The strongest paint strippers are lye-based (caustic) formulas or heavy-duty chemical formulations like Benzyl Alcohol. They break down molecular bonds and lift multiple thick layers of paint at once. Due to strict EPA regulations, highly toxic methylene chloride is now restricted in the US, making these the most potent alternatives available:
Peel Away 1 is an industry-leading, heavy-duty paint remover formulated to eliminate up to 30 layers of oil, alkyd, and lead-based paints in a single application. Works well on virtually all types of interior and exterior surfaces.
5 Proven Methods to Removing Paint
Whether Klean-Strip or Citristrip is better depends entirely on your project's priority. Klean-Strip is better for speed and heavy-duty stripping, while Citristrip is better for indoor use and safety.
The best way to remove dried paint depends on the paint type and the surface. For latex or acrylic paint, use rubbing alcohol or commercial removers. For stubborn oil-based paint, you will need mineral spirits or lacquer thinner. Always test on an inconspicuous spot first.
Yes, WD-40 can remove dried paint, especially on non-porous surfaces like metal, glass, or finished wood. It works best on fresh, wet paint or surface-level paint transfers. For old, deeply baked-on paint, stronger chemical paint thinners or heat guns will be required.
Chemicals that dissolve paint range from mild, naturally derived solvents to industrial-strength strippers. The ideal chemical depends on whether the paint is water-based (like latex or acrylic) or oil-based (alkyd/enamel).
Chemical strippers are great for removing thick layers of paint, including gloss paint. You can get fast-acting chemical paint strippers in liquid, gel, or paste form. They react with the paint and cause it to break down before bubbling and peeling off.
Yes, Klean-Strip Acetone is 100% acetone and does not contain added water. It is a strong, fast-acting, industrial-grade solvent used for thinning epoxy and polyester resins, removing adhesives, and cleaning up fiberglass.
We do not recommend using CitriStrip® Stripping Gel on plastic or fiberglass. If the stripper is drying or getting gummy before it works, you may not be applying a thick enough layer of stripper.
No, you do not strictly have to use mineral spirits. While they are traditionally used to dissolve wax residues and neutralize stripper, there are multiple methods to clean your surface depending on the type of stripper you used.
Types of Paint Remover
There are two basic distinctions between paint strippers – these are solvent-based and caustic-based paint removers. There are other methods to stripping paint too.
No, paint thinner is rarely pure acetone. While acetone can act as a paint thinner or remover, traditional "paint thinner" is typically a petroleum-based solvent like mineral spirits, turpentine, or naphtha. Acetone is a much stronger, faster-evaporating solvent that can melt certain plastics, whereas mineral spirits are milder and oil-based.
We recommend using Nitromors All Purpose Paint and Varnish Remover as it works as a great paint remover on any metal surfaces. It has a green colour indicator to identify easily where the product has been applied. Application: Apply a thick coat with a dabbing action with a brush (2 - 3mm).
Oil-Based Paints
Oil-based paint is more durable and harder to remove than water-based paint. It requires chemical solvents or heat-based methods for effective removal. This paint is often found in older homes or on surfaces that need extra protection, such as exterior trim or metal fixtures.
Yes, 70% isopropyl alcohol will remove certain types of paint, particularly water-based acrylics and some lacquers. It works by breaking down the binders in the paint, making it easy to scrub or wipe away.
Whether Klean-Strip or Citristrip is better depends entirely on your project's priority. Klean-Strip is better for speed and heavy-duty stripping, while Citristrip is better for indoor use and safety.
The cap may be very tight to prevent leaking in transit. Some caps may need pliers to help with opening. Klean Strip® Acetone is 100% acetone. It is not to be used as nail polish or thinner.
The key difference between acetone and IPA is that acetone has a C=O. bond in the middle of the chemical structure, whereas isopropyl alcohol has a C-OH group in the middle of the chemical structure. Despite the differences in structures between acetone and IPA, both are highly soluble.
Methyl Ethyl Keytone (MEK): Also known as butanone, MEK is often used to wipe down surfaces before new paint or stain is added. It can be used to remove paint, adhesive, epoxy, grease and dirt. Xylene: This solvent can be used to thin oil-based paint, enamel, varnish and adhesive.
Yes, WD-40 can remove dried paint, especially on non-porous surfaces like metal, glass, or finished wood. It works best on fresh, wet paint or surface-level paint transfers. For old, deeply baked-on paint, stronger chemical paint thinners or heat guns will be required.
Yes, Dawn dish soap can remove paint, but its effectiveness depends entirely on the type of paint and the surface you are working with. It is most effective on fresh, water-based paints (like acrylics or latex) and oils, but won't easily strip dried, cured household paints.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Paint Thinners
MEK is a strong, slow-drying thinner for epoxies, lacquers, adhesives and polyester resins used in fibreglass repairs. It is also ideally suited to removing these materials from cement, tools and other surfaces.
Borax and Ammonia
Peel-Away Options
Peel-away paint removal is a technique that uses a paste-like chemical stripper to soften multiple layers of paint. The stripper is applied thickly and covered with a special fabric. After a set time, the fabric peels off, taking the loosened paint with it.