The Best Paint Stripper for Concrete | Reviews and Buying Guide
Walts DIY is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Read reviews of the best products for concrete paint stripping. Save time, money and get your concrete restored quickly. It’s time to start looking for something that works.
Paint can be a pain to remove, and it’s even harder when you’re working with concrete. The paint is often too thick or the surface too rough for most solvent strippers to work effectively.
If you’ve been struggling with removing paint from your concrete surfaces, we have some good news! We’ll show you how to use the best paint stripper for concrete in this article. You’ll also find reviews of our favorite products and tips on how to get the job done quickly and easily without tiring yourself out with a wire brush in hand!
Paint strippers are a popular tool for removing paint from concrete. It’s not always easy to choose the right one, though. Stripping old paint is a great way to refresh the look of your home, so whether you’re looking for something that can remove paint from your driveway or want to strip off old, chipped paint on a concrete floor, there are many options out there.
But with so many choices available, it can be hard to know which one will give you the best results.
So, what are you looking for in a paint stripper? If you want it to be effective on all paints, you need non-flammable and no strong odors or fumes. You also want it to be safe for your skin and eyes and the environment. And finally, it should work quickly without leaving any residue behind when finished with its job. It can not be easy finding all of these qualities in one product, but we’ll make the process easier by providing reviews on some different options available below!
We know that finding a product that works well can be challenging, so we want to make it easy for you by providing reviews of our favorite products as well as tips on how you can get the task done quickly and easily.
Best Paint Stripper for Concrete | Compared
CLICK any image to see Ratings and Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Title | Buy | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Sunnyside Corporation 65664 Hi-Speed Ready-Strip Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover | Buy Now | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
 | Klean-Strip QWN285 Quart Easy Liquid Sander Deglosser | Buy Now | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) |
 | Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 |
 | Paint Stripper D Super Remover | Buy Now | 4.6 / 5 |
 | MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 |
 | Safe ‘n Easy Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover Gel | Buy Now | 4.4 / 5 |
 | Klean Strip Premium Stripper | Buy Now | 4.3 / 5 |
Best Paint Stripper for Concrete | Reviews
1. Sunnyside Corporation Hi-Speed Ready-Strip Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover (Best Overall)
- It can't get any easier than this! Hi-speed ReadyStrip Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover is the fastest way to remove paint, varnish, or stain from horizontal and vertical surfaces. It clings to vertical ones, so it stays wet longer. One gallon of this no-drip formula removes up to three layers of paint without any fuss whatsoever--and with minimal elbow grease!
- We all know that half the battle of painting is to get the existing paint off. This new stuff from Sunnyside Corporation removes paint and varnish in just 20 minutes! It's safe, organic, and fast!
- The best thing about it? No fumes mean you're safe even near pets and kids. You've never seen a paint remover like this one! Not only does it start to work in about 30 minutes, but it's also easily cleaned up with water.
- Plus, now those annoying sunspots on your wall will disappear as well as lifting the stubborn residue left behind by the outdated practice of removing latex paint. It even works better than harsh chemicals like methylene chloride to remove those stubborn remnants from your masonry surface, wood, metal, plastic, and more!
- Ready-Strip Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover is one of the best - if not the best - paint strippers on the market. Removing paint, varnish, latex, etc., has never been easier, whether it's inside or outside. You'll need to try this product if you've got any painting jobs planned in your future!
2. Klean-Strip Quart Easy Liquid Sander Deglosser (Best Value)
- No matter what type of substance you're looking to remove from a surface, Klean-Strip Quart Easy Liquid Sander Deglosser will work wonders. You can use it on varnish, stains, and lacquer, and spray paint too! Trust me-the low price is just icing on the cake.
- Removing old layers of paint was nearly impossible until now. With Klean-Strip Liquid Sander Deglosser, they make it easy to take care of those tough jobs. This product guarantees your satisfaction with such a large amount available and is equally versatile for different jobs.
