. 

Study every product carefully before making the ultimate decision on which one will be suitable for you.

Here, we go – 

DEFY Exterior Wood Stain Stripper – Best Deck Stripper

Are you seeking the most reliable option to remove the stain and residue from the deck wood? We can assure you that Defy will be the best for this task. Hence, the product comes in a one-gallon container suitable for 100-150 sq. ft coverage. This formula is pretty straightforward.

You need a pump sprayer to use on the deck wood. It takes around half an hour to restore the original look and beauty of the deck. Moreover, this product comes ready to use. After spraying the deck wood, you can wash it with a pressure washer. This is how it will be prepared to get a ready-to-paint surface. 

Quick Summary 

• This stain stripper is very convenient to use. All you need to do is spray on it with a pump-up sprayer. After that, rinse it with a power washer. 
• This is ultimately a safe and secured product. You can use it on the exterior woods, too, without thinking. Besides, it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
• This application can cover between 100 to 260 sq feet of deck area. 
• Along with the stains, it efficiently removes dust and mold from the deck. 

PROS

• Proficient in any type of wood Stripper
• No chemicals and safe to use
• It takes a little time 
• So uncomplicated and straightforward to use

CONS

• One-gallon size is available only

Why We Picked It?

The Defy exterior formula is biodegradable and straightforward to use. It can cover a large area and has the capability to remove the stains entirely.

1 Deck Wood Stain Stripper – Best Deck Paint Stripper

The name is enough! Although we’ve listed it in the second place, it also deserves the number 1 spot. Hence, it is a ready-to-use liquid that can eradicate most oil and latex-based finishes. This stain eliminator generally works so well with semi-transparent stains. 

Moreover, it can cover almost 100 to 150 sq feet of a wooden surface. One gallon is enough to enfold such a vast area. On the other hand, it will be best to clean the surface area before applying the liquid in case you see any mold or mill scale in there.  

The 1 deck wood stain stripper enhances the adhesion of wood stains and restores the original look of wood decks. 

Quick Summary 

• This product contains a fascinating feature. It is biodegradable. For this reason, it is entirely safe and secured. Therefore, you can use it around kids, pets, and surroundings.
• It can distinguish oil and latex-based finishes, including polyurethanes, semi-transparent stains, etc.
• This product offers various finishing products that could assist you in maintaining and performing lots of exterior wood projects
• A great application that will leave your deck looking brand new for sure. 

PROS

• This formula can deepen the adhesion of wood stains
• Help to restore the natural avatar of the deck
• Environment-friendly and safe for everyone
• Best Wood Stripper

CONS

• It can’t remove paint

Why We Picked It?

This is a fantastic product. It can totally remove the old stain while leaving nice, bare wood. Besides, this stripper works great on horizontal surfaces. It’s also easy to use. Such an astonishing stripper it is! 

MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper – Best Chemical Deck Stripper

Max Strip Paint and Varnish Stripper is a commercial-grade stripper. It is incredibly perfect for professional and residential use. Further, if you’re seeking an environment-friendly product, it will be the answer. This product doesn’t contain any harmful components like Methylene Chloride and NMP.

Besides, it is free of harsh fumes and annoying odor. This is one of the best paint strippers for wooden products as well as other ingredients like glass, bricks, stone, marble, granite, tile, masonry, etc. Moreover, you can also use it for interior floors too. 

One gallon of liquid is adequate to cover between 120 and 190 sq feet area. You can clean it with just water. No need for other liquids. 

Quick Summary 

• It is a non-burning and low evaporative organic compound formula
• The application doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals. As a result, it is safe and secured
• It takes around 72 hours to give you the original look of the deck
• Max Strip Paint and Varnish Stripper can eliminate all residues from semi-transparent products

PROS

• It is a multi-purpose product
• Superior for woods. You can use it for many other surfaces too
• Bio-friendly and free of unhealthy chemicals
• No harsh odor

CONS

• A bit time-consuming

Why We Picked It?

Max Strip Paint and Varnish Stripper can be used on various surfaces and is free of chemicals. Additionally, it is safe for indoor and outdoor use. This stripper can eliminate stains. A highly recommended product.

Citristrip – Best Wood Stain Remover

This is another fantastic product you should consider to remove the wood stain. It is effortless to use and strips different layers from wood, metal, and masonry surfaces. Additionally, it is highly efficient in removing multiple layers of both latex and oil-based paint. 

