Paint stripping can be a tedious and time-consuming process, but having the right tools for the job makes a huge difference. Certain paint strippers work better on specific surfaces, while others are more general use. We’ll go over 6 of the handiest paint stripping tools to tackle all sorts of surfaces.
Scrapers
Scrapers are great for removing multiple layers of paint or thick coatings from wood surfaces. The rigid blade allows you to apply pressure and scrape off paint and varnish without gouging the wood underneath.
Paint Shaver Pro
The Paint Shaver Pro is a heavy-duty electric paint scraper that works fast. It has two carbide blades that spin at high speed to quickly strip paint, varnish, and other coatings off wood, metal, concrete, and fiberglass.
Benefits:
- Removes multiple layers in one pass
- Adjustable blade depth for controlled paint removal
- Vacuum attachment to contain dust
The Paint Shaver Pro is ideal for stripping large surfaces like floors, decks, siding, and furniture. It makes the tedious work of scraping much faster.
Hand Scrapers
For smaller projects, hand scrapers give you more control. Hyde scrapers have a thick stainless steel blade with different edge options – curved, straight, or perforated. The plastic handle provides a comfortable grip.
Benefits:
- Sharp blade gets under multiple layers
- Plastic handle is lightweight but durable
- Edge options for different surfaces
Use hand scrapers to remove paint from corners, crevices, molding, and other detail areas that are hard to reach with larger tools. The perforated blade works well on irregular surfaces.
Heat Gun
A heat gun is another handy tool for softening and scraping thick, built-up paint layers. Directing heat onto the paint surface causes it to bubble up, allowing you to scrape it off easier.
Benefits:
- Softens multiple paint layers quickly
- Portable for small projects
- Variable temperature control
Heat guns work well in conjunction with scrapers. Heat up the surface first to soften the paint, then scrape off the layers while still warm. This combination works great for stripping furniture, cabinets, and other wood surfaces.
Chemical Strippers
Chemical paint strippers help dissolve layers of paint so you can wipe or rinse it away. They come in liquid, spray, and gel forms.
Citristrip
Citristrip stripping gel is a plant-based chemical formula that clings to surfaces. After applying a thick layer, the paint bubbles up and separates from the surface after about 30 minutes.
Benefits:
- Made from non-toxic citrus extracts
- Won’t burn skin or release harsh fumes
- Gel clings well to vertical surfaces
Citristrip is safe for wood, metal, most plastics, fiberglass, and masonry. It’s ideal for stripping details like spindles, carvings, and scrollwork that are hard to scrape.
Paint Stripper Sprays
Spray-on strippers like Klean-Strip’s Premium Spray offer an easy application method. The spray formula coats surfaces evenly and prevents drips on vertical areas.
Benefits:
- Sprays at any angle, even upside down
- Clings to reach crevices and carvings
- Strips in 15 minutes or less
Spray-on strippers allow full coverage in hard to reach spots like balusters, louvers, and shutters. For large surfaces, use the spray then spread with a brush.
Paint Stripper Liquids
Liquid strippers like Dumond Peel Away are ideal for covering large, flat areas.Brush an even coat over the paint, allow it to work, then scrape away the dissolved paint.
Benefits:
-Covers large areas quickly
-Thick formula clings to vertical surfaces
-Won’t dry out too fast
Paint stripper liquids excel at removing paint from sidings, walls, floors, railings, and other broad surfaces. Use thick drop cloths underneath since liquids drip more.
Power Washers
Power or pressure washers use water pressure to blast off exterior paint. Electric and gas models range from light duty to heavy duty depending on the water pressure and volume.
Electric Power Washers
Compact electric power washers like this Ryobi are affordable and transportable. The outlet plug-in design needs no engine maintenance.
Benefits:
- Compact and lightweight
- No gasoline required
- Good for light paint removal
Electric washers work well for stripping smaller objects like outdoor furniture, fences, decks, and sheds. Use the wide fan spray nozzle to cover more surface area.
Gas Power Washers
More powerful gas motor models like this Generac deliver higher pressure and flow for heavy-duty paint removal.
Benefits:
- Remove thick, stubborn paint
- Clean large areas quickly
- Wheels provide portability
Gas washers have the muscle to strip paint from surfaces like house exteriors, brick walls, pool decks, and driveways. Use the narrow pencil spray nozzle to concentrate force.
Power washers work best for exterior surfaces since the water can drain outside. Take precautions to protect landscaping and avoid electrical areas.
Sandpaper
Sanding with abrasive paper or blocks helps remove paint between other stripping steps. It smooths and polishes the surface after paint removal as well.
Orbital Sander
Power sanders like this Black & Decker make sanding large areas fast and easy. The random orbit motion provides faster removal without leaving swirl marks.
Benefits:
- Removes paint quickly from big areas
- Creates a smooth polished surface
- Adjustable speed for control
Orbital sanders help strip paint remnants from decks, floors, walls, and other broad surfaces after using chemical or power washing methods. Efficient dust collection prevents mess.
Sanding Blocks
For hand sanding smaller areas, rubber sanding blocks provide a comfortable grip without tiring hands out. The rubber flexes to sand profiles and curves.
Benefits:
- Comfortable grip for extended use
- Flexes to conform around shapes
- Holds sandpaper firmly in place
Sanding blocks allow precision removal of paint around decorative trim, spindles, carvings, crevices, and uneven surfaces. Wrap sandpaper around the block or attach adhesive sheets.