- You can rely on Klean-Strip with all your paint removal needs, whether you want to work on concrete or wood panels, with this earth-friendly product that leaves no harmful residue behind!
3. Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover
- Removing 15+ layers of paint and coatings has never been easier with Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover. This safe, water-based formula is safe for many surfaces and 100% biodegradable, meaning there's no need to worry about potential harm to the environment or those renovating their homes.
- It smells like nothing at all (all joking aside), giving you a pleasant experience as well as an environmentally-friendly one! This product works on wood, brick, metal, concrete, stone and plaster, fiberglass, porcelain bathtubs, molding, tile, and cement blocks.
- With no caustic chemicals and a 100% biodegradable formula, you'll never have to worry about getting sick from fumes while removing that dated paint color that doesnt match anymore.
- This odor-free water-based remover is safe for use on non-porous materials - even indoors! It quickly removes the thickest of coats without any toxic chemicals or fumes, meaning you don't have to worry about your kids getting near it or running into a room while it's still drying. For home projects on more sensitive surfaces like buildings with landmark status, museums, historic buildings, opera houses, and homes? Dumond has got you covered there too!
- It must be working because, to date, thousands of painters have trusted this household paint remover in their homes.
4. D Super Remover Paint Stripper
- It's a nasty job safely removing painted concrete or paint from anything not made of wood! Still, lucky for you, we have found a solution, and this latest addition to the paint remover line is genuinely revolutionary. You no longer need to be at the mercy of toxins like methylene chloride when trying to strip your furniture, floors, or other projects.
- If you're looking for a paint remover that can safely clean away years of whatever has been put on there, then this product is right up your alley! And once it's done, you'll see that it leaves an almost natural finish to all surfaces found inside and outside of homes alike, plus you clean up using soap and water.
- This product will remove most coatings in just 15 minutes with no burns, calluses, or skin irritation from heavy-duty projects to finishing work. It can take on any paint, even oil-based and latex paints, which are notoriously difficult to remove.
5. MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper
- Max Strip Paint and Varnish Stripper: why use a harsh chemical with toxic fumes and unusual odor when you can easily clean with just water? Max is a non-caustic, low volatile organic compound formula that strips paint and varnish without causing much odor.
- You won't find many products on the market today that tackle the most challenging stripping tasks with anywhere near as much effectiveness, safety, comfort, and convenience as MAX Strip.
- Say goodbye to elbow grease, messy fumes, and toxic chemicals! There is no need for complicated ventilation or particular waiting periods before entering after use - MAX Strip is skin safe with no harsh chemicals or potent solvent vapors.
- From its heavy-duty formula to its easy-to-use method of application and carefree clean-up afterward, this is hands down one of the best finishes in paint removal.
6. Safe ‘n Easy Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover Gel
- The product is often seen in DIY shows, where it's used to remove paint from wood. Safe n Easy Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover Gel can also be used on metal, masonry, concrete surfaces. The great thing about the gel-which lacks caustics or dangerous smells-is that when you're finished with one room in your home, you can safely use it to start stripping paint off of another space!
- Scrubbing paint off surfaces can be tedious and time-consuming. That's why it's in your best interest to try Safe n Easys Paint Remover Gel. This product is the ultimate in easy professional-grade painting prep, quickly removes up to 15 layers of old paint and varnishes without all the scrubbing hassle.
7. Klean Strip Premium Stripper
- Whether you're painting a home improvement project or scrubbing off old paint from your furniture, Klean Strip Premium Stripper is the answer for speed and getting it done right. This solution not only has a patent-pending formula that's less toxic but also does the job fast by dissolving decades of finish in under 15 minutes.
- A go-to for de-lacquering and stripping epoxies, paints, and more in a flash, Klean Strip Premium Stripper is here to save the day. It's thick, brushable paste clings to vertical surfaces without runs or drips.
