Deck strippers are used for two reasons; to remove hard old stain and clean decks with dirt, mildews, and wood blemishes.
There is a misconception between a deck stripper and a cleaner. In a nutshell, deck strippers are way more potent formulas than deck cleaners. They are mainly composed of sodium hydroxide.
In this article, you will know the best deck strippers that will help tidy up your home. We will review them based on their effectiveness and convenience that will surely convince you to have one.
Besides, a buyer's guide will be included here to ease your burden of what to consider. This guide is a great help, especially for first-time buyers. We have a lot to talk about, so let’s get straight into it!
Furthermore, this remover also kills molds, mildew, and grimes. The formula is undoubtedly an easy-to-use product with high effectiveness even on sealers. Without a doubt, this kind of remover is worth your purchase.
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11 Best Deck Strippers Reviews
We made you a shortlist of what we think are best deck strippers in the market today. These 11 products will be scrutinized so that you have your choice of purchase.
1. Wood Cleaner & Wood Stripper for Wood Decks
Furthermore, this remover also kills molds, mildew, and grimes. The formula is undoubtedly an easy-to-use product with high effectiveness even on sealers. Without a doubt, this kind of remover is worth your purchase.
If you want a stripper that is ideal for new and weathered wood decks, Woodrich can provide you one. This pick from the list is an effective formula for almost all kinds of woods. You can also use it on a wooden fence and sidings, just anywhere in your home.
An unprotected wood that is long exposed in the sunlight will quickly lose its color. The wood will turn gray, and it is a clear indication of deadwood. With this wood stripper, you can easily remove dead ones and expose the fresh wood underneath.
This stripper has incredible coverage of 3000 square feet. So, if you have a large deck and want it to last for a long duration, this remover is the one you can turn to. It also effectively removes soiled oil base finishes and gives restoration to neglected surfaces.
Woodrich’s wood stripper comes in a powder form that mixes easily with water. With this, you can make your preferred solution depending on your desired amount. Most importantly, it is safe for your plants and pets, so you won’t have to worry about using it.
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2. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Stripper
Restore-A-Deck stripper is the best way to get rid of oil and latex-based finishes. It comes with many useful features that you will surely love. Let’s find out why.
Well, this product is biodegradable, and powder concentrated that takes away worn-out finishes and restores surfaces of wood as fast as lightning. Wood stains will surely be removed along with the dirt, mold, and mildew on your deck.
If you are working on a wood surface already stained, Restore-A-Deck stripper can get the job done with ease. It efficiently removes sealers, transparent, and semi-transparent stains. This remover is multi-purpose, giving you optimum convenience and satisfaction.
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Much more, the powder comes eco-safe that can make up to five gallons of solution when mixed with water. Obviously, it is super safe to use on all wood surfaces, providing you excellent removal of stains. Not only that, but this stripper is also cost-effective; it covers 500 to 1000 square feet area per gallon.
If you want maximum results, you can use a pump sprayer or a pressure washer. With this, you’re sure that you can get a more comfortable experience. Also, if you’re being practical, you can have this stripper without going over your budget.
Though this is safe around your plants, exposing them with a thick formula of the wood stripper can burn foliage.
In conclusion, if you want a versatile formula that won't be much of an expense, choose Restore-A-Deck stripper and stain remover.
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3. DEFY Exterior Wood Stain Stripper
Next up is the DEFY stain stripper that is an amazingly ready to use formula. This high-quality solution removes old finishes and restores your deck to its original appearance. All you have to do is pour a solution on a pump sprayer, and you are ready to go.
Since we want to avoid hassle as much as possible, it is fantastic to take away the risk of wrong mixing. This commercial-grade product removes worn-out finishes along with dirt, mildew, and algae growing on your deck. However, this stain stripper does not have the power to remove paint and solid color stains.
For versatility, this product is applicable on any deck surfaces and species of woods. With this, you can easily remove weathered deck stains without too much effort. It also unquestionably saves time so that you can do more tasks at home rather than stressing over hard to remove wood stains.