Although it takes more time to produce the final outcome, it will deliver an unrivaled result. You can get rid of oil-based and others such as latex paint, polyurethane, enamel, shellac, varnish, etc. Since it doesn’t emit any type of toxic fumes, there’s no chance of harming pets, the environment, or kids. 

Due to its eco-friendliness, it can easily be a superior product for interior uses. Moreover, you won’t find any harsh fragrance within it. There’s only a citric smell. But, it is more enjoyable rather than unbearable!

Quick Summary 

• This application remains active for up to 24 hours
• It is suitable for removing dried latex and oil-based paint, acrylics, shellac, polyurethane, etc.
• It doesn’t possess any harmful chemicals like methylene chloride or NMP
• Citristrip QCSG801 formula is simple to use and it is excellent for interior jobs

PROS

• It can remove five layers of dried latex paint
• It is safe and secure to use
• The citric smell is quite lovely 
• No strong chemicals

CONS

• Takes more time 

Why We Picked It?

The Citristrip QCSG801 application is an easy-to-use formula and free of harmful chemicals. It is suitable for eliminating stains from multiple surfaces. Further, it provides fantastic results. You should try it. 

Sunnyside 65732A – Best Deck Stripping Products

Sunnyside Corporation is one of the most well-known companies in the world. It is providing excellent service for more than 100 years. Hence, Sunnyside 65732A Paint and Varnish Remover is another gorgeous deck stripping product from them. It is quite a convenient formula that can abolish up to 15 layers of paint., varnish, stain, etc.

Further, it only needs around half an hour to start work. This application can remove 8-15 layers in 24 hours. Besides, you can use it as a spray if you have a high-class sprayer. It’s formulated without mordants and methylene chloride. 

Hence, it is an application for professionals and it contains a low odor — a very high-effective product.

Quick Summary 

• This multi-strip formula can easily take away paint and residues from metal wood surfaces with a paint scraper tool
• You can use a roller or brush to apply this formula. It gives you utter peace against the most substantial stains
• Even the thinnest layer of this stripper can quickly eliminate 1-4 coatings
• It will adhere to vertical surfaces. Besides, you can use it on interior or exterior surfaces like wood, plaster, concrete, masonry, etc. 

PROS

• It works well in slicing multiple layers of old paint, including paint that contains lead
• Super gentle on old wood
• Bio-degradable 
• It comes with excellent instruction

CONS

• It doesn’t spray evenly

Why We Picked It?

This product can tackle up to 15 layers of coat. It is free of methylene chloride and NMP. Further, it is compatible with both interior and exterior surfaces. Strongly recommended.

Safe ‘n Easy – Best Deck Solid Stain Remover

Safe n Easy Paint Remover Gel is a robust, versatile, bio-degradable, VOC-free, eco-friendly, multi-purpose product. Additionally, it is usable on various types of surfaces. This remover gel is highly effective in cleaning several surfaces like wood, metal, concrete, masonry, brick, tile, glass, etc.

It can easily remove 15+ layers of old paint and varnish. Moreover, it is free of harmful chemicals. It doesn’t fume any harsh scents. Due to the gel’s consistency, it can stick on vertical and horizontal surfaces. The ½-gallon container can cover around 20 sq feet. 

Quick Summary 

• It should be used at 40° and 95° Fahrenheit temperatures.
• You can apply this remover gel through a pump spray or brush
• This paint remover supplies an avg spread rate of about 200 – 250 sq. ft. per gallon
• It is 100 percent biodegradable and free of dangerous chemicals or caustics.

PROS

• It is a powerful and versatile cleaner
• Usable on multiple surfaces
• This application is free of harmful chemicals, eco-friendly, and safe
• It can restore surfaces in its original avatar

CONS

• Very sticky

Why We Picked It?

The Safe n Easy Paint Remover Gel generally works well on various surfaces. It is free of unhealthy chemicals and can battle tough stains. A good value for money indeed.

Best Paint Remover/Stripper for Wood Deck – Buying Guide

Finding a suitable deck stripper is not that easy task. You have to know some crucial factors before making the final decision. If you are a new user, then these factors are a must for you. The reason is you could face difficulties in the beginning stage. 

As a result, you should consider such attributes in order to find the right one.

