Best Automotive Paint Stripper in 2022 [Reviews & Guide]

Did the paint of your car just start to fade? Or are there scuffs in different areas that seem to be a bitter pill to swallow?

Well, there’s no need to worry because it is possible to make your car look good as new. You might think of driving to a repair shop, but that can get expensive, considering the costs of paint stripping service and labor.

So, a good alternative that saves you from breaking the bank is a paint stripper made just for vehicles. This type of paint works like magic once you prepare the car’s surface and apply the paint to it. On top of that, the paint won’t affect the vehicle’s body.

Now, if you’re interested enough to go for this cheaper, yet effective alternative, you’re in the right place! We’re here to help you choose the best automotive paint stripper for your vehicle.

Check out our reviews below!

Best Automotive Paint Stripper – Quick Summary

• For Interior And Exterior Use- Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel

“This particular paint stripping gel is suitable for interior and exterior use.”

• Odorless- Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover

“This one is ideal for those who dislike the smell of paint and chemicals.”

• Affordable- Motsenbocker’s Lift Off Latex Paint Remover Spray

“If you’re looking forward to purchasing an affordable paint stripper, then you can go for this spray.”

• Fast Paint Stripper- Super Remover Paint Stripper

“This one quickly removes paint from most surfaces in less than 30 minutes.”

• Versatile- Safe ‘n Easy Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover Gel

“This particular paint stripper is capable of removing multiple paint layers from different surfaces.”

Comparison Chart for Top 5 Automotive Paint Strippers

Automotive Paint Stripper Reviews

1. Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel – Best Automotive Paint Stripping Chemicals

If you love citrus scent and would appreciate it in a good automotive paint stripper, you can check out this one by Citristrip.

This paint and varnish stripping gel is capable of removing lacquer and car paint effectively. A single application causes the paint to be removed in 24 hours. Instead of removing a single layer in each application, the paint stripper does a fantastic job removing multiple layers.

Apart from your car, you can use the paint stripper on furniture, painted hardware, and other items. It can remove both dried latex and oil-based paint from wood, metal, and masonry without a hitch.

Because the paint stripper doesn’t contain any toxic paint-removing chemicals, like methyl chloride and NMP, you can use safely use it indoors. There’s a bittering agent added to the paint stripper so that pets and children don’t swallow it. When using the product, you’ll be able to smell the pleasant scent of citrus.

Pros

• Does not contain harmful chemicals
• No strong odor
• Suitable for indoors and outdoors
• Removes multiple layers in a single application
• It has a pleasant citrus scent

Cons

• Does not work well in sunny areas

Product Specialty

Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel does a great job removing paint from wood, metal, and masonry. It is safe to use, and it doesn’t have unpleasant smell.

2. Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover

As you’re on the hunt for the best car paint stripping products, take a moment to read about the Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover.

This odorless paint stripper is made to work like magic on a range of surfaces, including metal, porcelain, tile, fiberglass, and concrete. Wherever you apply the paint stripper, it will ensure the paint will come off safely. Interestingly, it can remove more than 15 layers of paint!

The time it takes for the paint to be removed depends on the number of layers, type of coating, and surface temperature. For removing paint from your car, it is ideal that you let the paint stripper sit for an entire day.

If you’re concerned about safety, you don’t have to because this one doesn’t contain caustic or harsh chemicals. It is a water-based product that doesn’t emit any unpleasant odor. Still, the manufacturer recommends you take protective measures before using the product.

Pros

• It is capable of removing more than 15 layers of paint
• No odor
• Works on a range of surfaces
• It doesn’t contain harmful chemicals
• It does an excellent job removing lead-based paint

Cons

• Expensive

Product Specialty

Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover is a great option to look for if you want to get rid of paint not only from vehicles but also other surfaces.  

3. Motsenbocker’s Lift Off Latex Paint Remover Spray

For automotive paint removal, you can also use spray, such as this one by Motsenbocker’s.

The Motsenbocker’s Lift Off Latex Paint Remover Spray effectively breaks the bond between paint and surface. It allows easy removal of paint from vehicles, floors, furniture, wall, clothing, and so on.

Instead of using separate paint removers for different types of paint, you can use this one. It lifts off latex paints and enamels, acrylics, stencil paints, and paint overspray perfectly.

Not only that, but you can also use this spray to remove paint from tools, like brushes and paint rollers. It is water-based, and it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that would affect items and cause discomfort in people and animals.

Pros

• Perfectly removes different types of paint
• Works on various surfaces
• Does not contain harsh chemicals
• Can be used for cleaning up tools
• Turns paint solid for easy removal

Cons

• Not suitable for removing oil-based paint

Product Specialty

Motsenbocker’s Lift Off Latex Paint Remover Spray is an affordable paint remover you can get to remove different types of paint from various surfaces.

4. Super Remover Paint Stripper

If you’re looking for a paint stripper that does its job faster, you can try out the Super Remover Paint Stripper.

Unlike most paint strippers, this one takes as less as 15 minutes to remove paint from most surfaces. But, that doesn’t mean that it can remove one layer with each application, but about five layers. Plus, it is a versatile remover that works on lacquer, polyurethane, latex paint, and oil-based paint.

Besides your vehicle, you can use the paint on antiques without worrying about them getting damaged. It doesn’t contain the banned toxic chemicals like NMP, and methylene chloride.