- Think about the last time you scraped paint off a surface and what it looked like. Now imagine that process without all of the mess, fumes, and laborious scraping - Klean Strip Premium Stripper is just right for you. Using one brush stroke in one direction only puts an end to worrying about getting under edges and painting over spots you missed.
Video: How to Remove Paint from Concrete
Buyers Guide for Paint Strippers
When it comes to concrete paint strippers, there are many options available. Some have harmful chemicals to the environment, while others offer alternatives that preserve the planet with less toxicity.
Choosing a paint stripper can be a daunting task because there are plenty of options to choose from. Some people purchase a multi-purpose stripper that works on more than one surface, but those products also have limitations. For example, the product may not work on vertical surfaces or take longer for the stripper to work.
There are two main types of paint strippers:
- Liquid chemicals
- Zero-VOC
Liquid chemical paint stripper
It doesn’t include VOCs and comes in various forms: sprays, gels, and splashes. It frequently uses either NMP (a carcinogenic compound) or methylene chloride as the active ingredient to break down the paint’s binding agents. These can be found at your local hardware store; orange-colored strippers often use NMP.
The solvent is a type of paint stripper that will work on any surface to remove oil-based and water-based paints. It works quickly, efficiently breaking down the bonds between coats until all you’re left with are bare metal or wood – without damaging delicate surfaces like masonry!
There are a few downsides to using this type of stripper. First, the VOCs in solvent-based paint cleaners make them more hazardous than other types, and it also has strong odors, which can be pretty unpleasant for those around you while working with them (although an advantage might be that these fumes won’t stick around long).
Caustic paint strippers are the best for removing old, dried-on layers of paint from surfaces like concrete or brick. However, they have many limitations when working on other materials such as epoxy coatings because these protections contain polymers. This means that even though you’ll be able to get rid of them entirely with an acidic solution, it will leave behind flaking pieces that may cause further damage over time.
You should always exercise caution if using lye-based cleaners near any type(s)of plastic since strong acid could eat through plastics quickly!
One of the best things about caustic strippers is that they’re effective on water and oil-based paints. The downside? Using this type will likely damage wooden surfaces because their chemical makeup attracts too much moisture.
Biochemical paint removers are a more eco-friendly way to remove old paint jobs than the previous two chemical strippers. There is very little odor because it’s made up of natural ingredients. However, these biologics can still cause health hazards such as respiratory and reproductive issues along with irritating skin. This is why safety gear should always be worn while working in this environment – even if you don’t think you will ever come into contact with any fumes or VOCs released by the product.
No VOCs or dangerous chemicals
These types of paint removers have been on the market since 2011 after California passed a law for safer cleaning products. They’re safe to use around people and pets, which is why medical professionals and professional painting contractors recommend them.
This product is one of the safest options for paint stripping because it doesn’t contain NMP, lye, or methylene chloride. However, it’s still possible to irritate your skin and lungs, so safety gear should always be worn when using this type of cleaner!
This paint remover is perfect for those looking to eliminate the harmful chemicals in their paints without using any VOCs. It works with oil and water-based paints but has limitations when it comes down to removing epoxy or polyurethane from surfaces–hence why some other types may be more efficient options depending on what you need to do. It also comes with a higher price tag, but it’s made of more natural ingredients.
Buy on AmazonFlames and heat
A few methods that you can use to remove paint are fire and excessive heat. This may sound like it would do the job efficiently, but it generally doesn’t work in most cases; if you’re using this method for painted surfaces, they might end up damaging more than before.
Heat guns and torches are pretty standard tools in stripping paint, but you have to be extra careful when using them because they can cause damage quickly. Just like using open flames in the vicinity of flammable cabinets or surfaces, you should never use this method without extreme caution!
Another thing to remember is that this type of paint remover can cause severe burns on the skin if it’s not handled correctly! This happens since heat is being used, so you have to be very cautious when using items with high temperatures.
