EXPERT Wood Stripper™ Heavy-Duty Caustic Coating & Stain Remover (Step 1)
504-08
Professional Deck & Fence Stain Stripper – Sodium Hydroxide / Sodium Metasilicate Blend
Remove oil-based stains, solid color stains, semi-transparent finishes, and old paint with a professional-grade wood stripper engineered for serious exterior restoration.
EXPERT Wood Stripper™ is a high-performance caustic powder designed to break down bonded coatings and return wood surfaces to bare wood, allowing new stain to penetrate properly and last longer.
⚠️ Professional-use product. Requires proper PPE and safety precautions.
Free shipping on 5 Gallon buckets for the Continental USA
Description |

Heavy-Duty Wood & Deck Stripper for Full Restoration Projects
When a deck or fence has peeling stain, layered coatings, or built-up oil finishes, cleaning alone is not enough.
EXPERT Wood Stripper™ uses a powerful Sodium Hydroxide / Sodium Metasilicate blend to:
✔ Dissolve oil-based stains
✔ Break down solid color stains
✔ Loosen embedded pigments
✔ Lift peeling finishes
✔ Remove multiple layers of old coatings
✔ Strip to bare wood for proper restoration
If you’re restoring a cedar deck, a pressure-treated deck, or simply trying to remove years of deck stains, Fence Armor’s full wood care collection offers the cleaners, brighteners, and tools you need to properly prep, neutralize, and restore your exterior wood surfaces.
Ideal for:
• Cedar decks
• Pressure-treated decks
• Fence restoration
• Siding
• Exterior wood surfaces
• Heavy maintenance projects
If you’re changing stain colors or switching from oil-based to water-based systems, stripping is often mandatory for long-term performance.
Why a Powder Stripper Is Superior
Unlike pre-mixed liquid strippers (which are mostly water), EXPERT Wood Stripper™ is a concentrated powder.
That means:
✔ No fillers
✔ No diluted formula
✔ Adjustable strength control
✔ Lower shipping weight
✔ 36-month shelf life unopened
✔ Mix only what you need
✔ Professional-grade potency
Red safety tint provides clear visual identification during mixing and application, and reduces the risk of accidental mixing.
When Should You Use a Wood Stripper?
Use a stain stripper when:
• Stain is peeling or flaking
• Multiple layers are present
• Switching stain types
• Removing solid color coatings
• Removing old paint
• Pressure washing alone is ineffective
Strippers outperform sanding and light washing on heavily coated surfaces.
What It Does NOT Do
• Will not remove intact factory-applied coatings without dwell time
• Not intended for indoor use
• Not a light maintenance cleaner
• Not safe for casual use without proper PPE
System Positioning
Step 1 – Wood Stripper™ (Heavy Coating Removal)
Step 2 – Wood Brightener (Neutralize & Restore Tone)
Step 3 – Stain & Seal Application
Proper restoration always starts with proper preparation.
Mixing Ratios (Cold Water Only) |
Light Strip: 1/4 cup per gallon
Medium Strip: 1/2 cup per gallon
Heavy Strip: 1 cup per gallon
Always mix with COLD water.
(Heat is generated during activation.)
Use the mixed solution within 6 hours.
Professional Safety Warning
Extreme caution should be taken when using strippers. They will burn skin, remove paint from houses, and kill plants, grass, and pets.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Exposure to sodium hydroxide or sodium metasilicate could irritate the eyes, skin, or lungs. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with water for 15 minutes. If irritation continues, seek immediate medical attention.
- Do not ingest.
- Always wear personal protective equipment when using this product.
- DO NOT MIX WITH OTHER CHEMICALS.
This is a powerful caustic chemical.
⚠️ Will burn skin
⚠️ Can damage plants
⚠️ Can remove paint from nearby surfaces
⚠️ Must not be mixed with other chemicals
Always wear:
• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Eye protection
• Respirator
• Long sleeves
• Protective footwear
Protect vegetation and surrounding surfaces before use.
Application Overview
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Pre-wet surface
-
Apply generously with a sprayer or brush
-
Allow 15–45 minute dwell time
-
Keep the surface wet during dwell
-
Scrub if necessary
-
Rinse thoroughly with the lowest effective pressure
⚠️ Stripper must remain wet to remain active.
Mandatory Neutralization
After stripping:
✔ Apply Wood Brightener (Oxalic Acid)
✔ Neutralize pH
✔ Restore natural wood color
✔ Rinse thoroughly
✔ Allow 24–72 hours dry time
✔ Wood moisture must be 13% or lower before staining
Skipping neutralization can cause stain adhesion failure.
Pro Advice |
Decking Products You Didn’t Know You Needed to Consider
FAQs – EXPERT Wood Stripper™ |
What does EXPERT Wood Stripper™ remove?
It removes oil-based stains, solid color stains, semi-transparent stains, and old paint. It’s designed for full restoration projects where cleaning alone won’t break down built-up coatings.
Will it remove water-based stain?
In many cases, yes. Stronger mix ratios improve performance on stubborn water-based finishes. You can add Butyl Boost for added strength. Always test a small area first to determine the correct strength and dwell time.
Is this safe for cedar and pressure-treated wood?
Yes, when used as directed. It is formulated for exterior wood surfaces like cedar and pressure-treated lumber. Always follow with a wood brightener to neutralize the surface before staining.
Do I really need to use a wood brightener after stripping?
Yes. Neutralizing with a brightener (oxalic acid) is mandatory. Skipping this step can cause stain adhesion failure and uneven color results.
How long should I let it dwell?
Typically 15–45 minutes depending on coating thickness and temperature. The key is keeping the surface wet during the entire dwell time. If it dries, it stops working.
Can I use this without a pressure washer?
You can rinse with a strong garden hose and scrub manually, but a pressure washer on the lowest effective setting makes removal much easier and more thorough.
Is this a maintenance cleaner?
No. This is a heavy-duty stripping product. It is not intended for light cleaning or routine maintenance.
Is it dangerous?
It is a professional-grade caustic chemical. It can burn skin and damage surrounding surfaces if used improperly. Always wear gloves, eye protection, a respirator, long sleeves, and protective footwear.
Can I use this indoors?
No. This product is intended for exterior use only.
When should I use a stripper instead of a cleaner?
Use a stripper when the stain is peeling, flaking, layered, or when switching stain types. Use a cleaner when the wood is dirty, but coatings are still intact.
SDS Info |
EXPERT Professional Wood Care products do not and cannot guarantee to kill or eliminate organic growth, mold, mildew, algae, and other microorganisms from the use of our EXPERT 3-Step System. The EXPERT Professional Wood Care products have not been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency


