Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood cleaning. My R-A-D™ PaintStrip review is based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top deck stain choices. See here for more info about me.
- RAD PaintStrip is a heavy-duty gel stripper built specifically for removing solid stains, paints, and multiple layers of coatings from exterior wood.
- It earned a 9.2 out of 10 overall rating after hands-on testing, successfully removing Olympic Solid Stain from treated pine decking.
- The gel formula stays wet for 24 hours or more, allowing larger areas to be stripped without reapplication, and contains no hazardous methylene chloride or NMP.
- At $70 per gallon covering 100 square feet, the cost is fair compared to power sanding or full wood replacement.
- This product is best suited for full deck restoration projects with heavy coating buildup, not light prep or simple maintenance work.
9.2 Overall Rating RAD PaintStrip Paint & Solid Stain Stripping Gel
RAD PaintStrip Paint & Solid Stain Stripping Gel is a heavy-duty wood stripper designed specifically for removing solid stains, paints, and multiple layers of coatings from exterior wood surfaces. Unlike lighter, consumer-grade strippers, this product is formulated for more demanding restoration projects.
From my experience restoring decks since 1993, removing solid stains or heavy coatings requires a much stronger product than typical deck cleaners or basic strippers. RAD PaintStrip is designed for exactly this type of work and performs much more effectively than most ready-to-use options.
Overall, this is a solid choice when you need to fully strip a deck down to bare wood, especially when dealing with stubborn or layered coatings.
🔹 RAD PaintStrip Paint & Solid Stain Stripping Gel – Quick Verdict
- Best For: Removing solid stains, paint, and heavy coatings
- Not Ideal For: Light cleaning or simple prep work
- Type: Gel-based heavy-duty wood stripper
- My Overall Rating: 9.2/10
My Take:
RAD PaintStrip is one of the better options for difficult stripping jobs. It is strong, effective, and designed for situations where lighter products fail.
RAD™ PaintStrip Stripping Gel Product Info
RAD™ PaintStrip Stripping Gel Product InfoR-A-D™ PaintStrip is the right choice for almost any paint or sealer stripping project. R-A-D™ PaintStrip is eco-friendly, works fast (starts working within 5 minutes), removes up to 5 layers of most paints in 30-45 minutes, and up to 15 layers in 24 hours.
R-A-D™ PaintStrip stays wet for 24+ hours, allowing you to strip larger areas without having to reapply.
When & Where to use RAD™ PaintStrip
R-A-D™ PaintStrip does not contain any hazardous methylene chloride or NMP. R-A-D™ PaintStrip is non-flammable, non-combustible, and practically odor-free. R-A-D™ PaintStrip can be used on interior and exterior surfaces, including wood, brick, concrete, plaster, stone, metal, fiberglass, and more. Additionally, R-A-D™ PaintStrip clings well to vertical surfaces.
R-A-D™ PaintStrip Removes from Wood
- Solid Color Wood Stains, Paints, Varnishes
- Excessively Over-Applied Semi-Transparent and Semi-Solid Coatings
- Filming Acrylic Wood Stain Coatings such as Behr Wood Stains, Thompsons, Olympic, SuperDeck, Benjamin Moore ArborCoat, Valspar, PPG/Pittsburgh, and any other exterior wood and deck stains
How I Rated R-A-D™ PaintStrip
My R-A-D™ PaintStrip review contains a 5-step process and the final average score. Each step is on a scale of 1-10.
- Removal of Graying and Dirt
- Cost Per Square Foot
- Removal of Old Stain
- Ease of Application
- Final Appearance after Cleaning
- R-A-D™ PaintStrip Final Score
5-Step Review of R-A-D™ PaintStrip
1. Removal of Graying, Dirt, Grime: 10
The RAD PaintStrip will easily remove all oxidized graying, dirt, mildew, mold, and algae when also using it to remove a solid stain or paint
2. Cost Per Square Foot: 8
RAD PaintStrip covers 100 sq. feet for $70 per gallon. While this may seem expensive, it is much cheaper than replacing your wood and much more manageable than power sanding your wood or deck. Overall, it is a very fair price for an extremely effective product.
