RAD™ PaintStrip Paint & Solid Stain Stripping Gel 1-Gallon
R-A-D™ PaintStrip is the right choice for almost any paint or solid coating stripping project. R-A-D™ PaintStrip is eco-friendly, works fast (starts working within 5 minutes), and 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.
Note: R-A-D™ PaintStrip is not needed to remove penetrating exterior deck and wood stains that are Transparent, Semi-Transparent, and Semi-Solid (most brands) in appearance. To remove these deck and wood stain types, use the Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper. If you are unsure of which Restore-A-Deck Stripper to use, please post pictures and any info related to the products (brand and type of stain) being stripped in the comment section below.
R-A-D™ PaintStrip Removes
- 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
DO NOT use on drywall, rubber, plastic, or vinyl.
R-A-D™ PaintStrip ADVANTAGES
- PROFESSlONAL STRENGTH Fast-Acting Paint Stripping Gel
- Removes up to 15 layers of latex and oil paints, varnish, stains, lacquers, and more in a single application
- Multi-Surface: Works on vertical and horizontal surfaces including wood, metal, masonry, and many more
- Stays Wet for 24+ Hours for Difficult Stripping Projects
- No Need to Neutralize with Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener
- Eco-Friendly
- Non-Flammable & No Harsh Fumes
- No Methylene Chloride or NMP
- Safe to use on all exterior wood surfaces, not just decks
Coverage: 100 sq. feet per gallon
Which product do you recommend to remove this stain/waterproofer? Biggest mistake I made was using Behr! Thanks!
The RAD paintstrip will remove the Behr.
I am wanting to strip the Behr Semitransparent stain. What product should I use?
Will this product remove sealer from red brick?
That would depend on the type of sealer that is on the brick. It will remove acrylic-based concrete sealers.
We recently bought a house where the previous owners sprayed a paint or solid color deck stain all over the brick facia. Can this product take it off?
Yes, but always do a test spot first to determine how thick to apply and how long to let it dwell.
Test Patch:
Before general use, test on a small area to determine compatibility, required dwell time, and coverage for desired results. For an estimated 5 or less coats, scrape a section of the area with a stripping tool after one hour of dwell time. If not easily down to wood after one hour, leave on longer and test again hourly. For 10 – 15 coats of paint, cover with plastic and wait 24 hours to test. For best results, cover the stripper with plastic and do not allow to dry.
I recently purchased a home with a deck stained in Cabot Semi-Solid Deck Stain (looks more solid to me). I have power washed it and scraped/cleaned the loose sections of chips off the best I can. It was not flaking bad but large chips were peeling off in certain spots. Most of the stain is still in decent shape. Can I paint RAD solid stain right over top of it without sanding, or should some of the previous stain edges be sanded?
The edges that are raised (last pic) are still peeling so you should sand all of those smooth.
What type of product do I need to get this to bare wood?
The RAD Paint Strip.
I’m trying to find a legitimate paint stripping product to deal with the consistent requests we get for decks that were stained with Behr, Olympic and all the other awful acrylic and latex stains that peel but don’t fully come off. I don’t see the technical data sheet to confirm if this will be a good product for that.
Is this a caustic based stripper or solvent? If it’s a solvent, are you using DMSO or NMP? I don’t want to end up paying $70/gallon for soda.
You will have more info and the SDS sheet if you click the tab above that says Directions and Technical Info. This will show what it is made of, etc: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/pdf/R-A-D%20PaintStrip-Gel-SDS.pdf
It will remove all acyilc based stains:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/when-to-use-rad-paintstrip-wood-stripper
You can also test samples on this link:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-stripper-sample-size.html
Will the RAD PaintStrip darken Cedar Tongue & Groove siding? I am trying to completely remove a single heavy layer of Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Semi-Transparent stain applied in 2017 that has completely turned an ugly gray-brown color from what was a “Cedar” color. I have approximately 700 sq. ft. of vertical surface to strip. Any idea of the dwell time needed to strip this, or will I just have to experiment?
You should use our RAD Brightener after the RAD PaintStripper, as it will restore the pH balance if it does darken the wood.
You will need to spot test to determine effectiveness and how long to dwell with the Stripper:
Test Patch:
Before general use, test on a small area to determine compatibility, required dwell time, and coverage for desired results. For an estimated 5 or less coats, scrape a section of the area with a stripping tool after one hour of dwell time. If not easily down to wood after one hour, leave on longer and test again hourly. For 10 – 15 coats of paint, cover with plastic and wait 24 hours to test. For best results, cover the stripper with plastic and do not allow to dry.