Now, we will tell you the factors you need to consider before buying a wood deck. Let’s go – 

• Removal Type 

You should think thoroughly about what things to eliminate from the deck wood. Further, it depends on the solid stains, varnishes, residues – what you want to remove. Deck strippers come with a variety of cleaning ranges. 

So, when you know exactly which item(s) you want to obliterate, you will find the desired product. 

• Usage 

Experts highly recommend that before using a deck stripper, you will have to clean the area with water properly. It will be best to use a pressure washer on the decks. However, before using a paint remover, please read the instructions carefully. 

On the other side, some deck strippers need specific application methods or devices to be fully effective. Therefore, it would be the best decision to learn what types of equipment you need before beginning the procedure. It would help you to make the best preparation. 

• Eco-Friendliness

This should be the most important criteria for you. When you use a paint stripper, there’s a big possibility several plants or children could be near to you. So, what’s then? You will surely want to keep them safe. In such a case, you need an environment-friendly application without a doubt. 

Eco-friendly deck stain removers can save your surroundings and plants. Moreover, they can also keep pet animals, your family members, especially infants, safe and sound. 

• Stain Stripper Quantity

Before making your way to the shopping to purchase a stain stripper, measure the deck size. This is how you can avoid accidents like buying a product that doesn’t have the correct amount you need. This scenario could cost you more money while you will have to go to the store again. If you’re going to use a semi-transparent stain on your wooden deck, we suggest that you then definitely use a brightener.

On top of that, it will be so frustrating to buy less amount of stripper than you need. You have to visit the store again and again. On the other hand, purchasing more than you need will waste the material. 

To avoid these awkward situations, measure the deck and purchase the stripper according to it. 

• Functionality

It is a compulsory matter that you could apprehend the functionality of your paint remover for the wooden deck before going shopping with professional advice. Granted, a number of experts about the product is learned through usage and revel in.  

It’s no secret that there are various types are available. Therefore, you need to select the one that will suit your demands. 

• Brand

Usually, people tend to buy products from well-known brands. They also want to purchase products they have been longest associated with. Yes, well-recognized brands will indeed guarantee reliability. Different brands offer different characteristics. 

Hence, you need to choose a brand that will match your needs. It doesn’t matter whether the product is from your favorite brand or not; prioritize your priority. 

Another thing is different brands have different attributes. For this reason, people usually decide to choose different products.

• Customer Concord

If you are yet to begin your journey in the paint stripper job, you can take advice from a professional or people around you who have experience in this task. They could give you practical knowledge for sure. Since they’ve gained enough experience through various painting tasks, they will be able to give accurate information.

Remember that, you won’t always get accurate information through mainstream media. They will only provide good or bad info. This is why practical knowledge is a must. As a beginner, you can’t get this. For this reason, you need pragmatic info to get the fundamental knowledge. 

In such a case, you can get info from user reviews too. 

• VOCs

Paint strippers can contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds). They are extremely harmful. If you breathe this element, there’s a huge possibility it can cause nose, throat, and eye irritation. However, this ingredient is not a much concern when you work in outdoor places. 

But, it can make a negative impact while you are working indoors. The impact could be much more significant in limited ventilation. The stripper that contains high VOCs uses harsh chemicals in its components. Hence, ensure that the product contains fewer VOCs when you’re about to work indoors. 

So, it’s such a significant factor while choosing a paint stripper. 

Type of Stain

Some of these deck stain strippers eliminate specific stains types. Not all strippers can remove all types of stains. As a result, when shopping for a stripper, you have to ensure that you go for those that can meet your specific needs. 

Further, it doesn’t matter whether it is transparent, semi-transparent or solid color stains; just think about what you actually need. 

Health and Safety of the Wood Stripper

Biodegradable products are safe to use around kids, pets, older people, gardens. They won’t pose any danger. Therefore, you can use them without a think. But, they can’t remove harder stains. 

On the other side, non-biodegradable products can remove stains. In such cases, please make up your mind what will be the best for you and take specific measurements according to it. 

Besides, it would help if you use protective gear like masks, gloves, safety goggles, etc., before using these stripping applications. 

• Price

Everyone has a specific budget before buying a heavy-duty product. This is very normal. Therefore, the same thing applies to a paint stripper. If you want to get the best deal for yourself, we recommend you to surf several markets. So, you will get an extraordinary experience.

Thus, this is the way you can make a good deal for your desired product. The more you surf, the more you will earn knowledge and get a practical idea of the price range. 

