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10 Best Paint Removers for Wood Deck 【Top Picks 2021】

November 15, 2020 by Doug Mahoney

 It’s time to give your deck a new look – you know it! 

best paint remover for wood deck

And the best way to do this is to repaint it in a fresh color which is attractive and durable.

 But Wait! 

Before you go shopping for new paint, let me remind you about getting rid of the previous strain first. You cannot get the desired look at your deck if you don’t remove the paint from your wooden deck before applying the next coat.

You’ll need the best paint remover for wood deck you can find.

 But which paint remover will express the love you have for your wooden deck?

Take a look at our deck paint remover reviews to help you decide.

 Let’s Dive in 

Best Paint Remover for Wood Deck 2021:

Here are our picks for the top paint remover for wood deck.

Paint RemoverWoody Rating
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Stripper10/10
[Editor’s Choice]
DEFY Exterior Stain Stripper8.5/10
#1 Deck Stain Stripper7.5/10
MAX Strip Paint Stripper7/10
Dumond Chemicals, Inc. 33328/10
Citristrip QCSG8017/10
Woodrich Wood Stripper7/10
Sunnyside 65732A7.5/10
Woodrich Cleaner and mild stripper7/10
DeckGeneral 40216.5/10

Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Stripper

[Editor’s Choice]

Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Stripper

Why We Love It:

  • Best for exterior surfaces
  • Restores old wood surfaces
  • Works well on stained wooden decks
  • Produces 5 liquid gallons of paint remover
ProsCons
✅ Eco-friendly formula❌ none
✅ Restores natural look
✅ Extremely cheap
✅ Wide coverage
✅ Easy to apply

This stain stripper is the most inexpensive and eco-friendly thing you will find on this list.

You can be sure of your pets’ health as well as that of your family members while using this remover because it’s eco-safe formula allows it to be safe for most living beings.

However, have to take precautions while exposing your plants to the full-strength of this paint remover because it may damage their leaves.

The product arrives in powder form. You have to prepare the stain removing solution by mixing it with water. One pack of this powder gives up to five gallons of solution.

If you are working with a tougher stain, you should mix it to get a three-gallon solution. The thicker consistency of this solution will make the stripping foolproof.

If the stain is easy to remove, you can also use a pump sprayer or pressure washer to wash the stain easily and quickly. In such cases, you will get the best results for an area of up to 1000 sq. feet.

If your deck has a rougher stain, you will cover more than 500 sq. feet with a single packet.

This is the best deck stripper for those decks which has semi-transparent, semi-solid, or clear coatings. For solid coatings, paints, and polyurethane; you should select from other removers on this list.

Undoubtedly, the best paint remover for wood deck, while simultaneously being the cheapest option!

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DEFY Exterior Wood Stain Stripper

DEFY Exterior Wood Stain Stripper

Why We Love It:

  • Reliable brand
  • Comes ready to use
  • Treats tough strains
ProsCons
✅ Easy to apply❌ Not for solid stains
✅ Restores wood
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Optimal results

If you are looking for the most reliable option for removing stains, DEFY’s makes the best paint remover for wood deck.

It is tough on stains and easy of wood and makes even the most weathered surfaces looking fresh and ready for new colors. You can rely on it to restore the original look and beauty of your deck in no time.

The package arrives in a solution form that is ready to use on stained or weathered wood surfaces. Then you use a pressure washer to apply it easily to the surface and get the job done with one wash.

Along with the clear or semi-transparent stain which you want to remove, this product also helps your deck to get rid of dust and mold.

Better results will be achieved if after using it with pump sprayer you leave the stain remover on your surface for twenty to thirty minutes. After that, you can wash it with a pressure washer to get a ready-to-paint surface.

Depending on the surface and its stain, this solution can cover between 100 to 260 square feet of deck area. So, for every 500 square feet area, you may need up to three gallons of DEFY Exterior Wood Stain Stripper. The excess cost is justified by the level of care it gives to your wood and its restoration.

Perhaps the best paint remover for wood deck

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Also check our list for the best wood preservatives.

#1 Deck Wood Stain Stripper

#1 Deck Wood Stain Stripper

Why We Love It:

  • Reliable brand
  • Comes ready to use
  • Great at removing penetrating strains
ProsCons
✅ Restores natural look❌ Can be costly
✅ Improves adhesion
✅ Efficient

This stain remover works well with semi-transparent stains. It also gives a restored, freshened-up look to your wooden deck. If an easy solution to treat a weathered stain is all you need, this is your pal.

It is a bit costly solution as it uses one gallon for every 100 to 150 square feet of a wooden surface. So, you use multiple containers to clean a standard sized deck. Plus, you may have to clean the surface before applying this stain stripper if you’ve got mold or mildew.

For best results, users, combine this stripper with twin product from the same manufacturer to brighten the surface and prepare it for stain or paint.

