5 Best Sanders for Removing Paint (Tested & Reviewed in 2023)

Removing paint from old furniture or other surfaces can be difficult and frustrating, which is why you need to have the right equipment to go about it. Here is a list of the five best sanders for removing paint, and after reading it, you can have an idea of what the industry has to offer. Besides, you can even purchase one of the recommendations here.

Among the few things you will require is a quality sander. Whether you intend to paint after removing the old paint or you simply want to leave it plain, a high-quality and functional sander is a must-have. 

Since preparing the surface is vital, if you intend to repaint it, you will need to have your sander in high-performance mode so that it can remove all the paint. This way, you won’t damage the surface or tire yourself as you would if you decided to manually sand the surface. 

Fortunately or unfortunately, the market has a myriad of sanders that promise to be the best, which is why choosing can be challenging. The good news is that I am here to help! 

Here is a list of the five best sanders for removing paint, and after reading it, you can have an idea of what the industry has to offer. Besides, you can even purchase one of the recommendations here.

My Top Pick – DeWalt DCW210B Orbital Sander 

DeWalt is a famous brand in the power tools industry, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this one is my top pick. This 20V orbital sander is the perfect companion when you want to remove old paint from wood. 

This model features a decent speed regulation feature and a brushless motor that offers changeable speeds within 8000 & 12000 OPM. This delivers versatility and more control over the surface. 

Moreover, this 5-inch sander is part of the 20V Max product line; therefore, this is a cordless power tool, which means you won’t have to carry a charger or cable with you. 

The portable design and minimal height of this powerful machine make it stand out among the crowd. It eases the process of polishing and allows you to access even the hard-to-reach areas with incredible accuracy, 

You will also love the rubber-covered handle, which adds to comfort, while the cordless nature allows you to use it in places without electric connections. 

Fortunately, this unit takes a short while to charge, after which you can use it for long hours before the battery needs recharging. 

Something else I love about this model is the vent. It works to keep your workspace tidy by removing all dust and debris as you sand. The DWV010 dust collectors are compatible with this model. 

Besides, if you connect a vacuum, the dust collection setup will function better, guaranteeing that no debris flies into the air. Lastly is the speed adjustment button, which helps you slow this sander down for improved grit and dust regulation. 

What I Like 

• It is a powerful and efficient sander.
• The power switch is dust-sealed. 
• It has a long-lasting battery. 
• The speed adjustment knob is convenient. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It is not suitable for sanding large areas. 

Runner-Up: Makita BO5041 Random Orbit Sander 

My second pick is this corded but equally powerful and efficient sander for paint removal. It has a 3-amp motor and offers variable speeds from 4,000 to 12,000 OPM, which should be sufficient to meet all your sanding requirements. 

This unit is a tad taller than the DeWalt DCW210B and sports a primary pistol grip, which has a trigger switch, allowing you to use it even with one hand. However, if you want to use it with two hands, for the tighter and tricky places, it has a smaller secondary, adjustable handle. 

The other features that make this Makita sander easy to use are the swift change sanding discs and lightweight design. This unit weighs slightly over 2 lbs, making it ideal for overhead movement on ceilings and high walls. 

All the same, some things could be better, including the dust collection system. It doesn’t include a standard connector for vacuum systems, but you can purchase it separately. 

What I Like 

• It has an impressive OPM of up to 12,000.
• It is user-friendly.
• The power switch is dust-sealed for ultimate longevity. 
• It features an easy-to-use dial for adjusting speeds. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It isn’t compatible with a 1.25-inch vacuum hose 

Best for Deck Paint Removal: Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander 

If you want to remove paint from your deck, then this palm sander should be your first pick! This is one of the best sanders for removing stubborn paint residue from your deck and other wood. Thanks to the multiple speed settings and impeccable sanding results, this sander is your best bet when working on your deck. 

First of all, this model has a dampening ring, extra sanding mats, a dust container, a vacuum converter, and a carrying bag. 

Additionally, it has a great design that lets you work on different wood types and also allows you to access tricky sections of the deck with ease. Plus, it doesn’t leave any swirl marks on the surface, thanks to the dampening cushion included. 

This sander works incredibly well and features a dust extraction port with micro-filters. The unique and effective dust collection system can easily capture even the finest of dust particles, leaving your deck and garage dust-free. The transparent canister shows the amount of filtered dust, which is something you won’t find in many palm sanders. 

What I Like

• The canister displays the amount of filtered dust. 
• It has a capable 2.5-amp motor. 
• The micro-filter setup is amazing. 
• You can easily switch gears.

What I Don’t Like

• It doesn’t come with a good package.

Best Budget Sander: TACKLIFE Orbital Sander 

What kind of woodworker would I be if I didn’t include a budget-friendly option?

This orbital sander is extremely user-friendly and will deliver excellent results regardless of the surface. It has a 3-amp motor which provides 6 adjustable speeds of up to 13,000 OPM. The maximum speed is higher than the Bosch’s, which is more expensive. 

Something you will appreciate about this model is the ergonomic and neat design. The rubberized palm handle gives you a firm grip as you sand and doesn’t make your arm cramp after sanding for a long time. 

