My Top Wood and Deck Stain Strippers

With over 30 years of experience restoring decks, I’ve tested and compared dozens of deck stain strippers to find the best-performing options. Whether you’re dealing with an old stain, peeling paint, or stubborn coatings, choosing the right stripper can make your restoration project significantly easier.

If you’re unsure which deck stripper is best for your situation, feel free to ask a question in the comments below, and I’ll personally help guide you to the right product.

Best Deck Stain Strippers for 2025

Here are my top-rated deck and wood stain strippers, based on performance, ease of use, and effectiveness:

1. Restore-A-Deck Deck Stripper with Booster & Thickening Gel Additives (Top Choice!)

⭐ Best for Removing Stubborn Stains & Coatings

This professional-grade deck stain stripper features a powerful pre-mixed solvent blend combined with 5 gallons of the original Restore-A-Deck (RAD) Stripper. The addition of Booster and Thickening Gel additives helps tackle even the most stubborn deck stains, making removal easier and more effective.

✅ Pros:

• Works on tough semi-transparent and semi-solid stains
• Booster additive increases stripping power
• Thickening gel keeps the stripper in place on vertical and stubborn surfaces
• Ideal for wood decks, fences, and outdoor furniture

❌ Cons:

• Requires neutralizing after stripping

2. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Stripper (Best Powdered Stripper)

⭐ Best for Removing Old Stain, Dirt, & Mold

One of the best deck stain removers available, this powdered Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper easily eliminates old stains, dirt, mildew, mold, and mill glaze. It’s a go-to choice for homeowners and contractors looking for a biodegradable and easy-to-use stripping solution.

✅ Pros:

• Removes both oil-based and water-based stains
• Works on transparent and semi-transparent coatings
• Environmentally friendly formula
• Affordable and effective

❌ Cons:

• Not as effective on solid stains or paint

3. R-A-D PaintStrip Stripping Gel (Best for Removing Deck Paint)

⭐ Best for Stripping Deck Paint & Solid Stains

If you need to strip deck paint instead of stain, the eco-friendly R-A-D™ PaintStrip Gel is the best option. This powerful gel removes up to 5 layers of deck paint in 45 minutes or less, making it an excellent choice for decks with old solid-color stains or peeling paint.

✅ Pros:

• Works on multiple layers of paint
• Clings to vertical and horizontal surfaces
• Low odor, eco-friendly formula

❌ Cons:

• Requires scraping or power washing for full removal

4. Defy Exterior Wood and Deck Stripper (Best Biodegradable Stripper)

⭐ Best for Eco-Friendly Stain Removal

Defy Deck Stripper features a biodegradable formula that restores weathered wooden decks to a like-new appearance. It effectively removes transparent and semi-transparent deck stains, making it a solid choice for environmentally conscious users.

✅ Pros:

• Works well on transparent and semi-transparent stains
• Safe for plants and landscaping
• Restores gray and weathered wood

❌ Cons:

• Less effective on solid stains and paints