10 Best Automotive Paint Stripper 2025 in the United States

Citristrip Stripping Gel is a user-friendly paint and varnish remover that is particularly notable for its ease of application. It stays wet and active for up to 24 hours, which is advantageous for stripping multiple layers of paint in one go. This product is versatile, working well on wood, metal, and masonry surfaces, and effectively removes dried latex and oil-based paint, varnish, lacquer, polyurethane, and shellac.

Importantly, it is free from methylene chloride and NMP, making it a safer choice for users compared to some other paint strippers on the market. The orange gel is easy to apply and adheres well to surfaces, ensuring thorough coverage. However, users should ensure adequate ventilation due to the potential strong odor, even though it's safer chemically.

Its clean-up process is relatively straightforward, although some residual effort might be required depending on the number of paint layers removed. Citristrip Stripping Gel is a reliable choice for anyone needing an effective and safer paint stripper.

The Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover is a versatile and user-friendly option for removing multiple layers of various paints and coatings. It's non-caustic and water-based, making it safer for both indoor and outdoor use without harmful chemicals like methylene chloride or NMP. This paint stripper is effective on a wide range of surfaces, including wood, brick, metal, and concrete, which enhances its versatility for different projects.

It is available in a gel form, which can be easier to apply and manage, especially on vertical surfaces. Additionally, it covers up to 10 square feet per quart, which is decent for smaller projects or test patches before full application. One significant advantage is its ability to remove up to 15 layers of paint in a single application, which can save time and effort.

However, it is recommended to use Dumond Laminated Paper to prevent premature drying and ensure the product remains effective, which might add to the task complexity. The product also requires a test patch to determine compatibility and necessary dwell time, which is an extra step but helps ensure the best results. Clean-up is relatively straightforward due to its water-based nature, although some residue may remain that requires additional cleaning. This paint stripper is well-suited for both DIY enthusiasts and contractors looking for a safer, efficient option to tackle various paint removal tasks.

The Dumond Smart Strip Marine Paint Remover is a versatile and effective solution for removing multiple layers of marine paints and coatings. It's designed to work on various surfaces including wood, fiberglass, metal, and aluminum, making it suitable for a wide range of marine applications. One of the standout features is its ability to strip up to 15 layers of polyurethane and acrylic paints without using harsh chemicals like Methylene Chloride or NMP, ensuring safety and ease of use.

The water-based gel formula clings well to vertical surfaces, aiding in thorough paint removal without damaging the underlying substrate. This product is particularly beneficial for post-1980's marine paints and coatings and can handle latex, oil, acrylic, and water-based paints, varnishes, and stains. Users appreciate its easy application process—simply apply, wait, and rinse off the residue, which simplifies the DIY experience.

However, it's important to perform a small test area before full application to ensure compatibility and effectiveness on your specific surface. Speed of action can be enhanced by using Dumond Laminated Paper (sold separately), which helps keep the gel in a wet state for better performance. Its non-caustic nature and user-friendly application make it an excellent choice for those looking to safely and efficiently remove marine paint without professional help.