Advertisement


The Best Paint Remover In Australia for 2024

The Best Paint Remover In Australia for 2024

We use affiliate links and may receive a commission on purchases. Read more here.

Paint removal is a good way to refurbish furniture and other pieces in your home. It’s also a common task on DIY projects. While it can be a time-consuming process, fortunately there are a number of tools and solutions to make the job easier.

Before buying a paint remover, consider the type and size of the surface, the type of paint to be removed, as well as the number of coats. It’s also important to understand the features of each paint remover and choose the one best suited to your needs. It’s equally important to ensure that the paint stripping process is safe.

To make your selection process easier, we have compiled a list of the best paint removers in Australia. We’ve also included some helpful information on removing paint so you can get some background knowledge before getting started.


1. Citristrip Paint and Varnish Stripper (Top Pick)


Citristrip Paint and Varnish Stripping Gel is a biodegradable non-caustic stripper. It does not contain methylene chloride which makes it safe to use indoors. The stripper does not emit harsh fumes and has a citrus scent.

Citristrip can strip paint from wood, masonry, and metal surfaces. The gel sticks to vertical surfaces. Once a thick layer of the gel is applied, it stays active for 24 hours, making it possible to remove multiple layers of paint in one go. It can strip latex and oil-based paint, varnish, lacquer, enamel, polyurethane, shellac, and acrylics.

This is a great paint and varnish stripper for people looking to remove paint on their own.


What We Like:

  • Citrus scent
  • Removes multiple layers of paint
  • Can be used indoors safely
  • Can be used in do-it-yourself projects

What We Don’t Like:

  • Removal of multiple coats might require multiple applications

2. Bosch Heat Gun Paint Remover


Bosch 060329C737 Heat Gun PHG 630 DCE (2000 Watt, LCD Display, In Box)

A heat gun is an easy method of paint removal as all you have to do is direct the heat at a patch of paint and scrape it off once it starts bubbling. The Bosch Heat Gun can be used to strip paint in both industrial settings and on home projects. Its temperature output ranges from 50° C to 160° C.

This heat gun is user-friendly with its digital display that indicates the temperature. Its integrated regulation system ensures that the temperature remains consistent in varying environments.

Unlike gel or paste paint strippers, there is no problem of running out of the product. Since the paint is scraped as it is heated, it allows the removal of multiple layers of paint along the way.


What We Like:

  • Eliminates the need to work with chemical paint strippers
  • Easy to use
  • Large digital display of temperature

What We Don’t Like:

  • Might burn the surface if not used methodically

3. Norglass Paint Stripper Gel


Norglass Paint Stripper Gel is based on citrus extracts from oranges and consists of biodegradable ingredients.

The gel can strip paint from metal, wood and masonry surfaces. It can remove layers of polyurethanes, epoxies, enamels, and water-based paint.

This paint stripper takes as little as 30 minutes to start working and the gel stays active for up to 24 hours to remove multiple layers of paint.

Norglass Paint Stripper is safe to use indoors as it’s free of methylene chloride and does not emit harmful fumes. It can be cleaned up with just water.


What We Like:

  • Pleasant scent
  • Evaporates slowly
  • Stays active for 24 hours

What We Don’t Like:

  • Works on a limited number of paints

4. Sand Blaster Gun Paint Remover


Sandblaster Sand Blaster Sanblaster Gun Kit, Soda Blaster, Professional Sand Blasters, Media Sandblaster Gun, Spot Blaster, Media Blaster Sandblast Gun, Walnut, Bead, Sand Blast Blasting Equipment.

This sand blaster is a portable machine that can be used for effective paint removal. Conventionally known to be used on metal, the gun can also be used to remove pain from concrete, brick, wood and other surfaces that would hold up to the eroding force of it.

Stripping paint with a sand blaster gun is quick and efficient. Since it holds considerable power, it can remove more layers of paint than a gel or paste paint stripper in one go.

The Sand Blaster Gun Paint Remover can be used with a variety of abrasive materials such as plastic, walnut and baking soda. You’ll need to select the most appropriate based on the requirements of the project.

Using the Sand Blaster gun can be a messy process and if done indoors, the clean-up afterward would be taxing. So, stripping paint with a sand blaster outdoors is preferable.


What We Like:

  • Efficient
  • Fast
  • Removes multiple layers of paint in one go

What We Don’t Like:

  • Messy process that might not be ideal to do indoors

5. Metabo Paint Stripper Remover


The Metabo Paint Stripper Remover is a fast way to remove paint and varnish. It can work through a lot of layers and build-up of paint easily.