For Christmas, my son has asked for restore a deck products to redo his fairly large deck (I use your products and he likes the looks of my deck). He recently purchased his home and isn’t certain of what has been used in the past. In the sunny areas, he’s pretty much down to bare wood. In the shady areas, it looks like he may have up to two coats of some sort of stain or paint. To prepare his deck, should he use both the paint strip in the shady areas and the regular stripper in the sunny areas? He would love to get down to bare wood and be able to use a semi transparent stain. Is that even possible with two layers of solid paint/stain on part of the deck? I don’t have photos unfortunately…and am trying to maintain the surprise factor for Christmas…
We would need to see photos to be certain if it can be stripped and what would be needed. You might want to consider a two-toned approach as it is easier to remove from floorings.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/two-toned-decks-with-restore-a-deck-wood-stains
As you can see in the photos, the outer part of the deck is almost down to bare wood in places. The parts under the patio cover still have a fair amount of solid stain. What would you recommend? How much stripper would be needed to strip a 16’4” x 27’1/2” deck? I’m assuming the new paint strip would be needed. Should he be looking at redoing with a solid stain? He really wants to do it in semi transparent.
The easiest would be to recoat with our RAD solid stain. For prep, you would need to remove the dirt and loose solid stain.
If you want to go to semi-transparent. 100% of the solid stain will need to be removed. You would need to use the RAD PaintStrip to achieve this. Make sure to do the test spot to determine the amount needed and dwell time. We do sell small sample containers for this purpose.
Test Patch:
Before general use, test on a small area to determine compatibility, required dwell time, and coverage for desired results. For an estimated 5 or less coats, scrape a section of the area with a stripping tool after one hour of dwell time. If not easily down to wood after one hour, leave on longer and test again hourly. For 10 – 15 coats of paint, cover with plastic and wait 24 hours to test. For best results, cover the stripper with plastic and do not allow to dry.
Looking to remove a single cost of Benjamin Moore Woodluxe translucent wood stain & sealer from the inside of this mahogany door. Coat was applied a few days ago by accident from painters. Which stripper product should I use since this is inside the house? Since I cannot power wash this, what is the best way to remove the stripper? Thank you!
Sorry, but our products are for exterior use only.
It says in the product description that it can be used on interior or exterior surfaces
Yes, but is is best to pressure wash it off and you cannot do that inside, so interior use is limited to scrapping.
I’m in the process of using the R-A-D stripper on one of 3 decks levels, after power washing the stripper off do I need to allow it to fully dry before processing forward? I’m going to clean and brighten the other two sections (which have been sanded) before applying R-A-D stain to all three.
Yes.
For best results, should R-A-D paint and solid stain stripper be applied to a dry deck or is it okay for the deck to be damp from recent rainfall?
Dry is best.
Hello, should I use paint or stain stripper on this fence? It was painted/stained two years ago with, supposedly, an oil based Cabot semi-solid stain. It is already peeling, especially in the south facing areas.
RAD Paint Strip as it looks fully opaque.
Hi,
Should I use the paint and solid stain stripper if my deck has both paint and stain on it? We already started stripping the deck with a Dimabrush, but it’s too powerful for the spindles.
Yes, but you may want to consider a two-toned deck: solid stain for verticals and semi-transparent for floors. That way, you only have to remove the solid stain from the floors, which will save you a lot of time and money. 😀
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/two-toned-decks-with-restore-a-deck-wood-stains
If I use RAD paint stripper prior to applying RAD semi-transparent stain, what steps do I need to take with what products before applying the stain? And is it time sensitive, i.e, how long between paint stripper and stain is too long? And can the stain be applied when the deck is wet from rain? We’ve had rain every day for a month.
Brighten after and then stain within 2 weeks. the stain can be applied to damp wood but not soaking wet wood.
I just performed a deck cleaning on the solid stain portion of my deck before I planned to apply a new coat of the same solid stain. Unfortunately, some of the solid stain peeled off when rinsing the cleaner with my power washer at a light setting. I’m left with a partially stripped deck that needs to be fully stripped. I’m considering using my TWP semi transparent stain which I used on adjacent vertical surfaces and boarders to redo this entire section since the solid performed so poorly. What’s my best course of action to get the remaining solid stain removed and ready to be stained again. Thanks!
The RAD PaintStrip is the correct product to remove a solid stain.
Would there be be a disadvantage to just using the paint and solid stain stripper and forgo the stain stripper altogether?
In most cases, the regular deck stain stripper is all you need unless you are removing a solid stain or paint. Going with the RAD PaintStrip option is more costly.
Here are the pic’s of the Behr semi transparent waterproofing stain and sealer.
That is borderline opaque, like a solid stain. You could try our regular Restore-A-Deck Stripper: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
With both Gel and Booster additives.
You should get most off, and then you could spot remove it with the RAD PaintStrip if needed.
