---
product_id: 159002797
title: "Paint & Varnish Stripper Gel, Safe Wood & Metal Stripper, 1 Gal | Water-based paint & varnish stripper gel. Removes paint, varnish, stain, lacquer & polyurethane from wood, metal & brick."
brand: "max strip"
price: "$185.06"
currency: USD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Max Strip"
url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/159002797-paint-and-varnish-stripper-gel-safe-wood-and-metal-stripper
store_origin: US
region: United States of America
---

# Biodegradable & non-toxic formula Fast-acting, single-application gel Powerful multi-surface stripper Paint & Varnish Stripper Gel, Safe Wood & Metal Stripper, 1 Gal | Water-based paint & varnish stripper gel. Removes paint, varnish, stain, lacquer & polyurethane from wood, metal & brick.

**Brand:** max strip
**Price:** $185.06
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🛠️ Strip the old, reveal the bold — paint removal made effortless!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Paint & Varnish Stripper Gel, Safe Wood & Metal Stripper, 1 Gal | Water-based paint & varnish stripper gel. Removes paint, varnish, stain, lacquer & polyurethane from wood, metal & brick. by max strip
- **How much does it cost?** $185.06 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.us](https://www.desertcart.us/products/159002797-paint-and-varnish-stripper-gel-safe-wood-and-metal-stripper)

## Best For

- max strip enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted max strip brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Safe & Sustainable:** No methylene chloride or NMP—biodegradable and low-odor for eco-conscious pros.
- • **Odor-Free Confidence:** Use indoors or in tight spaces without harsh chemical fumes disrupting your workflow.
- • **Precision Application:** Gel formula clings to vertical surfaces for controlled, mess-free stripping every time.
- • **DIY-Friendly, Contractor-Strong:** Professional-grade strength that’s easy enough for your weekend projects.
- • **Effortless Multi-Surface Mastery:** Strips paint & varnish from wood, metal, brick & more with one powerful gel.

## Overview

Max Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper Gel is a 1-gallon, water-based, biodegradable solution designed to remove multiple types of aftermarket paints and varnishes from wood, metal, brick, and more. Free from harsh chemicals like methylene chloride and NMP, it offers a low-odor, user-friendly experience suitable for both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts. Its fast-acting gel formula adheres well to vertical surfaces, enabling efficient single-application stripping without overwhelming fumes.

## Description

Max Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper Gel, Safe Wood & Metal Stripper, 1 Gal | Water-based paint & varnish stripper gel. Removes paint, varnish, stain, lacquer & polyurethane from wood, metal & brick. - desertcart.com