To enable you to get the perfect results, the manufacturer recommends that you apply it using the sprayer and leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes. After that, you can use the pressure washer to get rid of the stain.
Admittedly, it is easy as one-two-three. So, do not hesitate and get yourself ready to use the formula for an excellent finish.
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4. Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper Combo Pack
As a buyer, you’d want only the best and most well-deserved purchase. If you are looking for a very advantageous combo pack, Restore-A-Deck offers this fantastic set to you. It contains all the products that you need to prep for the removal of stubborn and difficult coatings.
The package contains a wood stain stripper, which is biodegradable and powder form that quickly restores wooden surfaces. As a plus, this product is the step one of the process.
Next up is a wood brightener that brings back the old beauty of the exterior wood. This one is entirely eco-safe and truly excels in brightening.
Then, we have the booster additive, which is a unique mix of solvents. This product will increase the stripper's effectiveness by three times and help break down surface tension conveniently.
Last is the thickening gel that will raise the stripper's efficiency by clinging more for an additional hour.
Well, the powder of the stripper can make three gallons of solution. And that can cover around 500 to 1000 square meters. Additionally, it is also eco-safe, so you can use it on decks and all exterior wood surfaces.
To have the best results, the surface needs to have a temperature above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, you will need a sprayer when applying the deck stripper. Given all of these inclusions, this package is definitely worth your purchase.
Perhaps, the major downside of this product is that it won't work for paint and over-applied acrylics.
Suggested Reading: Most Effective Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaners.
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5. Sunnyside Multi-Strip Paint & Varnish Remover Quart
Adding to this list is this safe, professional paint and varnish remover from Sunnyside. This formula is incredibly fantastic, which can remove fifteen layers of paint, lacquer, and urethane. A product like this is unquestionably one of a kind.
Well, the solution starts to work after thirty minutes of application. If you do light coating, it can remove 1 to 4 layers very fast. Yet if you do a heavier coat, it will remove a much higher number of layers over a longer time period. Well, the coating's thickness primarily depends on the need of the user.
Sunnyside's paint and varnish remover is non-flammable and has a slight odor. Those products that are strong-smelling can trigger allergies in no time. It also does not contain Methylene chloride or NMP. Multi-strip removes most kinds of paints and oil-based coatings.
With that information, it is so different from other removers because it can take away tricky coatings. This product is genuinely astonishing that works well on both interior and exterior surfaces and decks.
So for the conclusion, Sunnyside Corporation, with over 125 years of service, will never fail to offer you high-quality solutions. Admittedly, this remover is iconic and trusted that deserves your purchase. Hurry, browse on your phone and order the best deck stripping products online.
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6. Dumond Chemicals, Inc. Smart Strip Remover
If you’re looking for the best deck paint stripping products featuring optimum safety, this smart strip from Dumond Chemicals is here to serve you. Well, the formula contained therein is non-toxic and non-caustic. It does not even have methylene chloride.
With this water-based stripper, you can be assured that it can remove up to fifteen layers of coating. Be it oil-based coating, acrylics, varnishes, and old paints, the strip remover proves to be effective.
As an addition, Smart strip is odor-free and 100 percent biodegradable. This product is available in the market in a one-quart container. It is a high-quality option that is very effective for both the interior and exterior surfaces.
Much more, this remover is in a paste form, so it’s super easy to apply with a brush. You just have to allow the paste to sit on the coatings for about 3 to 24 hours to get the desired results. The duration of the waiting-time depends mainly upon the type of surface that you are trying to strip.
Any residues left by the stripper can be taken away using a sponge or a power washer. More amazingly, there is no need for neutralization of the stripped surface. Also, it is PH-neutral, so you do not have to worry about any harmful effects that may occur on the wood.
With this, you won’t have to exert more effort when using. Just give it a try and you will be amazed by its top-notch features.
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7. #1 Deck Wood Stain Stripper - 1 Gallon
The next option for best deck stain stripping products is from SaverSystems, which is one of the great choices in the market. This product removes weathered, semi-transparent stains, and even sealers.
