The Best Paint Stripper in the UK?
A reliable paint stripper is one of the most useful tools for anyone restoring or upcycling furniture. However, with so many options available in the UK market, how do you know which one is the best? In this post, I’m aiming to uncover whether it's worth spending extra money on high-end paint strippers or if the more affordable options are just as effective. This is a companion post to the YouTube video I made on the topic.
If you’ve watched = US-based furniture restorers, you’ll see they use paint strippers that effortlessly melt away paint, but these often contain chemicals banned in the UK and EU. In the UK, methylene chloride was a common and effective ingredient until it was banned in 2011. This led to a variety of different formulations of paint strippers entering the market. Some work better than others, and I want to find the best one(s).
During my research, I discovered that many paint strippers share the same formulations but are marketed under different brand names. For example, inexpensive options at hardware shops often contain a mix of benzyl alcohol and formic acid. Brands like Wickes, TX10, Diall, and Paint Panther all have variations of this formula.
Testing Methodology
To provide an unbiased comparison, I tested each paint stripper on sample surfaces with multiple layers: a thick polyurethane varnish, a shellac-based primer, a water-based primer, and a thick oil-based black gloss paint.
To keep the comparison fair, I applied just one layer of paint stripper, without reapplication or covering in cling film or foil. The times varied between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the recommendations of each paint stripper. All aerosol strippers were left for 15 minutes.
A crucial factor in my testing was the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These organic chemicals evaporate into the atmosphere and can contribute to smog and pollution. High VOC levels are harmful to both the environment and human health, causing issues like respiratory problems and organ damage. For this reason, I recommend choosing paint strippers with low VOC content and using them in well-ventilated areas with proper protective gear. Even with Paint strippers with low VOC or are considered environmentally safe, do not dispose of them into water courses, dispose of them as recommended by the manufacturer.
The Contenders
Photos of the results are below. The photos were taken after the stripper had been wiped off and dried.
B&Q's Diall Paint Remover: This low-VOC, benzyl alcohol, and formic acid combination is an affordable and eco-friendly option, priced at about £10 per litre. This was left on for an hour. The same as: No Nonsense Paint & Varnish Stripper (Screwfix), Paint Predator Heavy Duty Paint Varnish, Enviromose Paint Stripper, Wickes Paint Remover, TX10 Paint Stripper.
Paint Predator Fast Action: A higher concentration of benzyl alcohol and formic acid, yet still a low-VOC option at a similar price point. It performed well with a 30-minute application.
Home Strip Paint Remover: This VOC-free paint stripper uses a tri-ethyl phosphate formulation. While slightly more expensive, it remains an affordable choice. This was left on for an hour. The same as Polyvine Paint Remover.
Polycell Paint Stripper: Known for its thick consistency, this high-VOC option requires a spatula for application. It is moderately priced at £20 per litre. This was left on for an hour.
Liberon Fine Wood Stripper: Another high VOC stripper, this has a similar price point to the Polycell. This was left on for 30 minutes.
Osmo Paint Stripper: Renowned for their wood treatments, Osmo’s low-VOC paint stripper is on the pricier side at £30 per litre. The tub is hard to open, and it gets very messy! This was left on for an hour.
Nitromors All Purpose Remover: This classic high-VOC stripper, available for about £25 per litre, still has its signature green colour but requires additional scrubbing with white spirit. This was left on for an hour.
Nitromors Craftsman’s Remover: A clear, liquid option for fine furniture, sharing its predecessor’s high VOC content and similar price point. This was left on for an hour. This dries very quickly!
Paint Panther Paint Remover: A very high VOC option, but at a moderate price point at £19 per litre. This was left on for 30 minutes.
Colron Furniture Stripper: Another high-VOC option, priced between £25 and £30 per litre.
Strypit: A moderately priced, low-VOC option at £22 per liter.
Blackfriar: This liquid formulation is exempt from VOC classification but is still on the higher end of the price spectrum. The same as: Rust-oleum Nr. 1 Green Paint Stripper
Aerosol Options (OB1, Peel Tec, HyCote, Jenolite): These strippers offer quick application and effective results, though ventilation and face masks are necessary due to the aerosol format. OB1 is the same as: Plastikote Paint Remover, Rust-oleum Nr. 1 Green Paint Stripper Aerosol
Top Recommendations
In my opinion, the best-performing paint strippers from my tests include:
Paint Predator Fast Action: The standout performer with low VOCs, effective action, and affordability.
Osmo Paint Stripper: Despite being messy and expensive, it delivered excellent results with low VOCs.
Aerosol Strippers (Hi Coat, Peel Tec, Genolite): These provided quick and effective results, although they require caution during use.
It’s encouraging that the top liquid strippers I tested were both low-VOC, indicating less harmful chemicals and a safer option for users and the environment. If there are other paint strippers or techniques you'd like me to test, feel free to let me know in the comments!
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect paint stripper for your next project!