- Topic: Best paint stripper for wood (2026 guide)
- Best for: Furniture, doors, trim, cabinets, and old wood finishes
- Common finishes: Latex paint, oil paint, varnish, polyurethane
- Where it helps most: Detailed woodwork that’s hard to sand
- Updated: 2026
The best paint stripper for wood removes old paint and finish without turning the job into days of scraping. It also helps when sanding would ruin details, round edges, or fill your room with dust.
This 2026 guide covers wood-safe strippers and removers that work for furniture, trim, doors, and larger flat areas. Each pick below fits a different kind of project and cleanup style.
| Product | Type | Best Use | Works On | Approx. Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel | Gel | Furniture, doors, trim | Paint, varnish, poly | $18–$28 |
| MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper (Methylene Chloride Free) | Gel | Multi-layer paint removal | Paint, varnish, stain | $15–$22 |
| Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover | Paste/Gel | Stubborn layers, older coatings | Paint, coatings, stains | $28–$45 |
| Peel Away 1 Paint Remover (with paper system) | Paste | Thick paint buildup | Older paint layers | $45–$70 |
| Goof Off Splatter Hardwoods Dried Paint Remover | Spot remover | Small drips and splatter | Dried paint spots | $8–$14 |
Best Paint Stripper for Wood Overall
Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel
Citristrip is a strong all-around pick when you want a best paint stripper for wood that clings to surfaces and stays wet longer than thin liquids. The gel form helps on trim, chair legs, and carved edges because it doesn’t run off fast.
It works well when you need time to let the stripper soften layers before scraping. After stripping, you can refinish with the right coating for your project. If you’re restoring a dresser or table, see best paint for furniture for finishes that pair well with a clean wood surface.
Best Budget Paint Stripper for Wood
MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper
MAX Strip is a practical choice when cost matters but you still want dependable removal on common wood projects. It’s often picked for doors, baseboards, and flat panels where you want coverage without using a lot of product.
It also suits DIY users who want a simpler cleanup routine. Apply, wait, scrape, and wipe. For bigger repaint jobs after stripping, using a sprayer can save time. You can compare tools in best paint sprayer for DIY if you plan to repaint large areas.
Best Paint Stripper for Wood With Many Layers
Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover
Some wood pieces have years of paint, stain, and patchy topcoats. Dumond Smart Strip Advanced is made for that kind of job, especially when lighter gels struggle on the first pass. It’s a good fit for thick buildup on old furniture and detailed woodwork.
It also works well when you want a longer working window and you plan to do slow, careful scraping. If your project also includes hardware or painted metal parts, you may need a different remover for that surface. For that, see best paint stripper for metal.
Best Paint Stripper for Wood on Very Old Paint
Peel Away 1 Paint Remover
Peel Away 1 is useful when wood has very thick paint buildup and you want a system that lifts layers in a controlled way. It’s often used with its paper cover method, which helps hold moisture against the surface so the remover can keep working.
This is a smart pick for doors, trim, and older pieces where you want to pull up heavy layers without grinding everything down. Plan for extra cleanup steps afterward, since thick removers can leave residue that needs careful wiping.
Best Paint Remover for Small Drips on Wood
Goof Off Splatter Hardwoods Dried Paint Remover
Not every job needs full stripping. If you only have small drips or splatter on hardwood, a spot remover can be faster than coating the whole piece. Goof Off Splatter Remover is meant for small areas where you want to lift paint without doing a full refinish.
This works best when the wood finish is still in good shape and the paint is the problem. Use it carefully, test first, and focus only on the spot so you don’t disturb the surrounding finish.
Sanding vs. Stripping for Wood
Sanding is often better for bare, flat surfaces where dust control is easy. Stripping is usually the better choice for grooves, corners, trim profiles, and carved details.
If the wood has many layers, stripping can save hours. It also helps you avoid sanding through veneer or soft edges.
Safety Tips When Using Paint Strippers
Work with airflow and protect your skin and eyes. Keep a disposable brush, plastic scraper, and waste bag nearby so cleanup stays simple.
Test a small hidden area first. Some finishes react in unexpected ways, especially on older furniture and mixed coatings.
FAQs
Citristrip is a strong, all-around gel for many wood projects, while Dumond Smart Strip Advanced helps more with heavy buildup.
Sometimes, yes. Thick paint layers or older coatings often need a second pass, especially on detailed woodwork.
It depends on the product and the residue left behind. If the surface feels oily or sticky, wipe and clean until it feels like bare wood.
Stripping can reduce dust, but you still need good airflow and skin protection. Both methods need care.
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