3. Removal of Old Solid Stain: 10
The RAD PaintStrip was tested on a deck that had a dark gray Olympic Solid Stain on the outside vertical skirting. We applied the stripper over the solid stain and let the coating sit overnight. When we returned the next day, we pressure-washed it off the wood. It removed almost all of the solid stain that was on there. Where it did not remove all was where we missed the initial application of the RAD PaintStrip. A spot repeat application removed the rest of the solid stain.
Note: Only the outside vertical skirting of the deck had a solid stain, so we used the RAD PaintStrip. The rest of the deck was cleaned and brightened with Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kits.
4. Ease of Application: 8
The RAD PaintStrip Gel was applied with a roller and brush. We saturated all wood that had the solid stain with the stripper. Using an airless prayer would have been easier, but we did not have one.
5. Final Appearance of Stripping: 10
The RAD PaintStrip was very effective at removing the gray Olympic Solid Stain.
Note: You do not need to use a wood brightener to neutralize after the RAD PaintStrip, but it does help for the final appearance.
Overall Score RAD PaintStrip Paint & Solid Stain Stripping Gel: 9.2
For years, I have tested many different strippers on solid (opaque) colored deck stains with little or no success. Finally, there is a decent option to remove these coating types when they peel off your exterior wood or deck.
Product Information:
Manufacturer: Restore-A-Deck
Product Type: Solid Stain and Paint Stripper
Available Sizes: 1-Gallon and 5-Gallons
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coverage Per Container: 100 sq. ft per Gallon or 500 sq. ft per 5-Gallon
Application Tools: Brush, Roller, Airless Sprayer.
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 400 sq feet
The Condition of Deck: Solid Olympic Wood Stain.
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Consider that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
🔹 RAD PaintStrip Paint & Solid Stain Stripping Gel – Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong enough to remove solid stains and paint
- Works well on multiple layers of old coatings
- Gel formula helps it stay on the surface longer
- More effective than most consumer-grade strippers
- Designed for full deck restoration projects
Cons
- More aggressive and requires careful handling
- Not necessary for light prep or maintenance
- Can require multiple applications depending on buildup
- It is suggested to follow with proper neutralizing and brightening
🔹 Best Uses for RAD PaintStrip
- Removing solid stains and paints
- Stripping decks with multiple layers of coatings
- Full deck restoration projects
- Preparing wood for a complete refinishing
Not Ideal For:
- Light cleaning or maintenance prep
- Decks with minimal or no existing coatings
- Quick or simple DIY projects
🔹 Application Tips
- Apply evenly and generously to coated areas
- Allow proper dwell time for the gel to work
- Agitate and rinse thoroughly
- Always follow with a brightener after stripping
👉 How to Prep a Deck
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-deck-prep-clean-strip-or-sand-the-deck/
🔹 Maintenance & Prep Importance
Using the correct stripper is critical when dealing with heavy coatings.
- Incomplete stripping will lead to uneven stain results
- Proper removal ensures better penetration of new stain
- Always neutralize and brighten after stripping
From my experience, using a strong, effective stripper like this can save time and produce far better results compared to weaker alternatives.
🔹 Who Should Use RAD PaintStrip?
You should consider RAD PaintStrip Paint & Solid Stain Stripping Gel if:
- You are removing solid stain or paint
- Your deck has multiple layers of old coatings
- You need a stronger, more effective stripping solution
- You are doing a full deck restoration
You may want to consider other options if:
- You are doing light prep work
- Your deck has minimal stain buildup
- You only need cleaning or brightening
🔹 RAD PaintStrip Paint & Solid Stain Stripping Gel – FAQs
Is RAD PaintStrip strong enough to remove solid stain?
Yes, it is specifically designed to remove solid stains, paints, and heavy coatings.
How many applications are needed?
It depends on the thickness of the coating, but multiple applications may be required for heavy buildup.
Do you need to use a brightener after using RAD PaintStrip?