The stains it treats include penetrating stain as well as semi-transparent ones. Note that this stripper is not the most optimal option for solid stains. Also it doesn’t work well on multiple coats of stain. And you may need additional manual work to get results.

Before applying the product, make sure that the weather is not too hot as the product has to sit for up to 30 minutes to optimal work.

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MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper 1 Gallon

MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper 1 Gallon

Why We Love It:

  • Tackles tough stains
  • Works well on multiple surfaces
  • Free of Methylene Chloride and NMP
ProsCons
✅ Multipurpose❌ Takes time to work
✅ Gentle for wood 
✅ Can be used indoor

If you are looking for an extremely bio-friendly solution for your deck renovation project, Max strip paint and varnish stripper would make an efficient choice for you.

It is free of toxic chemicals.

You can keep yourself safe from harmful fumes while keeping your project’s environmental footprint low.

This is the best paint remover not only for wooden projects but also for other materials including glass, fibers, bricks, granite, stone, marble, tile, and concrete. Also, the safety grade of this product makes it a viable option for interior floors also.

Although it is advised to use protective gear for all wood painting and stripping projects, this product is relatively more skin-friendly than its most competitors.

It can remove almost all stains from semi-transparent to semi-solid to polyurethane.

The only catch with this high-quality deck paint remover is that you have to leave it on the deck for up to 72 hours to work. So, only apply when you are sure that it won’t rain in the next three days.

Other than that, you can remain assured that leaving this product on the deck for days will not result in any hazard to your animals. Yes, it’s bio-friendly!

Every gallon of this product covers between 120 and 190 square feet area. If you are considering applying it on a standard deck area, you should buy four to six gallons to complete the project.

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Don’t miss our picks for the best exterior paints for wood siding.

Dumond Chemicals, Inc. 3332 Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover

Dumond Chemicals, Inc. 3332 Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover

Why We Love It:

  • Biodegradable formula
  • Free of methylene chloride
ProsCons
✅ Safe for health❌ Costly
✅ Odor-less
✅ Removes multiple layers

This best paint remover for wood deck is an absolute bargain even when we look at its higher price tag because of the efficiency and ultimate quality it offers.

The best feature of this paint remover is that it can break down and clean up to 15 coats of paint and varnishes in one use. The paints it can effectively tackle include varnishes, polyurethane, acrylics, oil-based, water-based, and old lead paints. It works great on all surfaces including brick, wood, stone, concrete, plastic, fiber, plaster, and fiberglass.

You can apply it on both interior and exterior surfaces.

This paint remover is 100% bio-degradable and is odor-less and environment-friendly.

The method of using this paint is a little different from using similar products. You will not use many deck stripping tools. Start with applying the coat on the surface and letting it sit there between 3 to 24 hours. For a higher number of coats, more hours will be needed. This remover stays wet for a longer period and doesn’t need to peel away paper to allow penetration. Once the time is over, you can scrap the product as well as removed the stain using a scraper. For a better finish, wash the deck with a power washer.

Your deck will not need a neutralizer after this remover.

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Learn more with our detailed guide to wood paint.

Woodrich Heavy Duty Wood Stripper & Wood Cleaner for Wood Decks

Woodrich Heavy Duty Wood Stripper & Wood Cleaner for Wood Decks

Why We Love It:

  • Available in different sizes
  • Work against multiple coats
ProsCons
✅ Budget-friendly❌ Requires careful handling
✅ Removes solid stains
✅ Easy to apply

Woodrich is a well-known brand that produces the best deck stripping products. This particular product is best for removing paint from any exterior wooden surfaces, not just decks.

It removes solid as well as semi-solid stains. Other than that, you can rely on this wood cleaner to get rid of mildew, mold, stains, and moss.

For best results, users often buy this product along with wood brightener and neutralizer from the same brand. But this wood deck stripper alone can be the best cleaner whether your DIY project involves only cleaning or you are looking to paint removal for giving it a new stain.

You have to make a solution first, then apply this paint stripper on the surface using a brush, and wait for fifteen minutes before pressure washing. You will get a restored floor which is ready for a new coat. In case you are working on tough stains, be ready to use arm grease for brushing the deck.

If you are working with a solid stain, one 2-pound container should give enough solution to cover 750 square feet. Double that amount if you are working against semi-solid wastes. So, a single pack will be enough to do the job in standard sized decks.

The only problem with this wood deck stripper is that it is not very eco-friendly and can also be harmful when exposed to humans. Before using this product, ensure your safety by wearing your safety gear.

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You might also like our picks for the best paint for wooden floors.

