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The 8 Best varnish removers of 2025

Are you trying to find varnish removers among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling varnish removers on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 29 hours of research and did 40 varnish removers tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best varnish removers you can buy today

No. 1
Citristrip® Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel, 1 Quart
8,745 Consomer Reviews
Citristrip® Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel, 1 Quart
  • CITRISTRIP
  • Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel
  • Citrus scent
  • No harsh fumes
  • One quart
No. 2
Smart 'n Easy Paint & Varnish Remover Gel - Do It Yourself Friendly Paint Remover - Strips Multiple Layers of Acrylic, Latex, Oil & Water-Based Paints & Varnishes - 32oz
  • ALWAYS TEST BEFORE USE: Removes acrylic, latex, oil, & water-based paints, varnishes, & stains, typically in only a single application! TEST for compatibility with your coating before full removal!
  • PERFECT FOR YOUR DIY PROJECTS: Wood furniture, cabinets, decks, & patios, brick or stone fireplaces, plaster walls, fiberglass bathtubs, chair rails, concrete flooring, crown molding, and more!
  • NO CAUSTIC CHEMICALS! Our water-based remover does not contain ANY caustic chemicals commonly found in other paint removers. That means it won’t burn you when you touch it! It smells like citrus, too!
  • EASY TO USE: Simply apply, wait, & remove… It’s that easy! When paired with Dumond Laminated Paper, removal times are even faster, and cleanup is a snap! No fuss, no muss! See our discounted bundles.
  • THE "DO-IT-YOURSELF" CHOICE - Powerful enough for painting contractors but user-friendly for all your DIY home projects like furniture and cabinets. Do it Yourself with Dumond! Packaging may vary.
No. 3
Sunnyside Corporation 63432 Paint & Varnish, Quart, 2 Minute Remover Advanced Gel, 32 Fl Oz
1,853 Consomer Reviews
Sunnyside Corporation 63432 Paint & Varnish, Quart, 2 Minute Remover Advanced Gel, 32 Fl Oz
  • New, safer formula is methylene chloride free
  • Stripping gel removes multiple layers of paint or varnish in one application
  • Safe to use on vertical and horizontal surfaces; will not damage wood, metal and masonry
  • Fast-acting; will being to work in 2-10 minutes on most coatings
  • Coverage is approximately 100 square feet / gallon
No. 4
Max Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper 32oz - Paint Stripper for multiple layers of acrylic, latex, oil & water-based paints, varnishes. For wood, metal, masonry, plaster, tile, molding.
1,280 Consomer Reviews
Max Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper 32oz - Paint Stripper for multiple layers of acrylic, latex, oil & water-based paints, varnishes. For wood, metal, masonry, plaster, tile, molding.
  • DESIGNED TO REMOVE PAINT AND VARNISH FROM MULTIPLE SURFACES - Remove Paint, Latex, Polyurethane, Shellac, Varish, Acrylic, Oil Based Coatings and More in usually a Single Application!
  • EASY TO USE WITHOUT CAUSTIC CHEMICALS - Contains NO Methylene Chloride or NMP. Apply to the surface and check every 15 minutes till it's ready. Remove with scraper. No fuss, no muss!
  • THE "DO-IT-YOURSELF" CHOICE - Powerful enough for painting contractors and restorers, but user-friendly enough for all your DIY home projects.
  • NO HARSH FUMES OR UNPLEASANT ODOR - Our Paint Stripper is Ideal for use in confined or small spaces.
  • THE IDEAL STRIPPING CHOICE - Not designed for removal of deck coatings, factory finished, or baked on coatings ie. vehicle paint.
  • For DIY renovations and professional paint stripping alike, our maximum-strength Max Strip delivers a powerful paint stripper taht is easy-to-use for paint and varnish removal for home improvement projects on all surfaces, big and small.