One thing I love about it is the self-contained dust collection box situated at the end of the sander. First, this location makes it highly portable. Second, you will not require a separate shop or standard vacuum. It is easy to empty the dust collector when it fills up; detach it from the tool, empty it, clean it, re-attach it, and continue sanding. 

The package includes 2 sandpaper discs so that you can use this machine straight out of the box. Again, you can use it to remove paint from different surfaces, including plastic, metal, and wood. You can also use it indoors. 

This TACKLIFE unit is among the best sanders for the woodworker on a budget! Overall, it is an efficient, affordable, and user-friendly power tool. 

What I Like

• It is ideal for DIYers 
• It doesn’t produce a lot of noise. 
• It offers six speed settings. 
• It has a neat and portable build. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It’s not a good option for use on high walls unless you use a separate vacuum. 

Best for Wood: Makita 9903 Belt Sander

My last recommendation for the best sander for removing paint is the Makita 9903 belt sander. This is a power tool built explicitly for sanding and is equipped with the right features for the job. This model has an 8.8-amp motor, which allows it to work with all types of wood, and luckily, it delivers quiet operation. 

The belt rate is a vital feature for belt sanders; softwood calls for a slow rate, while hardwood needs swift belt motion. This model’s speed ranges from 690-1440 ft per minute and offers variable speeds. 

For tidiness, this unit comes with a dust collection bag, whose sole role is to collect dirt and dust, which keeps your workshop and space clean. Regrettably, the dust bag isn’t big, so you might need to empty it a few times per day. 

What I Like 

• It has a potent 8.8-amp motor. 
• It has a sanding shoe. 
• The dust bag is part of the package. 
• It has variable speeds for unparalleled versatility. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It has an uncomfortable, bulky shape. 

Why You Should Trust Us

At Woodworking Tool Guide, we know one size doesn’t fit all! We cater to every woodworker, from beginner to pro, with insights and recommendations tailored to your skill level, project needs, and budget. We take the guesswork out of choosing the right tools, whether you’re tackling your first crafting a masterpiece for the ages. So grab your chisel, join our community, and let’s build something amazing together!

Woodworking Tool Guide wasn’t just born, it sprouted from a seed of passion for the craft. What started as a joyful exploration blossomed into a trusted online haven for fellow enthusiasts like you. We pour our love into meticulously chosen review selections, meticulous hands-on testing, and lab-backed insights, all to empower you with reliable, comprehensive information you can build on. So, grab your tools, trust our guidance, and let’s build something beautiful together!

Passion-Driven Expertise

Our journey started with a shared love for woodworking. The team behind the Woodworking Tool Guide is comprised of individuals who are not just writers but passionate woodworkers themselves. This shared enthusiasm ensures that our content is crafted with a deep understanding of the craft and an authentic appreciation for quality tools.

Top Tool Guides Online

Woodworking Tool Guide has rapidly ascended to become one of the premier online destinations for tool guidance. Our commitment to excellence and the accuracy of our information has positioned us as a reliable source for both beginners and seasoned woodworkers seeking trustworthy advice on the best tools for their projects.

User-Centric Approach

Our content caters to every woodworker, from rookies just starting out to seasoned pros tackling intricate projects. We tailor our insights and recommendations to your skill level, project needs, and budget, ensuring you find the perfect tools to match your unique woodworking journey. So step into your workshop, grab your tool belt, and let Woodworking Tool Guide be your trusted companion as you craft your masterpieces.

Continuous Support and Innovation

Woodworking is an ever-evolving craft, and so is our commitment to supporting you. We are dedicated to bringing you the latest information on woodworking tools, techniques, and trends. Our team is actively working to expand our content and bring you more valuable insights, ensuring that you stay well-informed in your woodworking adventure.

Hands-On Experience

Ditch the endless research rabbit hole! At Woodworking Tool Guide, we believe in actionable advice, not armchair analysis. We get our hands dirty, putting every tool through its paces in real-world woodworking scenarios. Whether it’s the precision of a table saw, the versatility of a router, or the tactile satisfaction of a handplane, we test for performance, durability, and user-friendliness. No more sifting through dry specs – we deliver practical insights you can trust to transform your woodworking dreams into reality.

Woodworking Tool Guide isn’t just a review site, it’s your trusted companion on the sawdust-filled path to woodworking mastery. Our expert team, led by veteran David Jones, meticulously tests and explains tools in terms you understand. We cut through the jargon, bias, and confusion with real-world insights and honest evaluations. Join our passionate community, where decades of experience, cutting-edge knowledge, and shared love for the craft come together to guide you every step of the way. So grab your chisel, buckle up, and let’s embark on this exciting woodworking adventure, together!

Conclusion

When it comes to the best sanders for removing paint, you need a power tool that will let you finish the task at hand with ease. All the sanders here are your best bet for doing a good job. You will remove paint efficiently from various surfaces within a short while. 

The DeWalt DCW210B, my top pick, has a brushless motor and offers you impressive endurance and unmatched efficiency, hence excellent sanding results. Additionally, it features a textured rubber grip for convenience when sanding. Finally, the dust port ensures your workspace remains tidy.