Citristrip QCSG801 Paint and Varnish Stripping Gel

Citristrip QCSG801 Paint and Varnish Stripping Gel

Why We Love It:

  • Multipurpose
  • Free of toxic fumes
  • One-step application
ProsCons
✅ Eco-friendly❌ Apply multiple times
✅ Non-caustic
✅ Usable on multiple surfaces

This is the product for removing paint from decking if you have gotten enough time to wait. The manufacturer recommends allowing it to sit on the surface for up to 24 hours before you can pressure wash it.

For oil-based paints, you may have to leave it for 72 hours before washing.

In short, you have to consider the weather forecast for at least the next three days if you are planning its application.

But the results you get from this elongated wait time are unrivaled as you can get rid of oil-based as well as latex paint, lacquer, polyurethane, enamel, acrylics, and epoxy from your deck. Plus, even in the presence of this gel on the deck, you can be sure that it won’t harm your pets or children because it doesn’t emit toxic fumes.

Because of it bio-friendliness, it is the best wood stripper even for indoor projects. Some users find its citric smell to be enjoyable while others claim that it is too strong to bear.

The smaller container size is one issue for most DIY homemakers. You may have to buy several pieces to get the stain completely off your deck.

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Sunnyside 65732A Multi-Strip ADVANCED Paint & Varnish Remover

Sunnyside 65732A Multi-Strip ADVANCED Paint & Varnish Remover

Why We Love It:

  • Can tackle up to 15 layers of coat
  • Free of methylene chloride and NMP
  • Suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces
ProsCons
✅ Adheres to vertical surfaces❌ Needs extra care to get done
✅ Low odor
✅ Eco-friendly

What is the most attractive quality of the last best deck paint stripper on this list?

It’s the brand name that guarantees satisfaction and quality. Sunnyside Corporation is attracting customers’ trust for more than 125 years now. It sells paints, paint additives, and removers to homeowners.

This particular product follows an easy application process and comes with detailed instructions to follow. The manufacturer recommends applying a light coat to break down up to four layers of varnish.

While the higher concentration will be needed for more layers. Any stain whether it is water-based or oil-based will benefit from this product. It gives you peace of mind against the hardest stains including those of 2-part epoxy.

The surfaces which can benefit from this best deck paint remover include concrete, marble, wood, metal, masonry, plaster, and stone. It is best for all indoor and outdoor surfaces.

You can use a roller, brush, or putty knife for application. Then you have to leave it for more than 30 minutes to let it penetrate deep. After that, you can scrape it off using a scraper.

Note that applying this product is a labor-intensive job. Be prepared to spend hours or a whole weekend tending to your project actively. The whole process of application and scrapping takes arm grease. So, get ready with your protective gear.

One thing that will ease your job a bit is its low odor. But it is tedious and mundane. You would love the company and a helping hand for this task.

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Woodrich Cleaner – Wood Cleaner & Mild Stripper

Woodrich Wood Cleaner & Wood Stripper for Wood Decks

Why We Love It:

  • Budget-friendly
  • Applicable on both new and weathered wood
  • Protects wood’s natural sugars
ProsCons
✅ Removes mill scale❌ Works against limited stains
✅ Bio-friendly
✅ Gets rid of mildew

Another product from the trusted brand of Woodrich, this paint stripper for deck is the number one choice for novice to professional deck paint workers.

This stain works well on semi-solid stains, seal, mildew, moss, and mold. It also restores the wood texture of weathered and greyed wood.

Great for all exterior projects, this best deck stripper works great on siding, fences, and log homes. This cleaner makes the perfect step for cleaning and prepping wood for paint and stains. However, you still need a brightener to get the best results.

It is easy to use.

All you have to do is to mix it with water to make a solution before applying it with a brush. Then waiting half an hour for tougher stains, you should use a pressure washer to wash it off. Make sure to get your safety gear on.

The package size is the only issue with this product. The 10-pound container is enough to treat up to 3000 square feet of the wooden surface. As we can see, most decks are much smaller and would need only a fifth portion of this cleaner.

The remaining amount will only add to the costs without impacting the value users get from this product.

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DeckGeneral Deck Stripper 4021

DeckGeneral Deck Stripper 4021

Why We Love It:

  • Environment friendly
  • Tackles various stains
ProsCons
✅ Restores wood❌ Extremely corrosive
✅ Biodegradable formula
✅ Low VOC

The best deck stain remover should also be the most environment-friendly. And DeckGeneral Deck Stripper is best in just that. It is water-based and has low VOC.

Other than environment-friendliness, the remover is also helpful in doing its primary task, which is to remove stains. It does so by restoring the original surface of wood, removing stains efficiently, and making it brighter.

The stains which will get the most benefit from DeckGeneral Decl Stripper 4021 include those of latex finishes, semi-transparent stains, water sealers, polyurethane, film-forming clear coatings, and deteriorated varnishes.

It also restores damaged and discolored wood and removes dirt.