No. 5
Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylic Medium, Varnish Remover, 125ml (4.2-oz)
3,723 Consomer Reviews
Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylic Medium, Varnish Remover, 125ml (4.2-oz)
  • Safely removes varnish without damage to paintings
  • Will remove Winsor & newton professional acrylic gloss, matt and satin varnishes so paintings can be cleaned and re-varnished
  • 125Ml/42 us fl oz
No. 6
Winsor & Newton Artisan Varnish Remover, 75ml (2.5-oz) bottle
  • Apply generously onto a lint free cloth and gently rub into the varnish film
  • If slight pigment is visible on the cloth this is an indication that the removal has been successful
  • Avoid undue abrasion
No. 7
Klean Strip Premium Stripper Epoxy Polyurethane Varnish and Paint Remover for Wood Metal and Masonry- Engine Paint Remover- Furniture Stripper-Available with Centaurus AZ Flexible Putty Knife-1 QT
  • ✅ Fast Acting and Non-Toxic: Klean Strip Premium Stripper contain fast-acting liquid that takes only 15 minutes to dissolve decades of built-up finishes, and does not contain methylene chloride, a patent-pending formula less toxic, and no severe working conditions for worker.
  • ✅ Toughest Paint Remover: This paint stripper is the most powerful and reliable for the toughest jobs like removing the multiple layers of both latex and oil-based paints without damaging the surface.
  • ✅ Versatile in Nature: This potent stuff not only works on latex and oil based paints, but it also remove polyurethane, epoxy, varnish, and shellac from wood, metal, and masonry surfaces.
  • ✅ Economic and Effective: Now you don’t need to buy multiple products for multiple applications because this single product does the multiple jobs effectively and give result in 15 minutes for long period of time.
  • ✅ Use with Centaurus AZ Putty Knife: Pour into a metal container and apply a thick coat on, then leave the area and let the remover to do the job for 15 minutes and scrape it off with Centaurus AZ flexible Putty Knife that we are determined to provide with this product.
SaleNo. 8
Sunnyside 65732A Multi-Strip ADVANCED Paint & Varnish Remover, Quart
  • Safer professional paint and varnish remover; formulated with no methylene chloride or NMP
  • Capable of removing up to 15 layers of paint, varnish, stain, lacquer and urethane; begins working in 30 minutes
  • Apply a light coat to remove 1-4 layers; a heavier coat will remove multiple layers with a stripping tool
  • Apply with a brush, medium sized nap paint roller, or putty knife. Case Height-5.38 inch. Case Depth-10.19 inch. Case Width-15.44 inch
  • Will adhere to vertical surfaces; use on interior or exterior surfaces including wood, plaster, concrete, brick, stone, masonry, marble, metal and veneers
SaleNo. 9
Dincmax Varnish Spray Car Paint Clear Coat Remover.
6 Consomer Reviews
Dincmax Varnish Spray Car Paint Clear Coat Remover.
  • Dincmax Varnish Clear Coat Remover Spray the Dincmax Varnish Car Clear Coat Remover
No. 10
Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover - Strips Up to 15 Layers of Acrylic, Latex, Oil, & Water-Based Paints, Varnishes, Stains, & Coatings Usually in One Application - DIY Friendly - 1 Quart
  • REMOVES UP TO 15 LAYERS OF PAINTS & COATINGS - Strips Acrylic, Latex, Oil, and Water-Based Paints, Varnishes, Stains, and Coatings in usually a Single Application!
  • EFFECTIVE ON ALMOST EVERY SURFACE - Wood, Brick, Stone, Metal, Marble, Terra Cotta, Granite, Terrazzo, Concrete, Plaster, Cement, Copper, Tin, Enamel, Slate, Cast Iron, and More!
  • EASY TO USE WITHOUT CAUSTIC CHEMICALS - Contains NO Methylene Chloride or NMP. Apply to surface and check every 90 minutes for up to 24 hrs. Remove with scrapper or pressure washer. No fuss, no muss!
  • TRUSTED BY PAINTING PROFESSIONALS - Smart Strip has been used on restoration projects of historic buildings and landmarks, government facilities, entertainment venues, and homes worldwide!
  • THE "DO-IT-YOURSELF" CHOICE - Powerful enough for painting contractors and restorers, but user-friendly enough for all your DIY home projects. That's why we say, "Do it yourself, with Dumond!"
No. 11
Sunnyside Back to Nature Multi-Strip Professional Paint & Varnish Remover, Quart, 65732
  • Qty, multi-strip is a unique environmentally safe paint Remover designed to remove up to 15 layers of paint & varnish
  • It is biodegradable
  • Manufactured in China
SaleNo. 12
Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover, For Removal of Acrylic, Latex, Oil & Water-Based Coatings, Non-Caustic Formula, Indoor/Outdoor, Contractor & DIY Friendly, 1 Quart
  • ALWAYS TEST BEFORE FULL USE: Every coating is different. Apply a test patch of Smart Strip Advance to ensure compatibility with any coatings present. This will also determine the required dwell time.