What is the difference between deck stripper vs. deck cleaner?

When you pay a visit to a hardware store, you could get confused to learn the difference between cleaning products. The reason is that too much cleaning equipment is available on the market. Similarly, the same thing is applied between a deck stripper and a deck cleaner. 

Let’s take a look at the vital difference between them. 

Deck Stripper	Deck Cleaner
Deck stripper is a much stronger component	Deck cleaner is comparatively a softer ingredient than its counterpart
They usually have sodium hydroxide as the principal ingredient	They possess sodium percarbonate as the main element
The stripper can remove semi-transparent and sturdy type stains	The cleaner is only capable of removing soft stains.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Paint Stripper?

If you have to do any project related to stripping paint or varnish, you should consider some things before choosing a paint stripper. There are various ways of stripping paint, such as paint, spray-on stripper, chemicals, VOCs, safety, surface material, etc. 

Is Sanding Required Before Applying a Stain Stripper?

The truth to be told, it depends on the stripper you are about to use. Some removers need one to sand, while some have no requirement about it. However, it would be great if you read the manufacturer’s instructions to learn the whole system.

Is Stripping or Sanding a Wood Deck Better?

Sanding is a painful task. It needs added labor and time. Moreover, it can be used in flat areas where you don’t need considerable penetration. It will be good for you if you use a wood deck stripper. This will be the best option indeed. Although it might be more expensive, it is superior and much more accessible than sanding. 

How Long Should You Wait After Applying a Stain Stripper?

This will depend on the type of stripper and stain you want to eliminate. Generally, go away the stripper after application for 3 as much as 24 hours after application. Additionally, you might need to add various applications to run things smoothly. Ensure that it doesn’t dry out at all. 

Will paint stripper ruin my clothes?

Pain strippers won’t ruin your clothes if you work carefully. 

Does the paint stripper expire?

Paint strippers don’t have any expiration date. However, you have to keep it tightly sealed to bar outside residues or contaminated particles to get into it. 

How do I dispose of the paint stripper?

It will be a foolish decision if you throw the paint stripper in a trash can. Instead, dispose of it at a chemical collection area where the authority keeps chemical trash. The reason is these places are secured and there’s no way of contamination from these areas. 

What is the Best Paint Stripping Product for Wood?

The best paint stripping product for a wood deck is labeled as “Paint and Varnish Remover”. You can use this application to remove different paints and varnishes from a variety of materials. In the first moment, you have to remove the unnecessary paints that are easily removable.

After that, use the stripper to eliminate the remaining paints. 

Can I Paint over Oil-based Paint?

If we want to answer it directly, then we should say yes. You can coat water-based paint over a surface that is painted in oil. But, you still have to do some additional tasks to get better results. 

Firstly, de-glossing the surface. Oil can cause a problem with adhesion and that’s why you need to remove it. Sanding is the primary thing to get a water-based coat. Then, you can use trisodium phosphate to eliminate debris. Now, make a durable solution by blending a small amount of TSP into a gallon of water.

Before that, use protective glass and gloves. After cleaning the surface, prime it. To do it, use a couple of oil-based primers according to the instructions given by the manufacturing company. The last step is applying the coat on the surface and that’s it. 

How to remove paint from deck without chemicals?

You can do it with citrus-based paint removers consisting of terpenes and organic elements. Turpentine is a biodegradable product produced from organic elements like pine and resin. Besides, these paint thinners manifest an orange-citrus fragrance. 

Although they take a bit longer to dissolve the paint than chemical removers, they won’t be toxic and bad for health. Besides, you can use the Citristrip without a think-on painted or varnished surfaces. They won’t make any negative impact on the environment or health of anyone. 

How to strip decking back to bare wood?

You can use a chemical paint stripper to do this. It will be so fast if you use a chemical paint stripper. 

You can also read:

Best Oil Based Primer

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Conclusion

Selecting a suitable wood deck stripper has always been a tough job. If you fail to choose the right one, it would cost you money and time. This is why we’ve come up with this review to make the job easier for you. Verily, we hope that the products and all the info we’ve provides will be helpful for you to make the best decision on the paint stripper for your projects.

So, what’s your view on our article? Have you found it helpful enough? If you have any queries regarding this article, you can tell it in the comment box below. Anyway, we wish you good luck. Happy shopping and thanks for reading!