This stripper is fast-acting and ready to use. It contains a formula that covers an area of 100 to150 square feet per gallon. Much more, the product is sure to deliver reliable protection without much of an expense.
As an advantage, it generally improves adhesion of the wood stains and reverts back the natural look of the wood deck surfaces. By this, you can have your deck look as good as it was before.
The coverage is quite not enough for a large deck. You might have to grab several cans of this product to cover it all. But then, this wood stain stripper can break the unwanted stain in less than an hour. It means that it won’t keep you waiting, so you can allot your time to other tasks at home.
To get the best results, you have to rinse the solution with a pressure washer. In doing so, you are ensured that it can remove the stains and give you a beautiful finish thoroughly. But on the downside, this stripper cannot remove paint.
Anyway, this drawback is offset by all the amazing features this product can offer you.
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8. DeckGeneral Deck Stripper 1Gallon
This decking stripper from DeckGeneral comes with a premium-grade formula that is sure to restore the beauty of your deck. It can be applied to your siding and fence, making them look brand-new again.
Well, this remover is essential if you wish to re-stain woods around your home. It is non-corrosive and heavy-duty. Not only that, but it does not deteriorate the condition of your wood. With this, you can be relived about safety issues.
The formula is versatile, for it can be used to remove dirt, oil-based stains, latex, sealers, and varnishes. Most importantly, it gives you a smooth finish without using sand.
We can say that not all of these deck strippers are safe to use. But this product is non-toxic and environment-friendly. This formula is unique and 100 percent biodegradable. It ensures smooth penetration and total cleanliness.
In short, this stain remover is very straightforward in giving you the best results by directly applying it to the preferred area immediately. DeckGeneral’s formula is an industry-grade product and will not disappoint you.
Best of all, you will have to wait only 15 to 20 minutes for it to penetrate deeply. You can use power washing to have best results.
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9. Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel
Another product worthy of your attention is this decking stripper from Citristrip. It comes with an industrial-strength material, making it a very powerful stripper. It is in a gel form that stays wet for 24 hours. This product is simply fantastic given all the features that it has to offer.
First off, it is capable to strip multiple layers in just one application. This product comes with a citrus scent that is nice to smell without the emission of harsh fumes. There is no doubt why it is one of the best-selling options that are available in the market.
Citristrip comes in a one-quart container and has excellent coverage. If you are looking for a safe option that can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces, this is the one for you.
It gives your deck protection rather than causing damage to it. Additionally, this gel is multi-purpose that can remove multiple layers of latex, varnish, paint, enamel, and epoxy on wood.
Indeed, it is made of a reliable formula that remains active for the whole day utmost. And as for versatility, you can apply it on finishes like metals, masonry, and wood decks.
Given all of these features, things won’t go wrong when you opt for this product.
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10. Woodrich Brand Heavy Duty Wood Stripper and Wood Cleaner Kit for Wood Decks
Next in line is this heavy-duty stripper from the Woodrich Brand. This company has been trusted in the industry for over fifteen years. Their stripping formula has a powerful strength that removes solid and stubborn deck stains. Fortunately, it comes with a kit that contains everything you need for the task.
The kit includes wood cleaner, stripper, brightener, and neutralizer. For sure, these products can restore any outdoor wood surface to its original look. The stripper itself is premium-grade; that’s why DIYers and professional contractors trust this product so much. For sure, using this can give you noticeable results.
It’s straightforward in application, which gives you practical finishes. It works great on the fences, sidings, and other exterior surfaces around your house. This fantastic kit can cover 750 square feet. And if you have a standard size of the deck, you'll surely save some of it.
In conclusion, if you want to have a kit with all of these inclusions, Woodrich Brand is the one you should turn to. You won't have the hassle to buy these products individually, and you probably save a great sum of money.
So, you don’t have to settle for products that will cost you a lot but will only give you results that are less effective.