The coarseness of sandpaper ranges from light #220 grit to heavy #60 grit. Start light and work downward for best results.
Paint and Varnish Strippers
Chemical solutions formulated specifically for certain paint or varnish types simplify the stripping process.
Paint Remover Gel
Gel paint strippers like Smart Strip cling to vertical surfaces while dissolving latex and oil-based paints. The no-drip formula removes the need for drop cloths.
Benefits:
- Clings to vertical surfaces
- Won’t harm skin or surfaces
- Removes both latex and oil paints
Use Smart Strip gel for walls, railings, trims, and woodwork. The thick formula lets you strip an entire wall without drips.
Polyurethane Stripper
Removing thick polyurethane requires a strong chemical formula like Klean Strip’s Poly Strip. It dissolves the stubborn finish after a 24-hour soak time.
Benefits:
- Removes polyurethane and varnish
- Won’t damage wood surfaces
- Clings to vertical areas
Use Poly Strip to remove multiple coats of polyurethane from wood floors, furniture, cabinets, and other wood surfaces. Wear gloves when handling since it contains strong chemicals.
Choosing the Right Paint Stripper
With the variety of handy paint stripping tools available, choosing the right one depends on several factors:
- Surface Type – Select tools that work specifically with the surface material to avoid damage. Scrapers for wood, chemical gels for vertical areas, power washers for exterior surfaces, etc.
- Type of Paint or Coating – Some paint strippers target latex or oil-based formulas while others remove varnish or polyurethane. Match the stripper to the coating.
- Amount of Buildup – Scrapers and orbital sanders work best for thick layers, while sanding blocks help polish smaller remnants. Power washers blast off heavy buildup outdoors.
- Size of Area – For large exterior surfaces, choose power washers and orbital sanders. Hand scrapers, blocks, and chemical gels cover small detailed areas better.
- Safety – Opt for less toxic, low odor strippers when working indoors or on plastics and delicate surfaces. Be aware of fumes and chemical sensitivity.
Armed with the right stripping tools, you can power through the messy job of paint removal with greater ease. Keep the surface type, paint type, area size, and safety in mind when selecting the best options for your project. With less hassle, you can then get to the fun part – adding a fresh new coat of paint!
Frequently Asked Questions About Paint Stripping Tools
What is the fastest way to remove paint?
For large exterior surfaces, pressure washers provide the fastest paint removal. Electric or gas powered models blast off multiple layers of paint with high pressure water. The pencil tip nozzle concentrates the force.
Inside, heat guns work quickly by softening paint so it scrapes off easily with hand tools. Combine heat with scrapers for fast removal that won’t damage the surface underneath.
What home remedy removes paint effectively?
A simple homemade paint remover option is mixing equal parts baking soda and water into a thick paste. Spread the paste onto paint, wait 30 minutes, then scrub off with a scouring pad or brush.
For a stronger solution, mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part paint remover like Citristrip and apply the paste. Let it sit for several hours before scrubbing. Wear gloves since this mixture contains harsher chemicals.
Vinegar or ammonia soaks also help soften paint over time. But commercial strippers work much faster and are often safer.
What should you not use to remove paint?
Avoid abrasive tools that can scratch wood and masonry surfaces underneath paint. Steel wool pads, wire brushes, and high pressure washers can damage many surfaces.
Sandblasting paint or using paint thinner or gasoline are also ill-advised. These methods create unsafe chemical exposures to people and surfaces.
Choose gentler chemical strippers, plastic scrapers, and lower pressure washers (under 2,000 PSI). Test products first on inconspicuous areas to ensure compatibility.
How do you strip paint from wood furniture?
For best results stripping paint from wood furniture:
- Remove hardware, handles, or mechanisms to keep them safe from chemicals.
- Apply a thick layer of chemical gel stripper like Citristrip evenly across the surface. Wait 30-60 minutes for it to penetrate and bubble the paint.
- Use plastic paint scrapers to scrape the bubbled paint away layer by layer. Stripping tools help access crevices.
- Follow up with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth and remove leftover residue. Finish by wiping with mineral spirits before re-staining or refinishing the bare wood.
Working in the shade helps chemical gels dissolve paint faster. Always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
What PPE should you wear when stripping paint?
Paint stripping often involves harsh chemicals, making personal protective equipment vital:
- Chemical-resistant gloves to shield skin from corrosive strippers
- Goggles or face shield to prevent splashes into eyes
- Respirator mask rated for organic vapors to prevent inhaling fumes
- Long sleeve shirt & pants for protection from chemicals
- Closed toe shoes that won’t expose feet to drips
When power washing, wear waterproof boots and clothing to stay dry. Use ear protection against loud pressure washer noise.
Work outdoors or in a garage with doors open to allow fresh airflow if possible.
Conclusion
Removing old chipped paint completely before repainting ensures better results, while stripping vintage furniture preserves the wood. Having the proper tools makes the job easier, faster and safer.
Match your paint stripping tools to the surface material, type of paint, size of project, and your safety needs. Scrapers, chemical strippers, power washers, sandpaper, and specialty varnish removers all serve different purposes. Combine a few complementary tools to maximize effectiveness and get quality results.
Consult product specifications, take necessary safety precautions, and test on small hidden areas first. With the right preparation and tools, you can strip paint efficiently and revive any surface for fresh new paint.