  • WATER-BASED & NON-CAUSTIC: Smart Strip Advanced must remain in a wet state to perform removal. Cover with Dumond Laminated Paper (see bundles below) to prevent premature drying and speed removal.
  • REMOVES MULTIPLE LAYERS OF PAINT: Strips up to 15 layers of acrylic, latex, oil, and water-based paints, varnishes, stains, and coatings, usually in a single application. Effective indoors and out.
  • COMPATIBLE WITH MOST SURFACES: Remove paint from wood, brick, stone, metal, marble, terra cotta, granite, terrazzo, concrete, plaster, cement, copper, tin, enamel, slate, cast iron, and more!
  • RESULTS WITHOUT CAUSTICS: Many other removers rely on dangerous caustics to remove coatings. Smart Strip Advanced doesn’t! We get the job done without ANY caustics like methylene chloride or NMP.
No. 13
Max Strip Paint & Varnish Citrus Stripper - 1 Quart - Strips Multiple Layers - Removes Latex and Oil Based Paints - No Methylene Chloride No NMP Powerful Formula
56 Consomer Reviews
Max Strip Paint & Varnish Citrus Stripper - 1 Quart - Strips Multiple Layers - Removes Latex and Oil Based Paints - No Methylene Chloride No NMP Powerful Formula
  • DESIGNED TO REMOVE PAINT AND VARNISH FROM MULTIPLE SURFACES - Remove Paint, Latex, Polyurethane, Shellac, Varish, Acrylic, Oil Based Coatings and More in usually a Single Application!
  • EASY TO USE WITHOUT CAUSTIC CHEMICALS - Contains NO Methylene Chloride or NMP. Apply to the surface and check every 15 minutes till it's ready. Remove with scraper. No fuss, no muss!
  • THE "DO-IT-YOURSELF" CHOICE - Powerful enough for painting contractors and restorers, but user-friendly enough for all your DIY home projects.
  • NO HARSH FUMES OR UNPLEASANT ODOR - Ideal for use in confined or small spaces with a fresh citrus scent.
  • THE IDEAL STRIPPING CHOICE - Very effective at removing most kinds of aftermarket paints and coatings. Not designed for removal of deck coatings, factory finished, or baked on coatings ie. vehicle paint.
No. 14
Goof Off FG653 Professional Strength Remover, Pourable 16-Ounce,Liquid
  • GOOF OFF Professional Strength Remover works the first time to remove dried latex paint, adhesive, asphalt and tar faster and better than other removers.
  • Effectively removes the toughest stuff ordinary removers can’t. Clear away stuck-on messes with this professional strength adhesive remover.
  • Use Goof Off to eliminate messes and costly mistakes from a wide variety of surfaces including baseboards, metal, glass, brick, wood, concrete, grout, fiberglass, hand tools and most car, truck, boat, or RV surfaces.
  • For use as a glue remover and to remove stickers, decals, caulk, dried latex, paint, tar, road grime, and even bugs and tree sap.
  • Directions: Apply to a cloth and simply blot or rub lightly.
  • Cuts through the toughest spots and stains quickly
  • Use it to eliminate costly messes and mistakes around the garage, workshop and home
  • It works faster and better than other removers – use it when all else fails
  • Cleans adhesive and glue, oil and tar, dried latex paint, hand tools, stains on carpet, clothing, upholstery, crayon, pen and marker, graffiti and varnish, gum, candle wax, scuff marks, caulk, lipstick and makeup, tar, bugs, tree sap
  • This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
No. 15
MAX Strip Professional Strength Paint and Varnish Stripper - 1 Gallon - Strips Paint, Latex, Polyurethane, Shellac, Varish, Acrylic and More - No Methylene Chloride No NMP Powerful No Drip Gel Formula
  • DESIGNED TO REMOVE PAINT AND VARNISH FROM MULTIPLE SURFACES - Remove Paint, Latex, Polyurethane, Shellac, Varish, Acrylic, Oil Based Coatings and More in usually a Single Application!
  • EASY TO USE WITHOUT CAUSTIC CHEMICALS - Contains NO Methylene Chloride or NMP. Apply to the surface and check every 15 minutes till it's ready. Remove with scraper. No fuss, no muss!
  • THE "DO-IT-YOURSELF" CHOICE - Powerful enough for painting contractors and restorers, but user-friendly enough for all your DIY home projects.
