Removing old paint made easy

September 13 2025

Removing old paint made easy – the best methods compared

Whether it's furniture, metal parts, or walls – sooner or later, old paint has to come off. We compare mechanical, thermal, and chemical methods and show when using a modern paint stripper is the best choice.

Paint stripper used on painted wood – Before and after — Paint strippers dissolve even multiple layers of paint – ideal for large areas and fine details.

1) Mechanical removal – grinding & scraping

Advantages: Simple tools, low material costs.

Disadvantages: Time-consuming and labor-intensive, dust generation, risk of surface damage.

Suitable for: small areas, edge processing, spot rework.

2) Thermal removal – hot air gun or flame weeder

Advantages: Thick layers of paint can be dissolved quickly.

Disadvantages: Risk of burn marks/deformation, harmful fumes, not suitable for sensitive surfaces.

Suitable for: robust materials such as metal and solid wood elements.

3) Chemical removal – with paint strippers

Advantages: Highly effective for multiple layers, saves time and effort, protects the base material, reaches hard-to-access areas.

Disadvantages: Protective measures are required; quality, safety, and environmental compatibility depend on the product.

Pro tip: Focus on low-solvent, VOC-reduced and if possible biodegradable Paint stripper. Check the safety data sheet (SDS) and material compatibility.

Tabular quick comparison

method	tempo	cleanliness	Material protection	Ideal for
Mechanically	Medium	Low (dust)	Medium	Small areas, rework
Thermal	High	Medium	Low-Medium	Thick layers, robust substrates
Chemical (paint stripper)	High	High	High	Large areas, multiple layers, details

How to use paint stripper correctly

Check the substrate, perform the test in an inconspicuous area.
Wear protective equipment and ventilate well.
Apply paint stripper liberally and evenly; adhere to the contact time specified in the product instructions.
Remove loosened paint layers with a spatula; repeat the process if necessary.
Neutralize/clean the surface and allow it to dry; then apply a coating according to the system structure.

Conclusion

The appropriate method depends on the substrate and the size of the area. For many applications, modern paint strippers the most efficient and material-friendly solution – especially for multiple layers and complex geometries.