Review: If You Want an Easy Process, This is Your Product: Read my successful method in this review. - I could not have completed this project without this product, due to arthritis in my hands. Here is how I used it, based on other reviewers recommendations. I placed cardboard and/or paper down on the carpeting under this cabinet to keep it protected from the damp paint that came loose during this process. Here are the steps I used. 1. I wore nitrile gloves to keep my hands safe. 2) After emptying it of its contents, I thoroughly cleaned the china cabinet. It had a very old, shiny, faux gold with wood grain, paint effect under a heavy gloss varnish. There were at least four coats of paint, including black three layers down, and a wood stain, likely original from when the piece was first sold. 2. I applied this product to one small area at a time (the top, one side at a time, one surface at a time...you get the idea). I tried to paper and tape the glass, but that didn't work. The product was absorbed into the paper. I just cleaned the glass with left over product after the project was completed (I used heavy duty nail polish remover in tiny, hard to reach areas). 3. I used a sponge or towel to apply the product. I applied to an area of the cabinet about the size of a paper towel. I used a spray bottle to dampen a paper towel. I placed the damp paper towel over the product. I used painter tape to seal plastic wrap over the paper towel. After about 30 mins. I checked to make sure the paper towel was still damp. If it wasn't, I misted it with water again and returned the plastic over it. I repeated this as necessary in areas that were tougher to tackle (there were a few, especially at the beginning of the project, and the inside of the top of the cabinet was awkward. I had to do a few spots more than twice). After about an hour from first applying the product, I used a scraper to simply slide ALL of the layers of varnish, paint and stain off. It was amazing. I needed two bottles of this to complete the inside and outside of the china cabinet. The smell wasn't unpleasant. Not chemical. I did use a fan (which was why I started checking the paper towels were still damp every 30 mins or so) and was right next to an open window for ventilation. The fan was not facing the cabinet, but its effect was enough to start to dry the paper towels more than once. I tried another product that has a citrus base that has a smell I cannot tolerate. I prefer this product in every conceivable way. It is easy to use. It is safe. I like the size as I cannot handle heavy containers. This product sticks to the surface well, especially vertical surfaces, when using the damp paper towel covered with plastic wrap method. I never would have been able to tackle this project if I had needed to use elbow grease. I needed a few different sized scrapers, because there were very narrow, as well as rounded areas in the cabinet. I had some clay shaping tools that worked really well for this. I also used paper towels when removing the ribbons of paint layers that were coming off. That was sticky and messy. I went through a lot of nitrile gloves and paper towels, but both were critical to my success. Use the thicker quality gloves (6 mil or more), not the cheapest (3 mil). Overall, this is my go-to product now. I am eyeing lots of other pieces of furniture that won't be devalued by stripping, and will look so much better in their natural state. As a follow up. I cleaned this cabinet with Old English wood oil. It is an old but effective wood cleaner I've used for decades. Photo 1 shows the ugly gold paint still present inside on the bottom shelf of the cabinet. The whole thing looked like that. Photo 2 shows the new improved cabinet after stripping and then applying Old English Wood Oil. I did not add a stain. I'm very pleased with the results. Now I can fill it back up with my china.
Review: Great product - It works great at all, but you need to put a lot of chemical and then rinse it with water and let it dry. Everything will be perfect. All my cabinet has been tripped like this but it’s a small bottle.

## Features

- DESIGNED TO REMOVE PAINT AND VARNISH FROM MULTIPLE SURFACES: Remove Aftermarket Paints, Latex, Polyurethane, Shellac, Varnish, Acrylic, Oil Based Coatings and More in usually a Single Application
- EASY TO USE WITHOUT CAUSTIC CHEMICALS: Contains NO Methylene Chloride or NMP. Apply to the surface and check every 15 minutes till it's ready. Set times will vary. Remove with scraper. No fuss, no muss
- THE DO-IT-YOURSELF CHOICE: Powerful enough for painting contractors and restorers, but user-friendly enough for all your DIY home projects
- NO HARSH FUMES OR UNPLEASANT ODOR: Our Paint Stripper is suitable for use in confined or small spaces without overwhelming chemical smells
- EFFECTIVE STRIPPING SOLUTION: Very effective at removing most kinds of aftermarket paints and coatings. Not designed for removal of deck coatings, factory finished, or baked on coatings ie. vehicle paint
- DIY AND PROFESSIONAL PAINT STRIPPING: Our maximum-strength Max Strip delivers a powerful paint stripper that is easy-to-use for paint and varnish removal for home improvement projects on all surfaces, big and small
- SHAKE WELL BEFORE EACH USE: Product must be thoroughly shaken before application for proper consistency and optimal performance. This is essential for best results
- ALLOW TO COOL IF HOT FROM SHIPPING: If product feels warm from delivery, let cool to room temperature before shaking and using. Heat can cause temporary separation

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B07WX2L4HV |
| Best Sellers Rank | #3,584 in Tools & Home Improvement ( See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement ) #4 in Paint Strippers |
| Brand | Max Strip |
| Brand Name | Max Strip |
| Customer Reviews | 3.8 out of 5 stars 2,274 Reviews |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Volume | 1 gallons |
| Item Weight | 9 pounds |
| Manufacturer | EZ Strip USA Inc |
| Material Feature | Biodegradable |
| Material Features | Biodegradable |
| Model Number | ESA-510 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | ESA-510 |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Interior, Exterior |
| Scent | Almond |
| Size | 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Special Ingredients | Contains NO Methylene Chloride or NMP |
| Specific Uses For Product | Remove Aftermarket Paints, Latex, Polyurethane, Shellac, Varnish, Acrylic, Oil Based Coatings, paint and varnish removal, furniture refinishing, wood restoration, cabinet stripping, door paint removal, trim paint removal Specific Uses For Product Remove Aftermarket Paints, Latex, Polyurethane, Shellac, Varnish, Acrylic, Oil Based Coatings, paint and varnish removal, furniture refinishing, wood restoration, cabinet stripping, door paint removal, trim paint removal See more |
| Surface Recommendation | wood furniture, wood flooring, cabinets, doors, trim, metal, stone, brick, concrete |
| UPC | 873853005108 |
| Unit Count | 128 Fluid Ounces |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Max Strip
- **Item Form:** Liquid
- **Material Feature:** Biodegradable
- **Scent:** Almond