They also emit toxic fumes, so you should only use them outside or in well-ventilated areas. Safety gear must be worn when dealing with this type of paint remover since you’re putting yourself at risk for experiencing any adverse effects.
A few examples of safety gear include gloves, goggles, and respirators to prevent any instances of irritation or health hazards while using these chemicals.
Buy on AmazonPaint-removal tools
Using a scraper is one way that professionals get rid of what’s left on the walls after a paint job. Many professionals also use a drill with a wire brush to break down stubborn paint stuck to surfaces. This can be done on any surface, not just walls!
For years, sanding was the most common method for stripping paint off of surfaces. The downside? This requires a lot of time and effort – along with sandpaper – to get the job done right. While sanding certainly can remove layers of paint, it’s not effective in getting rid of every stubborn paint spot, and it can damage the surface itself.
Power tools
When stripping paint off surfaces, you need to be using at least a sander or drill with a wire brush attached; if you’re only using your hands, this process will take too long and will most likely end in frustration! This is especially true when dealing with thick layers of paint and stubborn surfaces.
Many professionals use a drill to remove layers of paint because it’s more efficient and much faster than using hand tools. However, it still takes time to strip off everything, so this method is best used when you’re not pressed for time.
Buy on AmazonPressure washer
Using a pressure washer for paint removal is one of the most common methods professionals use, especially when it comes to stripping paint off concrete surfaces.
The downside to pressure washing is that it’s not effective in removing thick layers of paint or stubborn epoxy or polyurethane paints, which are widely used for concrete flooring, and you can unwittingly damage a thin metal surface.
Lead paint
When removing paint from your home, you must determine whether the paint surface is lead-based or not. If so, and if done improperly, then there’s a chance for inhalation of dust which can cause death due to poisoning by this dangerous metal element found in many paints.
To avoid such a tragedy, all we have to do now is use special lead testing kits to determine if your paint is lead-based or not.
Once this has been determined, you can get rid of it by hiring a professional contractor to do the job since they have special equipment designed for doing such messy clean-up from lead-based paints. This also keeps your family safe from harmful lead dust poisoning in the air, which may be detrimental to your health.
Buy on AmazonCoverage
When it comes to stripping paint from surfaces – especially large surface areas like walls vs. small surfaces like posts or railings – there are a few different methods you can use. In most cases, the size of your surface will dictate which method is right for removing all that stubborn paint!
For example, if you’re dealing with a smaller area and don’t want to bother with a paintbrush or roller, then using a spray bottle will be the simplest way to do this. However, if you’re stripping paint off of driveways or other larger surfaces, then using a spray bottle just won’t cut it – and would take forever!
For large areas like concrete walls and floors, using rollers and brushes will be the most efficient. You can avoid having to use a spray bottle by going directly from the paint tray to the surface, and then rolling it out in sections. This is a highly effective method for large surfaces that requires minimal time and effort!
Buy on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
How does paint stripper for concrete work?
The best paint strippers for concrete are those that use chemicals to break down the top layer of your surface. This is done by paint stripper ingredients reacting with one another and breaking down that stubborn paint you want to be removed! This is a chemical product designed to remove the paint from concrete while cleaning up any surface residue.
How do you get acrylic paint off concrete?
Because acrylic paints are water-based, they’re easier to clean up than oil-based paints. Most of the time you can simply soak them in water and then wipe off any excess with a cloth or paper towel! Dried paint may take more effort with a scraper or putty knife, but if done right there’s little evidence left behind that it was ever even there.
Does the paint stripper damage the concrete underneath?
No, the paint stripper won’t damage any additional layers or surface that’s underneath what you’re stripping. The process involves chemicals breaking down the layers of paint on your concrete that was painted on, to begin with. This means it will only remove layers of paint, and not the original surface itself! Some products can remove up to 15 layers of paint but most remove 3.
Can you power wash paint off concrete?
Yes! Power-washing is a common cleaning method for removing paint from concrete. It’s also effective for other surfaces, such as buildings and walls. However, power-washing isn’t effective for all types of paint or materials. You should always thoroughly test an inconspicuous area first before using this cleaning method!