Hi, what would you recommend to remove Behr semi transparent waterproofing stain and sealer? I used two coats on new pressure treated pine. I want to replace with RAD semi transparent stain.
Post some pics in the comments. Behr lies about their opacity, and many times, their semi-transparent are actually resemble solid color stains when applied.
I can’t tell what went wrong here or the best way to fix it. Should I sand and start over? Or is one of your strippers a better route?
I recently bought a new house and the previous owner was nice enough to leave old cans of stain and cleaner he used, so I picked up new cans of each.
First I swept the deck thoroughly and then used my leaf blower to get rid of any outstanding dust.
Next I applied the cleaner, keeping the deck damp, and let it sit for about 30 minutes. During that time I scrubbed the dirtier sections with a scrub brush too. I sprayed the cleaner off with my hose nozzle on the strongest setting.
The next day I applied the stain, and you can tell by the pictures that it didn’t turn out well. Could it be that the previous owner used a solid stain, and that is the orange color still on some of the boards?
One note, the brightest orange areas are where the previous owner had his patio furniture—an L shaped bench and a large square coffee table.
Once I’m able to remove these coats I think I’ll opt for a semi-transparent penetrating stain.
Thanks for your help!
The prep for your coating was incorrect, hence the uneven appearance. Now, you need to remove the new and older coatings fully. Since you have this buildup, we suggest the RAD PaintStrip to get it down to the bare wood.
Thank you for confirming. I’ll get the RAD PaintStrip. One follow up question—after using the PaintStrip, do I need to use a brightener or cleaner before I apply the stain?
Brighten.
Hi I received a roller with my 5 gallon bucket of rad stripper. Could you tell me what size roller?
The size of the roller is on the label of the free roller we sent.
Unfortunately, I throw away the wrapper. I wasn’t paying attention. I just thought you might of known off hand. I need to buy a few more. Thanks
9″ wide. 1 1/4″ nap.
I really appreciate it. Thank you
No problem! 😀
I hit this Douglas fir with 2 X rounds of the paint and solid stain stripper… Do you think its ready for brightening and staining?
Yes.
Hi there,
I applied this product to my Douglas fir/varnish deck yet it looks patchy after power washing it off. Should I repeat the process?
Yes. Make sure to do the test spot. It is needed to know how thick to apply the stripper and how long it will take to work. This is key to success!😀
Sprayed on Behr semi transparent watering proofing stain and sealer on treated wood before discovering RAD. I waited for wood to cure before spraying and then came a hail storm several months after. My honey got a little aggressive with the power washer trying to remove. I’ve been using the RAD solid stain stripper gel but I’m having a hell of a time getting in between the boards where it got to thick I’ve tried it with plastic for 24 hours and it still is difficult. Will sanding take out the power washer marks and leftover stain spots? and at what point should I use the stain stripper and brightener? I want to use a semi transparent oil based TWP next unless that’s a concern? Thank for your help I finally have the deck of my dreams but it’s turned into a nightmare
Heavy power sanding will help to remove the stop marks from the pressure washer but it will not remove the stain that is on the inside of the deck boards. Nothing will so best to use a dark stain that will help blend after. After the sanding, you can clean and brighten.
Hi, I want to take this deck to bare wood and then stain. I’ve got no clue what was already applied, I’m guessing a paint/stain combo product. I’m redoing all slats, stairs, and floor, can you recommend the stripping product to start with?
Hello,
Yes, you have a solid stain so you would need the RAD PaintStrip to remove this fully.
As expected, the Olympic acrylic film product was a bear to remove. See photos. We let dwell for 24 hours and removed with power washer. Do we need to make a second pass? If so, with the gel again? It will probably be February before Temps are dependably warm enough to stain. I expect to have to clean, brighten, and stain at that time.
Yes, you will need to go over it again with the Gel. Spring time will be okay.
We are trying to restore our deck. We are replacing several sections but would like to take the good boards back to bare wood. The old coating looks like paint over stain but we are not certain. Can you suggest the appropriate stripping product to make this job easy? Thank you!
That is a solid stain. You will need the RAD Paint Strip. We would suggest buying a gallon to test effectiveness, coverage, and dwell time first. See below for testing.
Test Patch:
Before general use, test on a small area to determine compatibility, required dwell time, and coverage for desired results. For an estimated 5 or less coats, scrape a section of the area with a stripping tool after one hour of dwell time. If not easily down to wood after one hour, leave on longer and test again hourly. For 10 – 15 coats of paint, cover with plastic and wait 24 hours to test. For best results, cover the stripper with plastic and do not allow to dry.