## Images

![Paint & Varnish Stripper Gel, Safe Wood & Metal Stripper, 1 Gal | Water-based paint & varnish stripper gel. Removes paint, varnish, stain, lacquer & polyurethane from wood, metal & brick. - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81mkUYup6nL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Size** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: has anyone tried this on a vertical surface? thank you.**
A: Like any stripper you will have run off to a certain I have used this product on vertical surfaces and I was impressed it will run a little as it strips  and pulls the stain or poly off. I would recommend.

**Q: will this adhere to a beadboard ceiling? thank you. fingers crossed...**
A: You could try it as far as it sticking to ceiling it will but I don't think you will be able to keep the thickness you will need it will be dripping on the floor you would have to apply more than once. Your best bet is a heat gun

**Q: I have an old fireplace mantel that's painted and about 90 years old. Don't know what kind of paint it is. but do you think this product will work?**
A: NO, you need a product that will cling to vertical surfaces.  This is very runny, and it is also very weak.  I found it useless to remove layers of paint from 100-year old doors - even after removing the doors and laying them flat.  After trying over a dozen different paint removers, the best I found for vertical surfaces is SmartStrip Pro.  (Not the separate product, SmartStrip). SmartStrip Pro has minimal smell. It also does not stain or require any neutralization. I have been using SmarSrtip Pro to strip 100+ year old douglass fir paneling (both painted and dark stained) .  I put it on about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, and cover with saran wrap. That helps it stay in place better, and seems to help it work better. Then I let it set for two days, and remove.  Repeat once, possible twice. You are still going to have to scrape.  After it has been removed, let the wood dry for 3 or 4 days before you refinish.  As it drys, the wood color will lighten.  There is no current paint remover that will remove paint in one go because they are all non-toxic. If we could still buy the old paint strippers containing methylene chloride you could have stripped it in less than thirty minutes with one application.  Alas, to protect us, the government banned this so now we have the safe alternatives that are so weak it takes multiple applications to remove paint.

**Q: removing 2 thin coats of paint off a fiberglass 14' boat.  Can I use a power washer to remove stripper and paint?**
A: this has not worked that well for be.   i do not think a power washer can strip paint.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If You Want an Easy Process, This is Your Product: Read my successful method in this review.
*by K***N on May 13, 2025*

