5 Best Paint Strippers for Concrete 2025 – Tested & Reviewed

Users highlight its ease of application and particularly praise its gentle almond scent—no more evacuating the house due to overwhelming fumes. Several mention that, with patience, the stripper reliably removes up to three coats of paint or varnish.

There's strong feedback on easy cleanup—leftover residue wipes away with water or a vinegar rinse, a bonus for both indoor and exterior concrete surfaces. Some users say it's superior to common alternatives (like Citristrip) for less smell and easier handling.

However, the feedback isn't universal: certain users find the performance inconsistent, with some thicker or older concrete paint layers requiring repeated applications or longer dwell times. The product can also become runny if overapplied or left too long.

Customers widely praise the minimal odor, remarking on how much easier it is to use indoors and during winter or poor weather when windows must stay closed. Several note the gel's thickness—excellent on vertical applications, but it can also mean more labor to spread and eventually remove.

The reviews, however, caution that removal effectiveness is quite variable. Some users see thorough results in a single pass; others complain about both limited stripping power and frustrating cleanup. Several found the residue sticky or messy and required hours of post-strip scrubbing.

Users love the easy soap-and-water wash-up and consistent results on lighter to moderately layered concrete paints. Many appreciate that the preparation process is forgiving—applying gel, waiting overnight, then scraping off softened residue.

However, real-world use indicates divided outcomes: while some successfully strip several coats with minimal effort, others find stubborn areas require extra passes (or more scraping muscle). A key theme is that patience is rewarded—rushing the process can lead to disappointment.

DIYers and pros alike value how the discs fit standard quick-change tools for speedy setup. Users note impressive results on tough, exterior-grade concrete coatings—so long as you own the proper rotary tool.

Surface integrity is maintained, but as with all abrasives, proper technique and dust control are critical. Some find there's a learning curve for even removal, but results far exceed what's possible with scraping or hard-to-distribute gels.

Best suited for shops or serious hobbyists with dedicated space for heated immersion tanks. It's not a pour-and-brush solution—expect setup for dilution, heating, and venting.

While there's little user feedback specific to concrete, pro-grade contractors report that this formula is reliable for prepping older, stubborn coatings ahead of new epoxy or industrial finishes.