Yes, always. Brightening is required to neutralize the wood and prepare it for staining.
Is RAD PaintStrip better than standard deck strippers?
Yes, it is significantly stronger and more effective for heavy-duty stripping.
Can it damage wood if used incorrectly?
Like any strong stripper, it must be used properly and rinsed thoroughly to avoid issues.
Is it suitable for all deck projects?
No, it is best for heavy stripping jobs and not needed for light prep or maintenance.
🔹 RAD PaintStrip Paint & Solid Stain Stripping Gel – Final Thoughts
RAD PaintStrip Paint & Solid Stain Stripping Gel is a strong, professional-grade product designed for difficult stripping jobs. It performs much better than most consumer-grade strippers when dealing with solid stains, paints, and multiple layers.
From my hands-on experience, using the right stripper makes a huge difference in both the results and the amount of effort required. This is one of the better options when you need to fully remove coatings and start fresh.
If you are tackling a serious restoration project, RAD PaintStrip is a reliable and effective choice.
If you have any questions as to the effectiveness of your deck or wood stripping project, please ask below with the name of the stain brand and type being removed. Please add a couple of pictures as well.
I’m confused, in the section 5. Final Appearance of Stripping:
You say, “The RAD PaintStrip was very effective at removing the gray Olympic Solid Stain.
…but just below that, in the “CONS” section, you say, “Must be followed with proper neutralizing and brightening.”
…which is it, do we need a neutralizer and brightener or not? That accurate information is necessary if you are restaining the deck.
It does not have to be, but it helps. We will modify.
Thank you for your follow up, it is greatly appreciated.
I’m struggling with the RAD gel stripper. It is drying out quickly- if I leave overnight is it ok to dry? I only have one coat of Storm solid stain and it is not coming off unless I scrub it when wet????
Thanks.
Make sure to cover with plastic and very important to test spot first. This will determine how long it needs to dwell.
Will this damage a stone patio underneath the deck
No, it should not.
How many square feet of deck could I strip with a 5gal. Pail of stripper
It varies based on what you are stripping and how thick it is. 50-100 sq feet per gallon.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/product/rad-paint-solid-stain-stripper-5-gallon/
I have a rough cut cedar deck with some weathered Defy Semi-Transparent stain. Thinking about using a solid stain. Do you think it’s necessary to sand or strip first before applying, or can I get away with good cleaning and brightening? I like your two-tone idea about solid on verticals and semi on horizontals, but I’m not going to get a color match.
When applying a solid stain, you do not have to remove all the old coating but you do want to remove what is loose and peeling. See this for tips:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
I have Haden Orange Behr Solid Stain on my deck. It is peeling and looks terrible. I bought 5 gallon bucket of RAD PaintStrip. It is a very thick gel that I applied with a roller and brush. I let it sit over night (total about 20 hours) and the used my Power Washer (1700 PSI) to remove the gel/stain. It only remove 60% – 70% of the stain. I had to reapply a lot of gel and I have let it sit over night again. I am hoping for a better result this round. Do you have any suggestions?
Did you test spot it as instructed to see how thick to apply and how long the dwell time is needed? It may have been that you applied it too thin the first time.
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Thanks
I’ve been at this for over a week. I’ve applied the stripper VERY thick and let it work for 24 hours+. I’ve had to apply and the power wash the desk 3 times so far and I still have about 20% of the stain still on the deck. As for applying this with a airless sprayer, I do not see how that is possible, it is way to thick to go through any airless sprayer I have used. Can I thin it out? If so, with what, water? What would would the ratios be?
Thanks,
Steve
Did it dry out at all over the 24 hours or stay wet? Covering it with a tarp would help keep it wet. We would not suggest thinning it. Do you have some pics?
Here are the RAD airless spraying tips:
It can be sprayed with an airless sprayer. Use a minimum 0.75 GPM pump at 2500 PSI. Use 1/4″ to 3/8″ hose.
Remove all filters from both the sprayer and airless gun and use a 521 tip.