I could not have completed this project without this product, due to arthritis in my hands. Here is how I used it, based on other reviewers recommendations. I placed cardboard and/or paper down on the carpeting under this cabinet to keep it protected from the damp paint that came loose during this process. Here are the steps I used. 1. I wore nitrile gloves to keep my hands safe. 2) After emptying it of its contents, I thoroughly cleaned the china cabinet. It had a very old, shiny, faux gold with wood grain, paint effect under a heavy gloss varnish. There were at least four coats of paint, including black three layers down, and a wood stain, likely original from when the piece was first sold. 2. I applied this product to one small area at a time (the top, one side at a time, one surface at a time...you get the idea). I tried to paper and tape the glass, but that didn't work. The product was absorbed into the paper. I just cleaned the glass with left over product after the project was completed (I used heavy duty nail polish remover in tiny, hard to reach areas). 3. I used a sponge or towel to apply the product. I applied to an area of the cabinet about the size of a paper towel. I used a spray bottle to dampen a paper towel. I placed the damp paper towel over the product. I used painter tape to seal plastic wrap over the paper towel. After about 30 mins. I checked to make sure the paper towel was still damp. If it wasn't, I misted it with water again and returned the plastic over it. I repeated this as necessary in areas that were tougher to tackle (there were a few, especially at the beginning of the project, and the inside of the top of the cabinet was awkward. I had to do a few spots more than twice). After about an hour from first applying the product, I used a scraper to simply slide ALL of the layers of varnish, paint and stain off. It was amazing. I needed two bottles of this to complete the inside and outside of the china cabinet. The smell wasn't unpleasant. Not chemical. I did use a fan (which was why I started checking the paper towels were still damp every 30 mins or so) and was right next to an open window for ventilation. The fan was not facing the cabinet, but its effect was enough to start to dry the paper towels more than once. I tried another product that has a citrus base that has a smell I cannot tolerate. I prefer this product in every conceivable way. It is easy to use. It is safe. I like the size as I cannot handle heavy containers. This product sticks to the surface well, especially vertical surfaces, when using the damp paper towel covered with plastic wrap method. I never would have been able to tackle this project if I had needed to use elbow grease. I needed a few different sized scrapers, because there were very narrow, as well as rounded areas in the cabinet. I had some clay shaping tools that worked really well for this. I also used paper towels when removing the ribbons of paint layers that were coming off. That was sticky and messy. I went through a lot of nitrile gloves and paper towels, but both were critical to my success. Use the thicker quality gloves (6 mil or more), not the cheapest (3 mil). Overall, this is my go-to product now. I am eyeing lots of other pieces of furniture that won't be devalued by stripping, and will look so much better in their natural state. As a follow up. I cleaned this cabinet with Old English wood oil. It is an old but effective wood cleaner I've used for decades. Photo 1 shows the ugly gold paint still present inside on the bottom shelf of the cabinet. The whole thing looked like that. Photo 2 shows the new improved cabinet after stripping and then applying Old English Wood Oil. I did not add a stain. I'm very pleased with the results. Now I can fill it back up with my china.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great product
*by A***M on July 13, 2026*

It works great at all, but you need to put a lot of chemical and then rinse it with water and let it dry. Everything will be perfect. All my cabinet has been tripped like this but it’s a small bottle.

### ⭐ Did absolutely nothing. Tried twice.
*by L***. on June 23, 2026*

Bought a vintage reel mower which I'm wanting to restore. Some previous owner had painted the wooden shaft and handle with light grey paint long ago which they dripped all over the metal blades. The paint is now cracked and flaking off on the wood handle & shaft. With prior paint stripping experience under my belt, it looked like it would be a quick job to syrip it off. Before deciding on this purchase, I did a little on-line research into the top rated stripping brands and this was listed in the top so I made the purchase. Received today, read the directions, then followed the directions leaving on the wooden shaft for 30 minutes. It was not dried out but it had done nothing. I re-applied to the shaft and this time I left it on for an hour. Came back out to scrape again and still, essentially, nothing. The interesting thing is I tried just hand sanding the handle (which hadn't had remover applied to it yet) and was able to remove almost all of the paint with just a little hand sanding. Looks like I totally wasted my money on this paint stripper and I guess I'll just be sanding the paint off instead. I would not recommend this brand nor purchase it again.

## Frequently Bought Together

- MAX Strip Professional Strength Paint and Varnish Stripper - 1 Gallon - Strips Paint, Latex, Polyurethane, Shellac, Varish, Acrylic and More - No Methylene Chloride No NMP Powerful No Drip Gel Formula
- Putty Knife, 4Pcs Spackle Knife Set (2, 3, 4, 5 in), Stainless Steel Paint Scraper, Taping Knife Tool for Repairing Drywall, Removing Wallpaper, Applying Putty, Plaster, Cement, Adhesive
- Pro Grade, Paint Brushes, 5-Piece, Paint Brush Set: Flat & Angle Brushes for Latex and Oil Paints, Stains, Interior & Exterior Home Improvement

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.us/products/159002797-paint-and-varnish-stripper-gel-safe-wood-and-metal-stripper](https://www.desertcart.us/products/159002797-paint-and-varnish-stripper-gel-safe-wood-and-metal-stripper)

---

*Product available on Desertcart United States of America*
*Store origin: US*
*Last updated: 2026-08-16*