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11. Woodrich Brand Heavy Duty Wood Stripper and Wood Cleaner Kit for Wood Decks
And for the last well-deserved spot, it is also from the Woodrich Brand but will cover up to 3000 square feet. This product is truly fascinating and highly effective. A kit like this will surely help you prepare your wooden floor for a new resurfacing.
Just like the previous option above, this is an excellent kit. You will have all that is required before doing the stripping. That being said, you will also get a wood brightener to bring back the natural look of the wood. Because it is heavy-duty, the cleaning power is strong enough to remove the hardest stain.
More so, the brightener is a perfect mix of acids. Additionally, the neutralizer will lighten up the wood without the use of bleach, which primarily causes the cleaning. Most importantly, this kit is made sure to suit both interior and exterior surfaces. Namely, they can be used in fences and sidings (FYI, here we also covered an article on fence paints).
Since it has a wider coverage, it’s an ideal choice if you want to resurface a vast deck area. You can undoubtedly get the maximum convenience without a considerable amount of expense. This package is an excellent option for your shortlist considering all the features it can give you.
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What to Look for Before Buying
Looking for the right stripper for your deck may be challenging. But if you know some of the things to consider before buying, then it will be probably easier for you. In this guide, we make everything simpler for you. So, just read on!
Biodegradable
If your deck stripper has a biodegradable characteristic, it is a good sign. By this, you can be sure that your product is safe around your plants and the environment. Most importantly, your family will not be in any danger when they are near the stripper.
Type of Coating You Want to Remove
For you to remove whatever type of coating you want to, you will need an effective deck stripper. You should know on what coatings they are applicable to avoid the risks of wasting money or damaging your deck.
Being knowledgeable in that matter won’t make you dissatisfied with the product that you purchased. As the buyer, you need to look for the most versatile ones so that they can remove multiple types of coating with just one stripping formula.
Right Quantity
When you buy a product like this, you should estimate beforehand how large your deck is. By that, you can get just the right amount of stripping formula according to your needs. For sure, you will be disappointed when the stripper you bought is less than what you require.
The same is true if you have a large container of stripping formula. First, you will not be needing the excess amount, so you’ll be wasting your money.
Budget-friendliness
As a buyer, you also need to consider whether the deck stripper is within your budget or not. Some products may be extremely expensive and come in a small container; that moment is surely disappointing when you first get a hold of your product.
Be keen on the details and characteristics of the product when buying. Also, you should take a look at its features and compare them with the price. There are many products in the market that comes at a cheaper rate without compromising the quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many coats of deck stain should I apply?
All woods are not of the same kind and they also absorb stains different from one another. When you are re-staining your deck, it is very much recommended to apply as much as the wood can take.
- Do you need to put sand before applying a deck stripper?
Primarily, it depends on the type of deck striper that you are using. Some removers would probably require you to put sand while others won’t. All in all, you surely need to read the manufacturer’s instructions before doing so to avoid wrong moves.
By this, you won’t have the risk of damaging your deck or wasting the stripper.
- Do solid stains peel off?
The answer to that is yes. Even when these solid stains are exposed for a long time under the sun, they will not change color. Unfortunately, they are very much likely to crack or peel with time. You need to remove the old stain before applying a new one for greater results.
- Why is the stain on my deck peeling?
The peeling is mainly caused by poor adhesion. This scenario occurs when the stain is not stacked correctly in the wood. Extended exposure to sunlight is also one of the causes. Furthermore, if you over-applied the stain, it is most likely to peel off when rain starts pouring.
- Is it required to do deck stripping before re-staining?
If you want to re-stain your wood deck, you must remove the initial coating first. Removing the old coat will help the new stain to penetrate the wood entirely.
More so, getting rid of the first coating will ensure you to have a beautiful and tidy look of the fresh paint. Of course, you do not want a bumpy and uneven finish of the paint.
Final Words
You need deck stripping to remove the old coatings before applying a new one. There is a lot on the market, but only the best deck strippers stand out. This article will surely help you make a shortlist out of tons of options out there.
Good luck with your search!