How do you remove dried latex paint from concrete?
Latex paint is fairly easy to remove from a concrete surface. If you get stubborn stains, simply apply some paint remover and let it sit for a while before scraping off the dried-up residue- voila!
Does vinegar remove paint from concrete?
Vinegar can be used as a powerful cleaning agent for removing paint from concrete. It works by breaking down the chemical components that were used to create the paint! Get rid of that old, peeling paint without resorting to a toxic chemical with vinegar. If your concrete has a sealer or finish coating and you want it gone for good use, patch test this on one inconspicuous area first just in case it causes some damage.
It’s time to get your hands on some DIY magic! Heat the vinegar, and you’ll be able to remove paint from any surface, including concrete. Just make sure that it is not boiling, or else there will cause damage instead of removing stains – so use a stovetop burner if possible for this one or, even better yet, the microwave.
Apply with a brush before letting soak for 15 minutes, then reapply again after 1/2 an hour has passed just in case stubborn areas need more attention than others; let those bubbles do their job and remove the paint with a scraper or wire scrub brush. You can then clean up using soapy water.
Can you use a paint thinner to remove paint from concrete?
Yes, paint thinners and removers work by removing top layers of paint from the concrete. The best part is that they will do so without damaging the surface underneath.
There are a lot of different solvent-based paint thinners on the market today, but they all perform similarly. In some cases, solvents dissolve substances like paints and have been proven as effective as acetone or turpentine!
Can baking soda remove paint from concrete?
You can use baking soda to remove paint from concrete. Just mix up a few tablespoons of baking soda in about two cups of water for this one and apply it with a brush. You want to use enough baking soda that there’s a paste left when you’re finished. Let it sit for an hour before removing, and then clean it up. Soda blasting is best for larger areas.
Can I use a floor grinder to remove paint from concrete?
Yes, you can use a floor grinder to remove paint from concrete. Since it functions similarly to an angle grinder, you will need to use the same safety precautions. The spinning pad of the tool makes for a highly effective cleaner that will power through any dried-up paint without damaging the surface underneath.
Be aware that because of the speed and power of the tool, it should only be used for this purpose if necessary, as you can take off layers of concrete and end up with an uneven surface.
Conclusion
So, can we guess that you’re now ready to purchase some paint remover from the hardware store? Well, if you haven’t figured it out already, yes, there’s more to this process than just purchasing a cheap product!
The first thing that you should consider is the size of your project. The bigger it is, the more paint remover you will need. For small projects, a spray bottle might be sufficient to dissolve the paint!
Remember that if you are dealing with an old paint job or incredibly stubborn stains, it may take more than one application to get rid of it. You should always thoroughly test an inconspicuous area first before using this cleaning method!
Don’t forget to wear protective glasses, gloves, and clothing when working with this type of cleaner.
With that in mind, you should be able to get started! Let us know what you end up doing if you decide to strip paint off your concrete surface; we’d love to hear about it!
Here are some other articles you may like:
Best Way To Remove Spray Paint | 5 Different Methods
8 Best Paint Strippers For Metal | Reviews & Buying Guide
7 Best Professional Airless Paint Sprayers & Buyers Guide
Here are our favorite Karcher pressure washers
CLICK any image to see Ratings and Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Model | Price | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top  | Karcher K5 | Click Here | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | Karcher K1700 | Click Here | 4.7 / 5 (Best Value) |
  | Karcher K2 | Click Here | 4.5 / 5 |
  | Karcher 11073840 G2900X | Click Here | 4.6 / 5 |
When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
- How to Select the Best Drill Bit For Your Project - November 29, 2021
- The Benefits of Leaf Blowers for Yard and Garden Maintenance - November 15, 2021
- The Best Paint Stripper for Concrete | Reviews and Buying Guide - November 12, 2021
