Polyurethane is commonly used on wooden surfaces. The paints and varnishes are used to give a different look to your furniture but once you applied them to the wrong place, you will need How to remove the polyurethane from the wood without removing the stain.
You can remove polyurethane from your wooden surface by applying different methods.
2 Easy Methods To Know How To Remove Polyurethane From Wood Without Removing The Stain
In this article, we are going to explain the two most effective methods of how to remove polyurethane from wood without removing the stain.
Method 1: Remove Polyurethane Using Stripper
Step 1: Select The Area
Before starting the task of removing polyurethane from wood without removing the stain, you need to prepare the area where you are going to accomplish the task. To do the job, you need a well-ventilated area so that air can easily come into the place.
It is better to work outside of your house for proper ventilation. If you choose to work indoors, you need to open all the windows and doors and turn on a fan to bring in fresh air to the work area.
After selecting the area, you need to prepare it so that no ingredients can destroy the surface of the area. You need to prepare the area where you are working with drop cloths or old newspapers.
Step 2: Collects Necessary Ingredients
Several instruments you need to gather before performing the task. Without all these ingredients, you cannot complete the work. Let’s learn what you need to perform the task.
- Citrus stripper gel
- Plastic scraper
- Old toothbrush for hard to reach corners (if necessary)
- Stripping pad for stubborn areas (if necessary)
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Chemical splash goggles
Step 3: Apply The Stripper
Take the citrus stripper and give it a good shake. Before shaking the stripper, make sure the citrus stripper is properly sealed. Pour it into a container and take a paintbrush to apply it to the wood. An old toothbrush works well to get to the corners.
Step 4: Wait And Test Scrape
After applying the stripper with the old toothbrush, wait for 30 minutes to 24 hours. If you are leaving it overnight, cover it with plastic.
When it is easy to remove, the striper is ready to be scrapped. Use your plastic scraper to do a scrape in a corner. The citrus stripper removes up to 5 layers of paint for each application. It is dependent on you how many layers of dried paint you want to remove.
Step 5: Scraping
Now it is time to scrape using a plastic scraper. Do the scraping in the direction of the wood grain. If you see any stubborn areas in the wood, you need to use an abrasive stripping pad. Dip the pad in the citrus stripper to remove them.
Step 6: Wash It Off
If there is any residue left on the wood, remove them using a paint stripper wash. After that, prepare the surface for painting with mineral spirits. Wait a moment to completely dry and clean the wood surface before refinishing.
Method 2: Using Baking Soda And Vinegar
Step 1: Prepare The Mixture
You need to prepare a solution using several ingredients. The mixture of the ingredients makes a paste that works great to remove polyurethane from wood without removing the stain. The ingredients that you need to use are:
- Bowl
- Baking soda
- Cleaning vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Water
To make the paste, you need 4 cups of hot water and 1 cup of cornstarch. Take these items in a bowl and field with a half cup of cold water. After mixing these items, you will see it has formed a paste. Now you need to take another bowl to make the mixture of baking soda. Add four cups of water to the bowl, and then add 1 tablespoon of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda. Stir this mixture well. Then, add the second mixture to the first one and mix them properly.
Step 2: Applying The Mixture
Apply the mixture using an old brush. Once you apply the mixture, wait for a few minutes so that the mixture sits properly in the wood. Now it is time to scrub the furniture and to scrub the furniture, you need a wire brush. Scrub the wood with the wire brush by putting a bit of pressure. The solution does not discolor the wooden surface. After scrubbing, let the area dry or use a hairdryer to dry the surface fast.
Step 3: Sand The Wooden Surface
Now it is time to sand the wooden surface. Start with the 60 grit sandpaper and after sanding the wooden surface, you will see the polyurethane is getting removed, and the natural color of the wood is coming out.
Whenever you are sanding the wooden surface, you need to be careful about the direction. Sand the surface towards the direction of the wood grain. Do not use the sandpaper in both directions otherwise, you will see marks on the wooden surface.
After that, move to the 80-grit sandpaper and you do not need to spend more time than before. You will see the wood has been becoming smoother and to get the best result use 120 grit sandpaper at the end.
Step 4: Wipe The Surface
Once you complete the sanding task with a dry and clean rag, wipe the surface, and you will have a beautiful wooden surface without polyurethane.
Final Verdict
These are the methods How To Remove Polyurethane From Wood without removing the stain. Though the whole process is a bit time-consuming, it is very effective to remove polyurethane from wooden surfaces. If you can keep patience, you will get the best result.
See Also:
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- How To Fix A Broken Bed Slat At A Lower Cost (2 Simple Methods)
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- How To Stop Couch Cushions From Sliding (6 Easy Methods)
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Can I Remove Polyurethane Without Removing Stain?
You could try to remove the polyurethane with a chemical stripper, but most likely the stain will also come off with the polyurethane.
How Do You Remove Polyurethane From Wood Stain?
If you are trying to remove polyurethane from wood that has already been stained, you will likely need to use a chemical stripper. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the stripper, and be sure to wear the appropriate safety gear.
How Does Vinegar Remove Polyurethane?
The acetate in vinegar will dissolve the polyurethane.
What Removes Polyurethane Finish?
If you are looking for something to remove the finish from a piece of furniture that has been coated with polyurethane, you can try using a commercial stripping agent or a product called Goof Off.
Can You Sand Polyurethane Off Wood?
It depends on how much polyurethane is on the wood and how much sanding you want to do. If there is a lot of polyurethane on the wood, it will be difficult to sand off. You may need to use a chemical stripper to remove it.
Will Rubbing Alcohol Remove Polyurethane?
It depends on the kind of polyurethane. If it is a water-based polyurethane, then yes, rubbing alcohol will remove it. If it is a solvent-based polyurethane, then no, rubbing alcohol will not remove it.
How Does Baking Soda And Vinegar Remove Polyurethane?
Baking soda and vinegar remove polyurethane by dissolving the polyurethane.
