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The 8 Best varnish strippers of 2025

Are you trying to find varnish strippers 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 strippers 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 21 hours of research and did 35 varnish strippers 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 strippers 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
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. 3
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. 4
Sunnyside Corporation 68532 Hi-Speed Ready-Strip Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover, Quart Trigger Spray, Assorted, 32 Fl Oz
  • Capable of removing up to 3 layers of oil or water based coating
  • No-drip formula makes removing paint convenient and easy
  • Clings to vertical surfaces; stays wet longer
  • Starts to work in about 30 minutes
  • Easily cleaned up with water
No. 5
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. 6
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. 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.
No. 8
3M 9413NA Scotch-Brite Paint & Varnish Remover Disc Contour Surface
  • 3M Item # 7000052005. UPC 00051144094134. Alt UPC 00051144094134 Alt UPC 50051144094139.
  • Quantity: 1
No. 9
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. 10
Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover, for Removal of Acrylic, Latex, Oil & Water-Based Coatings, Non-Caustic Formula, Indoor/Outdoor, Contractor & DIY Friendly, 2 Quarts
  • 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.
SaleNo. 11
Evapo-Rust PS004 Safe-Erase Paint and Varnish Remover Gel – 32 fl oz, Contains No Acids, Fumes, or N-Methyl Pyrrolidone , Gray
  • EVAPO-RUST PAINT REMOVER: SAFE-ERASE uses new, and powerful solvents to dissolve multiple layers of paint without the hazards of older technology.
  • INGREDIENTS: Our Safe-Erase Paint and Varnish Remover is made from a premium non-flammable, non-carcinogenic and non-acidic solution. Does not contain caustic alkalis, methylene chloride, and N-Methyl Pyrrolidone.
  • APPLICATIONS: This varnish remover gel dissolves layers of latex, enamel, epoxy, and even powder coatings.
  • EASY TO USE: Apply one coat onto your surface and leave for at least an hour to let the paint bubble up completely. Scrape off any unwanted paint using a putty knife or spatula.
  • PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: This paint remover comes in a 32 fl oz bottle.
No. 12
Max Strip Paint & Varnish Citrus Stripper - 1 Gallon - Strips Multiple Layers - Removes Latex and Oil Based Paints - 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 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
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. 15
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
No. 16
Paint Stripper (Gallon - 128oz) Super Remover New Generation - Safe for Wood, Metal, Concrete & All Type of Paints
477 Consomer Reviews
Paint Stripper (Gallon - 128oz) Super Remover New Generation - Safe for Wood, Metal, Concrete & All Type of Paints
  • STRONG: The strongest paint remover available without methylene chloride, NMP, or any other highly toxic chemicals.
  • SAFER: This revolutionary, patent pending, new stripper works similar to products containing methylene chloride, but uses only safer ingredients. Safe for wood, metal and concrete. Brings a natural finish to your furniture. Gentle on antiques. Water cleanable.
  • FAST: Ultra fast action. Works in 15 minutes for most stripping projects. Removes multiple layers in one application (up to 5 layers).
  • VERSATILE: Removes oil paints, latex paints, varnishes, epoxies, shellacs, lacquers and polyurethanes. As effective as an industrial stripper, and is ideal for heavy-duty projects, finishing work, or any other stripping job.
  • EXPERTISE: Super Remover has been manufacturing high quality paint stripping products for over 40 years.
No. 17
CITRISTRIP® Paint and Varnish Stripper, 17 Oz.
  • CITRISTRIP Paint & Varnish Stripper is easy to use.
  • Stays wet and active for up to 24 hours allowing stripping of multiple layers in one step.
  • Removes five layers of dried latex paint in under one hour.
  • Contains no methylene chloride or NMP (N-Methylpyrrolidone)
  • Use CITRISTRIP to remove multiple layers of dried latex and oil-based paint, varnish, lacquer, polyurethane and shellac.
SaleNo. 18
2 Minute Remover 63532 Advanced Detailing Liquid Paint & Varnish Remover, 32 Fl Oz
  • Size: 1 Quart
  • Removes multiple layers
  • Methylene Chloride free
  • Fast acting liquid used for detailing textured surfaces
  • Strips up to 25 square feet
No. 19
Guardsman Water Mark Remover Cloth - Erase White Rings & Haze Caused by Moisture and Heat - Reusable - 405200-2-Pack
  • Removes marks on wood caused by water, alcohol, and heat
  • Eliminates minor blemishes and surface scratches from wood
  • Removes latex paint and most permanent marker stains
  • Restores beauty without stripping finish
  • Also ideal for polishing metal and chrome

How to choose a good varnish strippers

Does the idea of finding a fantastic varnish strippers 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 strippers. 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 strippers 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 strippers 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 strippers 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 strippers 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 strippers 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 strippers, 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 strippers.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting varnish strippers 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 strippers. 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 strippers 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 strippers.