  • NO HARSH FUMES OR UNPLEASANT ODOR - Ideal for use in confined or small spaces.
  • THE IDEAL STRIPPING CHOICE - Not designed for removal of deck coatings, factory finished, or baked on coatings ie. vehicle paint.
No. 16
Minwax Antique Furnature Refinisher 67300000, 1 quart, Clear
  • Contains natural wood oils that penetrate and condition wood
  • Does not remove paint or polyurethane
  • Perfect product for antique wooden furniture restoration
  • Gently dissolves years of built-up varnish, shellac, lacquer and other old finishes without stripping to uncover wood's natural color and grain
  • Leaves wood's warm glow undisturbed
  • No scraping, no sanding, no mess
  • 1 quart
No. 17
Motsenbocker's Lift Off 41132 32-Ounce Paint and Varnish Remover for Wood Stain, Solvent Paint, Lacquers, Polyurethane Works on Cabinetry, Furniture, Wood and More Water-Based, Pack of 1
36 Consomer Reviews
Motsenbocker's Lift Off 41132 32-Ounce Paint and Varnish Remover for Wood Stain, Solvent Paint, Lacquers, Polyurethane Works on Cabinetry, Furniture, Wood and More Water-Based, Pack of 1
  • SAFELY REMOVES STAINS AND VARNISHES: Our Paint and Varnish Remover utilizes a patented, water-based Enviro Science formula to safely remove paints, varnishes, wood stains, epoxy, shellac and more.
  • WORKS ON MULTIPLE SURFACES: This environmentally friendly paint remover works on cabinetry, flooring, furniture, wood, metal, stone and masonry surfaces.
  • SAFER ALTERNATIVE TO HARSH CHEMICALS: Using our Varnish Remover is safer than using harsh paint removers and paint strippers that contain Methylene Chloride. Plus, biodegradable and has low VOCs.
  • EASY AND QUICK TO USE: This varnish remover works well on flat or vertical surfaces and simply requires a paint brush application, five minute wait and a scraper to lift the coating.
  • MADE IN THE USA: We manufacture our Motsenbocker’s Lift Off product line in the United States with high standards for product quality and using superior ingredients that are environmentally friendly.
  • Paint & varnish remover gel
  • Successfully strips enamels and acrylic paints, shellacs, varnishes and other solvent and water-borne coatings and stains
  • Environmentally friendly; water-based formula, biodegradable, low VOC's
No. 18
3M 9413NA Scotch-Brite Paint & Varnish Remover Disc Contour Surface
  • 3M Item # 7000052005. UPC 00051144094134. Alt UPC 00051144094134 Alt UPC 50051144094139.
  • Quantity: 1
No. 19
Cutex Gel Nail Polish Remover, Ultra-Powerful & Removes Glitter and Dark Colored Paints, Paraben Free, 6.76 Fl Oz
  • PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH GEL NAIL POLISH REMOVER: No salon needed. Cutex nail polish remover removes tough polishes, including salon UV gel, long wear, glitter, and dark colors for salon-quality results
  • SCENTED WITH CUCUMBER FRAGRANCE: This acetone nail polish remover is formulated to be a cucumber fragrance that creates a light, fresh scent
  • FAST AND EASY NAIL POLISH REMOVAL: The spa formula contains 98% acetone for fast and easy at home manicure and pedicure removal
  • INFUSED WITH A CONDITINING FORMULA: Our polish remover is infused with a patented oil blend that includes Apricot Kernel oil
  • AVAILABLE IN OTHER VARIETIES: Cutex nail polish remover is also available in Strength-Shield, Nourishing, Moisture-Rich, and Non-Acetone formulas
  • Does not cause white marks on nails
  • For hard-to-remove glitter and dark colored polish
SaleNo. 20
Scotch-Brite Flat Surface Paint and Varnish Remover Disc
  • FOR FLAT SURFACES
  • FAST REMOVAL of surface paint and rust
  • FOR USE ON wood, metal and plastic
  • HOOK and LOOP disc
  • Reduces gouging and leaves a smooth paintable surface

How to choose a good varnish removers

Does the idea of finding a fantastic varnish removers make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in varnish removers. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top varnish removers products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top varnish removers on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top varnish removers brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top varnish removers based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the varnish removers were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good varnish removers, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your varnish removers.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting varnish removers for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our varnish removers. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what varnish removers should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on varnish removers.