It has two blades on the sides and two at the bottom. The depth-of-cut of the bottom blades can be adjusted depending on the job.

A vacuum port that collects almost all the fine dust from the paint removal can be attached to the tool, making the clean up process much easier.

The tool can be used to strip paint from flat wooden surfaces, including untreated wood.


What We Like:

  • Vacuum port ensures minimal mess
  • Saves time
  • Environmentally friendly

What We Don’t Like:

  • Only works on flat wooden surfaces

6. Peel Away Paint Removal System


The only paste paint stripper on this list, Peel Away can remove up to 30 coatings of paint in one application.

It comes with a laminated paper that is used to cover the thick layer of Peel Away paste applied to the surface. This ensures that the stripping process does not contaminate the surroundings with toxic fumes.

This also means that removing asbestos and lead based paints is possible with Peel Away.

Peel Away can be used on bricks, concrete, cast iron and pressed metal surfaces. Along with asbestos and lead paint, it can remove layers of oil and enamel paint, polyurethane, and wallpaper. It has to be left on the surface for a minimum of 72 hours.


What We Like:

  • Safe to use to remove lead based paints
  • Can be used on old historical units and buildings
  • Removes more layers than other paint removers 

What We Don’t Like:

  • Has to be left on the surface for longer than other options

7. Methylene Chloride Paint Stripper


Methylene Chloride used to be one of the most effective ingredients in paint strippers. But many paint strippers have now removed it from their formula as it has been linked with serious health risks. So, methylene chloride paint stripper should be used outside in a well-ventilated area.

The gel-like consistency of the paint stripper makes it cling to the surface better. It can remove multiple coats of paint in about 30 minutes. It can strip most types of paint and be used on wood, concrete, and other surfaces.


What We Like:

  • Quick
  • Removes multiple layers of paint easily
  • Clings to the surface for a better removal

What We Don’t Like:

  • Cause of serious health problems
  • Cannot be used indoors

Paint Remover Buyer’s Guide


Types of paint removers

Liquid and paste paint strippers – these come in the form of gels and pastes and are usually applied in a thick layer and left for a period of time that can range from anywhere between 30 minutes to a week. The time depends on the type of surface, and the layers and type of paint on the surface.

Heat guns – the heat has to be directed methodically to different patches of paint and then scraped off when they start to bubble. Make sure you don’t burn the surface under the paint.

Sandblaster guns – don’t need any scraping and can be assembled and then put to use directly on the surface. These tools might need a bit more knowledge of how to work them than the other paint removers but can be very effective in the right situation.

Surfaces and paints

It’s always advisable to do a test patch with the paint stripper on the surface first to see how it reacts.

Each paint stripper will come with instructions that state the type of surfaces and paints it can work on. Some paint strippers work better with several coats of paints than others. If used on the wrong surface, damage can occur. And if used on the wrong paint, the remover might not work as it should.

Lead paint is one of the most important things to be careful of. Lead paint is harmful and can release toxic fumes when removed. So, special care should be taken when selecting a lead paint remover and during the whole paint removal process.

RELATED:

Safety equipment and location

The first step towards a safe paint removal is reading all the instructions provided with the paint remover of your choice.

Chemical resistant gloves, goggles and long sleeves are recommended when working with gel or paste paint strippers.

While many of the gel and paste paint strippers can be used indoors, doing the paint removal process outdoors, if possible, is still preferable. If it is done indoors, make sure that all the windows and doors are open and the area is well ventilated.

Note that while some paint removers such as citric based ones used natural ingredients and are biodegradable, they are not always non toxic. If you want a more eco friendly option and don’t want to use any chemicals, consider a natural process like baking soda and boiling water, or a heat or sand gun.

When using sandblasters and other mechanical tools, wear a face shield so that the particles from the gun or the paint do not enter your respiratory system.

Be extra careful when using paint strippers with methylene chloride as the chemical is considered a health risk. And, as mentioned above, removal of lead paint should be done only after proper preparation.

Once the paint is stripped, cleaning up is necessary. Many gel or paste paint strippers come with a companion product that helps with the clean-up. Any residue left from paste or gel paint strippers can be removed with water or soapy water, sponge and a nylon brush.




This article was written by Jim Marsden

If you have any questions or comments regarding this article, you can get in touch with us using our contact form.