Best Liquid Sander Deglosser: Reviews and Guide

Photo by United Soybean Board, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A liquid sander deglosser, also called liquid sandpaper, is a chemical you wipe onto a glossy painted surface to clean it and dull the sheen so new paint bonds. It replaces scuff sanding on smooth, sound paint.

Below are four products, plus how to use them safely.

OUR TOP PICK

The Klean-Strip Easy Liquid Sander Deglosser is our top pick for its fast, wipe-on action on painted surfaces.

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The Best Liquid Sander Deglossers Are…

Product	Details
1. Klean-Strip Easy Liquid Sander Deglosser	1. Klean-Strip Easy Liquid Sander Deglosser Top Pick	- 32 oz - 6 x 5 x 7 inches	Check Current Price
2. Citristrip QCSG801 Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel	2. Citristrip QCSG801 Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel	- 32 oz - Paint stripper (not a deglosser) - Stays active up to 24 hours	Check Current Price
3. KRUD KUTTER Gloss-Off Prepaint Surface Preparation	3. KRUD KUTTER Gloss-Off Prepaint Surface Preparation	- 32 oz - Water-based - Removes old paints, smoke, grease, and dirt	Check Current Price
4. M-1 Paint Deglosser	4. M-1 Paint Deglosser	- 0.9463 liters - Water-based - Removes dirt, heel marks, wax, and grease among others	Check Current Price

1. Klean-Strip Easy Liquid Sander Deglosser: First Choice

The Klean-Strip Easy Liquid Sander Deglosser is our first choice. You wipe it on with a coarse, lint-free cloth, and it degreases and dulls glossy paint so the next coat bonds.

Klean-Strip's current lineup lists this type of product as Liquid Sandpaper, and the "Easy" version may be hard to find. Klean-Strip says it leaves a temporary tack that helps new finishes bond, and it is not meant for stained surfaces.

The deglossing effect does not last indefinitely, so paint within the window printed on the label. Read the label for flammability and ventilation guidance before use.

Specs

• 32 oz
• 6 x 5 x 7 inches

Pros

• Fast wipe-on application
• Easy to use
• Leaves a tack that helps new paint bond

Cons

• Might leave the surface gummy and tacky
• Not for stained surfaces

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2. Citristrip QCSG801 Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel

The Citristrip QCSG801 Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel is a paint stripper, not a deglosser. Choose it when you need to remove old paint or varnish down to bare wood, not just dull the sheen.

Citristrip says the gel stays wet and active for up to 24 hours, so it can lift multiple layers in one application.

It does not contain methylene chloride, but it is still a chemical stripper. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, and work with good ventilation.

Citristrip says not to use it on composite decking and does not recommend it for plastic or fiberglass.

Specs

• 32 oz
• Paint stripper
• Stays active up to 24 hours

Pros

• Easy to use
• Citrus scented
• Can be used on a wide range of surfaces
• Free of methylene chloride

Cons

• Can irritate or burn skin, so wear chemical-resistant gloves
• Strips paint rather than deglossing it
• Not for composite decking, plastic or fiberglass

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3. KRUD KUTTER Gloss-Off Prepaint Surface Preparation

Krud Kutter Gloss-Off is a water-based, ready-to-use deglosser that the maker markets as biodegradable. It is a good option for indoor work where you want less odor.

It can still irritate eyes and skin, so wear gloves and eye protection and keep the room ventilated. You simply wipe the surface with the deglosser in a circular motion, and it will clear all the grime, greases, old paints, and dirt before repainting.

Specs

• 32 oz
• Water-based
• Removes old paints, smoke, grease, and dirt

Pros

• Lower odor for indoor use
• Ready to use
• Marketed as biodegradable
• Good for both professional and DIY sanding

Cons

• An eye and skin irritant

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4. M-1 Paint Deglosser

The M-1 Paint Deglosser is a water-based cleaner and deglosser for painted surfaces. It removes dirt, wax and grease and dulls the old finish so the new coat sticks better.

It works quickly, so you can move on to painting without much downtime.

Specs

• 0.9463 liters
• Water-based
• Removes dirt, heel marks, wax, and grease among others

Pros

• Water-based formula
• Come with a ready-to-use formulation
• Helps new paint adhere
• Quick-acting
• Wipes into corners and profiles that are hard to sand

Cons

• Skin and eye irritant

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What is a Liquid Sander Deglosser?

At this point, we must say that the term “liquid sander” is a little misleading. In reality, there is no sanding. It is a chemical mixture that cleans and dulls the glossy surface of old paint or finish before a new coat is added.

It does not smooth rough spots, fill dents or remove peeling paint. Scrape and patch those first, and use a stripper like Citristrip if the old finish has to come off entirely.

How to Use It

For the liquid sander to degloss your workpiece, you need to apply it properly. Even water-based products can irritate skin and eyes, so wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection. Open windows or run a fan, especially with solvent-based products.

Apply it with a coarse, lint-free rag, rubbing in a circular motion. Keep it off cabinet hardware, and paint within the time on the label.

If the home was built before 1978, test the paint for lead first. The EPA says pre-1978 homes are more likely to have lead-based paint and that work disturbing painted surfaces can create lead dust. A liquid deglosser makes less dust than dry sanding, which is one reason to choose it on older trim.

Buying Guide

Unlike sandpaper, you cannot compare a grit number. Check the label for the base, the surfaces it covers and the time window for painting.

Go for Water-Based

Water-based liquid sanders usually have less odor and lower fire risk than solvent-based ones, which makes them easier to use indoors. They still contain chemicals, so gloves, eye protection and ventilation still apply.

Get the Best Brands

Established paint-prep brands publish clear labels and safety data sheets. Some to consider include Krud Kutter and Klean-Strip.

Go for Biodegradable Formulation

If disposal matters to you, look for a product labeled biodegradable. Either way, follow the label's disposal directions and let used rags dry flat outdoors before throwing them away.

Final Thoughts

Liquid sander deglossers are a quick, low-dust alternative to scuff sanding sound, glossy paint before repainting. For removing a finish entirely, use a stripper instead.

Our first choice is Klean-Strip QWN285 Quart Easy Liquid Sander Deglosser is our first choice. It is easy to apply and works fast.

Sources

• Liquid Sandpaper, Klean-Strip
• Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel, Citristrip
• Reduce the Risk of Lead Exposure at Home, U.S. EPA