I used a Cabot solid stain in sycamore 2 years ago that is now peeling on the floor boards. I bought 5 gal. of Ready Seal oil stain in pecan and tested it on stairs. We have power washed several times and scuff sanded once. There is still a lot of paint on the floor. I thought I’d just stain the 700 sqf deck as it is now and have a nice barn wood effect. My partner thinks it’s too drastic. Currently there are some new boards and old boards that are blotchy with silvered and painted sections. He wants to use Thompsons clear. Opinion and suggestions needed.
You cannot stain over the solid stain. Ready Seal is a very poor stain as well. It will not dry and rubs off. Read the reviews. Thompsons Clear is useless.
We have a deck that is peeling. It has two coats of solid stain Behr and are having trouble removing it, We have pressure washed and tried a Sherwin Williams product in a small area but nothing is working. Should we use the rad paint stripper overnight? If so does it need to be covered with something like a plastic drop cloth? Looking to just do the vertical surfaces now.
You have to test first to determine what is needed. Also, are you redoing in the RAD Solid Stain? If so, you do not have to remove 100% of the Behr, just what is loose and peeling.
Test Patch:
Before general use, test on a small area to determine compatibility, required dwell time, and coverage for desired results. For an estimated 5 or less coats, scrape a section of the area with a stripping tool after one hour of dwell time. If not easily down to wood after one hour, leave on longer and test again hourly. For 10 – 15 coats of paint, cover with plastic and wait 24 hours to test. For best results, cover the stripper with plastic and do not allow to dry.
What type of sprayer do you recommend for Paint Stripping Gel? Or does it have to be brush/ rolled on? Do you recommend using neutralizer and/or brightener after?
The Stripping Gel needs to be rolled on very thick. You can brighten after but you do not have to.
Trying to remove Behr solid oil based stain on fence. Everyone says not possible. Will this work?
Yes, if you follow the directions. Make sure to test spot first. Very important to determine how thick to apply and how long to dwell.
Test Patch:
Before general use, test on a small area to determine compatibility, required dwell time, and coverage for desired results. For an estimated 5 or less coats, scrape a section of the area with a stripping tool after one hour of dwell time. If not easily down to wood after one hour, leave on longer and test again hourly. For 10 – 15 coats of paint, cover with plastic and wait 24 hours to test. For best results, cover the stripper with plastic and do not allow to dry.
I used the rad gel, pressure washed, and sanded. Would you recommend still using the Brightner?
Post some pics, please.
We are working railing slowly because but want to stain the big areas and get it done
Yes as it will help to open the pores after sanding. Do you have a before stripping picture?
Here are the before
Looks good. Good job removing the old stain.
I have deck I’m refinishing. It currently stained with Olympic Elite. Do I need to use your paint stripper or the mixable powder deck stripper for best results? I have pressured wash most of the stain of the horizontal surfaces but it did not wash off the vertical surfaces.
Post pics, please.
I used Defy solid body stain 2 years ago. I installed Defy over a previous one coat solid body Stain, made by a company that is no longer in business. This was peeling and about 5 years old.
I followed the Defy prep procedure, but I did not strip. Now I am experiencing 60% flaking and peeling both on new wood that was aged and previous Defy stained as described above.
What do I do now?
I want to use your solid body stain and I want to follow your prep recommendations, but after all that work and expense; I do not want to be in this position in 2 years.
Can you post some pics of the current state?
Question! If I applied the RAD stripper in the evening and covered w/plastic to sit over night and then removed in am would it cause any damage to the wood?
No it would not.
Regular drop plastic is sufficient?
Yes.
The majority of the dock is natural colored but the trim is black.
Hi, I have 3 ages of boards (some 1 month old, some 1 year old, and some solid stained from previous home owner.) Would like to remove the solid stain and apply RAD semi transparent in light walnut. Is this possible? What products do I need?
Use the RAD Paint Strip to remove the solid stain. For the new wood, see here: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood
Hi, which stripper would you recommend? Bought the home 2 years ago, don’t know what the previous owners used to stain the deck.
Thank you
Use this kit: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
With both additives for the stripper: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Apply, wait 60 minutes to work (mist to keep from drying out) and then pressure wash off.
Used Behr Premium Weatherproofing Semi-Transparent All-In-One Wood Stain & Sealer. Trying to use Behr’s Stain Stripper, but very tedious. Can I use RAD Stain Stripper or do I need to use RAD Paint & Solid Stain Stripper?
Use the RAD Paint Strip for this.
Which stripper should we use? Olympic Elite Stain/sealant in one applied in 2016 without appropriate prep.
Reply back with some pics of the deck for prep advice.
Can you see these. I uploaded them Sunday.
Use the RAD PaintStrip: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-paintstrip-paint-solid-stain-stripping-gel.html
The best stripper to remove solid stains and hard to remove wood and deck stains.
used one gallon, did not remove most of solid stain, do I need to redo? Stain is soft but really hard to scrape off
Let it sit on the wood over night. Apply liberally.