And you get this stripper ready-made. If you want, you can add an equal amount of water to this solution to dilute it in case your stain does not require tough treatment.

Use this stain remover on multiple exterior surfaces including decks, fences, and concrete.

You can use a brush or spray to coat your surface and let it sit for the next fifteen to twenty minutes. After that, you can pressure wash the area to get rid of residue and enjoy the restored beauty of your deck.

This product is available in two different quantities; 1-gallon and 5-gallon containers. Depending on the area you have to cover, you can choose from these quantities.

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Best Paint Remover for Wood Deck – Buying Guide

When you plan to renovate your deck, you know that you are up for a challenge. There are several steps in the process that have to be followed for the best results. And you know that these steps will take days to complete. Sometimes, you question if it is worthwhile to change the stain or color of your deck.

All you want to do in such situations is to apply a new coat over the old varnish after cleaning the debris. But then you think about the refreshed look your deck with the present with the new color you have planned for it. This thought urges you to take up the challenge and get started.

Let’s see some common questions you would have while you are trying to figure out the whole ordeal.

best deck paint stripper

How Do You Get Paint off a Wood Deck?

The method is simple and includes four steps of preparing, applying, rinsing and neutralizing, and preparing for a new finish.

The first step of preparing for stripping involves clearing the space and moving the furniture. Also, you have to wash and clean the surface to get rid of debris and mildew. You also get safety gear to protect yourself against fumes and chemicals.

In the second step, we apply the stripper using a brush or roller. You have to leave the solution (or gel) on from 15 minutes to 72 hours depending on the stripper you are using. There is no hard and fast rule and often the best deck paint stripper also asks for up to days of the sitting period. Next, you wash the stripper using a pressure washer or only scrap the residue.

The third step includes neutralizing the wood to prepare it for the brightening step.

The last step is about buying the new varnish and sanding the wood to prepare for the next coat.

What is the Best Paint Stripping Product for Wood?

The best deck paint remover is Citristrip. We love this stripping gel because of its eco-friendly formula and high-quality results.

There are a few features that we should consider while selecting the best paint remover for a wood deck. These features include ease of application and processing, environment-friendliness, and strength on different types of varnishes.

We can get a detailed analysis of our potential products by looking at deck paint remover reviews and finding the best match for the varnish we want removed.

What is the Fastest Way to Remove Paint from Wood?

There is no shortcut to removing paint from wood. You have to start by preparing the surface and move towards applying the stripper and then scrapping the residue off the surface.

Be ready! This task can be time-consuming.

If you are using a high-quality stripper, your labor input should decrease considerably. If you are working on new wood that can bear some pressure, you can increase your pace by using a pressure washer to clean the residue. However, beware that pressure washing can cause serious harm to weathered deck woods.

Can I Paint over Oil-based Paint?

The short answer is yes, you can coat water-based paint over a surface that was previously painted in oil. But you have to follow some steps to get lasting results.

Start with de-glossing the surface. You don’t want much oil on the surface because it will interfere with adhesion. Sanding should be first step towards getting a water-based coat.

Next, you have to use trisodium phosphate to get rid of debris. You can make a skin-friendly and surface-friendly solution by mixing one cup of TSP into a gallon of water. Use protective wear before applying.

After you have cleaned the surface, prime it. Use a couple of coats of water-based or oil-based primers according to the instructions.

The last step is applying the coat which should be at least two to support adhesion.

Can You Pressure Wash Stain off a Deck?

Yes, you can but should be wary of the damage it causes to the deck.

How Do You Remove Oil-Based Paint from Wood?

There are two most commonly followed methods to remove oil-based paint from wood. The first method includes the use of heat and the second method includes stripping chemicals.

In the first method, you use an infra-red paint stripper. Plug it in and scrape the surface keeping the stripper six inches away from the surface. Next, scrape the surface using a scraper or putty knife.

The second method uses a non-toxic strippers. Just like the best deck paint remover, Citristrip, you have to apply a coat on the surface using a brush or roller. Let it sit for up to 72 hours depending on the toughness of the stain. And then scrape it off. You can also use solution-based paint strippers to get this job done. Just be extra careful for your skin and eyes.

References:

Wood Finishing & Refinishing: Removing the Old Finish

Finishing of wood

  • Author
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Doug Mahoney
Doug Mahoney
He spent 10 years in high-end construction as a carpenter, foreman, and supervisor. He lives in a very demanding 250-year-old farmhouse and spent four years gutting and rebuilding his previous home. He also raises sheep and has a dairy cow that he milks every morning.
Doug Mahoney
Latest posts by Doug Mahoney (see all)
  • 9 Best Wood Laser Cutters 【Top Picks 2021】 - January 17, 2021
  • 10 Best Paint Removers for Wood Deck 【Top Picks 2021】 - November 15, 2020
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