
Removing paints, varnishes, and lacquers from surfaces such as wood, metal, or masonry can be daunting as well as time-consuming.
Especially beginners need to learn the techniques to get it right, or they can end up damaging the surface itself.
Fortunately, there are products like Nitromors All-Purpose Paint and Varnish Remover that make it easy and less time-consuming.
But with the market already loaded with so many paint removers, is this a good product or just another marketing gimmick?
Should you try this paint and varnish remover, and does it really work that great?
Let’s find out in the article below…
Nitromors Overview
Nitromors is a known brand in the decorating industry, and it has been around since the 1930s.
Their product named “Nitromors All-Purpose Paint & Varnish Remover” is still top-rated and is being used by DIYers, painters, and professional contractors for removing many different kinds of paint varnishes and other coatings.
Back in 2009, when the EU legislation banned methylene chloride and dichloromethane-based paint strippers, Nitromors had to go off since they used methylene chloride solvent in their formulations.
Fumes from paint removers and even cleaning fluids that contain methylene chloride (dichloromethane) can be hazardous as they can cause Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.
While the ban of many such solvents and strippers was good for the health of painters and decorators across Europe, it certainly wasn’t good news for Nitromors.
The challenges for Nitromors were to redesign their product if they wanted to continue in the market.
And no doubt they did it!
They came up with the new formulation which was according to the guidelines and was completely safe not only for painters but also for nature.

Nitromors All-Purpose Paint and Varnish Remover
Nitromors All Purpose Paint and Varnish Remover is a powerful stripper that can act fast and remove layers of paints, lacquers, and varnishes from surfaces (such as metal, wood, and masonry) in no time.
The fact it’s a super-strength concentrated formula, it can work to remove up to 15 layers with just 2-3 applications.
Plus, it provides you with excellent coverage (up to 2.5 m² per liter).
The thing that I like most about this non-drip gel formulation is unlike other strippers; it can easily be worked for stripping vertical surfaces such as doors, window frames, stair spindles, high walls, etc.
Also, because it’s green-colored, you can easily see the product in action where it’s been applied while working.
The only drawback of this product is its very high V.O.C, due to which you will need to work only in a protected environment with all the protective gear like painter’s boots, respirator, etc.
Also, note that this paint blistering formulation is unsuitable for plastic surfaces.
Since the product is very strong and can be damaging, you should avoid getting it in contact with any plastic surface.
Available Sizes: 375ml, 750ml, 2L, 4L
How to Prepare and Use Nitromors All-Purpose Paint Stripper?
Before you use Nitromors for paint stripping, it’s important to prepare the surface well.
So, make sure that the surface you need to get stripped is clean and well dried.
Step 1. Clean
If it’s a concrete surface, for example, ensure that you have properly cleaned all the dust or dirt and washed the surface.
Use a brush and/or power washer for cleaning if required.
Also, allow enough time to dry the surface before you proceed.
Step 2. Protection
Nitromors is a chemical-based products and can be dangerous if not handled with care.
So, after cleaning the surface, wear all your protective gear, including gloves and safety glasses, to ensure the formulation does not get into contact with your skin and eyes.
Also, if you are working in a confined space, ensure proper ventilation to avoid the hazards of harmful fumes.
Step 3. Test
Before you use the product on the intended surface (wood, brick, stone, etc.), it’s recommended to perform a test on the small area to assess the suitability and performance of the product.
Pour out the thick formulation into a metal or a glass container, and while following the instructions provided by the manufacturer on the package, apply a coat on a small area.
You will need to work out of direct sunlight during your project.
Step 4. Application
After you have tested the product, it’s time to apply the thick coat (about 2-3mm) of the formulation on the intended surface using a brush.
Wait for about 10 minutes, which is usually the time Nitromors remover takes for blistering the paint.
Now reapply another coat of Nitromors paint remover into the blistered paint and leave for about 30-40 minutes.
It’s good to leave the work area to minimize getting in contact with fumes.
Return and check if you need to apply more paint remover before the coating dries out.
Step 5. Stripping
If all seems perfect, remove the softened and blistered paint using a stripping knife.
For stripping difficult areas like corners, make use of a tool like a shave hook or your old nylon toothbrush.
If you still see any traces of paint left ingrained, dip coarse wire wool in Nitromors. Apply on the area and strip.
Step 6. Dispose
Disposing of the removed Nitromors and paint layers carefully are essential to safeguard the environment.
You can wrap the whole of it in a newspaper and dispose of it in the waste bin (if it’s a small quantity).
If it’s a large quantity you have removed, follow your local guidelines for disposal of left-out paint products.
Step 7. Washing
After the paint has been removed and disposed of successfully, you will need to thoroughly wash down the work area using liquid soap in cold water.
If it’s a fine wood surface you have worked on, use white spirit to avoid getting the grains damaged.
If required, rub down the surface lightly with sandpaper or fine wire wool.
Do not use wire or steel wool on Oak as it can most likely blacken the surface.
Finally, allow the cleaned surface to dry completely.
Alternative to Nitromors – In Case You Cannot Find It
Paint Panther is an excellent substitute for Nitromors that can be tried if you happen not to get the product in your marketplace.
The only difference between Paint Panther vs. Nitromors is in their brand and manufacturer.
Otherwise, just like Nitromors, Paint Panther stripper is also a fast-acting, non-drip formulation that comes with gel consistency making it ideal for vertical as well as horizontal surfaces.
According to Barrettine (manufacturer), their product Paint Panther can work to safely remove many types of coatings, including most metal/Hammer type paints.
Mangers Paint & Varnish Remover is another good substitute you can try out. The few benefits and features it offers include:
- Biodegradable
- Non-flammable
- Non-drip formulation
- Use internal or external
- Clings to vertical surfaces
The Bottom Line
While hot air guns, and sanders, are most popular for paint stripping using chemical strippers like Nitromors has its pros and cons.
No matter whether you are using it on brick, stone, concrete, or wood, make sure you follow the instructions on the pack carefully.
It’s just that a few multi-layered surfaces may take a bit of extra time and energy, and some coats can be stripped fairly quickly.
Although the stripping process is easy and fast, you should essentially take care to work in a protected environment that is adequately ventilated. Â
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Jack Luis is a semi-retired painter who loved painting his clients’ ideas on their walls.
He had worked as a painter for over a decade serving customers in areas such as Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Beaufort, and Georgetown, SC (South Carolina). Today in his free time, he likes to read and write about the newer techniques implemented in his profession. You may read more about him here or get in touch with him here.