Review on 🎨 Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover: Strip 15+ Layers of Paint, Eco-Friendly & Non-Toxic (1 Quart – 2 Pack) by John Swain

In my 8 years of antique restoration I have given up methylene chloride strippers like the Klean Strip. I became a connoisseur of strippers and solvents. And then I tried to tear down the wrought iron railing near my house. What a nightmare! The clear strip dries to an impenetrable shell before sinking under the first coat of paint. These railings have at least 4 or 5 thick layers of different color types. As a last resort, I tried the Smart Strip. I used an older version of the product (Peel Away) on some woodwork around my house a few years ago and it was fine. I was skeptical based on the mixed reviews. After the first spindle I ran and grabbed the camera to shoot a video. I completed the remaining 6 spindles, top and bottom rails, and removed the residue from the other scraper in just 2 hours (not counting the soaking time - I'll get to that). In comparison, it took a full day to make two spindles with the Klean Strip, and there was a lot of junk left over afterward. Now I have given these 4 stars because, despite my great success with it, you cannot follow the instructions. Packaging: The tin specifically says not to cover it (like its predecessor, Peel Away), but I did it anyway because my railing was on the outside of my door and I didn't want anyone sticking their hand in the goo . The only spot I didn't cover was nice to see that the thinner hadn't dried after 24 hours, but it was harder to scrape the paint off. I didn't use the specialty paper they sell, I just used plastic grocery bags. Someone else mentioned wax paper. I even noticed the paint peeling off the bags when I took them off. Scratching: The paint cannot be "wiped off”. This requires some elbow lubrication. I've used a scraper on flat surfaces and a steel wool or metal bristle brush on curved surfaces. And in some places I had to rub the stain with my fingernail or peel it off. But I had my first spindle down to bare metal in 5 minutes. I also used denatured alcohol to remove the solvent and soften the leftover paint. Longevity: I don't know why the jar bothered to list 3-24 hours. Just tell us to leave him alone for the night. I can't imagine it taking less time. And it's not like the material dries out. I made mine within 24 hours and it worked really well. Thickness: The tin says 1/16 to 1/8 inch and they're not kidding. The heavier the better. I'd throw my railing in a vat of it if I could. If you paint with a thin layer, it won't work. You really should smear it in there. If you can still see your color through the thinner, you basically don't have enough color. I smeared it on like plaster of paris. Really thin plaster. So in summary, this is not the product to use if you wake up one morning and want to finish your project the same day. Expect an exposure time of 24 hours. I can't vouch for how it performs with surfaces other than latex or oil paint (e.g. enamel, polyurethane, varnish, etc.). I feel like a lot of the negative reviews are hitting on a layer of something this material isn't intended for (pen), although I did notice the paint peeling off my jeans when I used my solvent-soaked hands on my wiped paint-splattered jeans. And do not follow the instructions - apply it, wrap it, wait a day, scrape it off and wipe it with denatured alcohol. It's water based, doesn't stink, doesn't burn like a thousand fires. Sun when it hits your skin it is biodegradable. what's not to like? If you are not sure, take a "sample size" and test it. ¼ the "pattern size" can make a 4 foot railing section for me. I will continue to use Klean Strip for projects I need to get done quickly or when I just need to go through 1 or 2 coats. But I'll do the rest of the railing with Smart Strip!