Pros

• Suitable for removing different types of paint
• Works well on antiques without damaging them
• It takes only 15 minutes to remove paint
• Can remove five layers of paint in a single application
• Doesn’t contain NMP and methylene chloride

Cons

• It has a strong odor

Product Specialty

Super Remover Paint Stripper is one paint stripper that effectively removes five layers of paint in just 15 minutes. It strips different types of paint from different surfaces without causing damage.

5. Safe ‘n Easy Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover Gel

Another citrus-scented paint stripper worth mentioning is the Safe ‘n Easy Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover Gel.

This water-based gel is made to work on various surfaces, including metal, wood, and fiberglass. Like the one we’ve seen previously, this paint stripper is capable of stripping more than 15 layers of paint in a single application.

Apart from that, this remover gel doesn’t have any caustic or harmful chemicals that would otherwise, have a negative impact on health. There’s also no unpleasant odor but only the scent of citrus. So, you won’t find it uncomfortable using this paint stripper.

Pros

• Removes 15 layers of paint in a single application
• Does not contain caustic or harmful chemicals
• It has a pleasant citrus scent
• Works effectively on different surfaces
• It can remove various types of paint

Cons

• It is a bit expensive

Product Specialty

Safe ‘n Easy Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover Gel effectively removes more than 15 layers of paint of different types from various surfaces.

How To Strip Automotive Paint?

Whether you want to do a full car strip or a part of it, you’ll need to use the best car paint stripper. Here’s how you can do it.

Step 1: Prepare The Car

It is essential that you protect the other areas of the car to prevent them from getting into contact with the paint stripper. Use automotive masking paper to cover windows, side mirrors, bumpers, rims, and other parts depending on the area where the paint stripper will be applied.

Step 2: Sand The Surface

Remove any damaged paint or bumps from the surface by sanding them lightly. Make sure the surface becomes smooth or otherwise, the paint stripper will not work well.

Step 3: Apply The Paint Stripper

Pour some of the paint stripper to the area and spread it using a bondo spreader. Make sure to spread the stripper evenly over the surface. Leave it on for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Remove The Paint Stripper

Take a paint scraper to scrape off the paint from the area. Wipe the surface using a clean cloth. Both the paint stripper and the old, scraped-off paint will get removed.

That’s all! Your car is now ready to receive fresh paint for a new look!

How Do You Remove Paint From A Car Without Damaging Original Paint?

If you’ve got paint on your car, you can remove it safely without affecting the original paint. But first of all, you’ll need to inspect the level of damage. If there’s paint only on the outer layer or clear coat, then it is possible to remove it easily. Otherwise, the surface might need to be re-painted professionally.

If there’s minor paint damage, you can try the following steps.

Step 1: Wash The Car

Wash the car with a car-washing hose to remove any dirt or debris. Hold the hose with one hand in a way so that the water is concentrated in the affected area. Take a clean microfiber cloth with the other hand and use it to gently rub the area.  You might notice that most of the paint is coming off.

Step 2: Lightly Sand The Affected Surface

If the paint still hasn’t gone, use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the affected area. It is recommended you use the one with a grit number over 3000. While sanding the surface, make sure the sandpaper doesn’t touch the other areas or else, the coating can be damaged.

Step 3: Use A Scratch Remover

If there’s a small amount of paint left after sanding, it’s time to use a scratch remover. Take a clean microfiber cloth and apply some of the product to it. Rub the cloth on the affected area gently. If needed, apply more to the cloth and keep rubbing until the paint is completely removed.

Step 4: Use A Touch-Up Paint

If there’s minor paint damage beyond the clear coat, it is possible to hide it with touch-up paint. Choose touch-up paint of the same color as your vehicle and apply it to the area using a small brush. 

Step 5: Apply Car Wax

If you’ve used touch-up paint, you’ll need to add a protective layer over it. Apply some car wax to the wax pad and rub it gently on the area in circular motions. A thin layer of wax should be enough for covering the area. Leave it on for a couple of minutes.

When the wax becomes dry, remove it with a soft cloth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Chemical Will Strip Car Paint?

A strong acid or a strong base is enough to ruin car paint. Some examples are acetone, bleach, tree sap, and shaving cream. 

2. What Removes Automotive Paint?

You can remove automotive paint using a paint stripper, sander, chemical spray, or sandpaper.

3. What Is The Best Way To Strip Automotive Paint?

The quickest and safest way to remove automotive paint is to use a god automotive paint stripper.

4. Does Acetone Remove Car Paint?

The chemicals present in acetone are known to damage car paint. Unless acetone is removed immediately after application, it will dissolve the paint to the base.

5. What Dissolves Automotive Paint?

The following are known to damage automotive paint.

• Acetone
• Shaving cream
• Tree sap
• Gas
• Brake fluid
• Coffee and soda
• Shoe polish
• Bird droppings
• Bugs
• Silly string
• Salt
• Tar
• Ashes

6. Does Paint Thinner Hurt Car Paint?

Paint thinner contains solvents that can ruin a car’s paint if the thinner is left for long. If you need to use paint thinner, it is recommended you remove it without delaying.

Final Word

It would’ve been quite challenging for you to pick the best automotive paint stripper from a wide range of options. We know how precious your vehicle is to you, which is why we did our research on paint strippers and selected the ones we think are worth mentioning.

Each of the above paint strippers is capable of removing paint safely as long as you use it properly. Before purchasing one, we recommend you check whether its features suit your requirements.

We wish you luck in giving your car a whole new look!