How to Remove Polyurethane
Consider your workspace before you choose a chemical stripper., Use a water-based product, such as Safest Stripper, if you must work in poor ventilation., Choose a chemical stripper that contains methylene chloride if you plan to complete the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Consider your workspace before you choose a chemical stripper.
You should wait to use the stripper in a place that is open to the air and not too cool or hot.
You should use fans and safety gear at all time. -
Step 2: Use a water-based product
It will take longer to strip off the polyurethane, but it is unlikely to do damage to you or the environment. , This product is a known carcinogen, but it is also very effective for polyurethane removal.
If you have any concern that your surface may contain lead paint, it is better to use these strippers than sanding the area or using a heat gun.
Lead is more toxic when heated.Frequently used brands include Formby’s Paint and Poly Remover and Jasco. , It will require more stripper, because the chemicals are less volatile., This petroleum product has been deemed safe for use with laminate.
You can buy it in low-odor and odorless varieties., If you are working on a floor, open all the windows and doors.
Avoid working in direct sunlight.
Place a tarp underneath the object to avoid killing grass or creating a stain. , Purchase thick rubber gloves so that you can avoid contact with your skin. , Check the label to see what ventilation and precautions are recommended. , You will also need very fine steel wool, or grade #0000. , Make sure you only apply it to an area that you will be able to strip in about 15 minutes.
Work in three by three feet sections. ,, Wipe the polyurethane onto a rag or into a plastic yogurt container.
Repeat until a full layer of polyurethane is removed. , Do not sand between applications.
Continue until the object beneath is exposed. , Apply the stripper, wait and then work the steel wool with the grain to remove the finish.
It is a good idea to strip as much of the surface away with a plastic putty knife before trying steel wool., Take the water to a hazardous waste disposal unit in your town, along with leftover stripper.
Do not throw rags and chemicals directly into the trash or sewer. , It is ready to be refinished. -
Step 3: such as Safest Stripper
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Step 4: if you must work in poor ventilation.
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Step 5: Choose a chemical stripper that contains methylene chloride if you plan to complete the project in a very well ventilated area with a ventilation mask.
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Step 6: Consider purchasing a “green” or soy-based stripper if you are worried about the effects of the stripper on the environment.
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Step 7: Use mineral spirits on laminate projects with a polyurethane coating.
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Step 8: Move your piece of furniture into the garage or the open air.
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Step 9: Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
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Step 10: Buy a ventilation mask and safety goggles if you are using a chemical stripper that contains methylene chloride or mineral spirits.
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Step 11: Purchase plastic putty knives to scrape the polyurethane off of the object.
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Step 12: Paint or spray the stripper onto the surface of the item.
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Step 13: Wait 15 minutes or however long the package recommends.If you are having problems with evaporation
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Step 14: apply the stripper and then cover it with a layer of wax paper.
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Step 15: Slide your plastic putty knife along the surface of the object
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Step 16: following the grain of the wood.
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Step 17: Apply another layer of stripper if there is more polyurethane or paint that you want to remove.
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Step 18: Use fine steel wool to remove polyurethane from detailed woodworking or crevices.
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Step 19: Soak your discarded rags and steel wool in water to avoid fires.
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Step 20: Sand your project once all the finish and paint are removed.
Detailed Guide
You should wait to use the stripper in a place that is open to the air and not too cool or hot.
You should use fans and safety gear at all time.
It will take longer to strip off the polyurethane, but it is unlikely to do damage to you or the environment. , This product is a known carcinogen, but it is also very effective for polyurethane removal.
If you have any concern that your surface may contain lead paint, it is better to use these strippers than sanding the area or using a heat gun.
Lead is more toxic when heated.Frequently used brands include Formby’s Paint and Poly Remover and Jasco. , It will require more stripper, because the chemicals are less volatile., This petroleum product has been deemed safe for use with laminate.
You can buy it in low-odor and odorless varieties., If you are working on a floor, open all the windows and doors.
Avoid working in direct sunlight.
Place a tarp underneath the object to avoid killing grass or creating a stain. , Purchase thick rubber gloves so that you can avoid contact with your skin. , Check the label to see what ventilation and precautions are recommended. , You will also need very fine steel wool, or grade #0000. , Make sure you only apply it to an area that you will be able to strip in about 15 minutes.
Work in three by three feet sections. ,, Wipe the polyurethane onto a rag or into a plastic yogurt container.
Repeat until a full layer of polyurethane is removed. , Do not sand between applications.
Continue until the object beneath is exposed. , Apply the stripper, wait and then work the steel wool with the grain to remove the finish.
It is a good idea to strip as much of the surface away with a plastic putty knife before trying steel wool., Take the water to a hazardous waste disposal unit in your town, along with leftover stripper.
Do not throw rags and chemicals directly into the trash or sewer. , It is ready to be refinished.
About the Author
Betty Ellis
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow home improvement tutorials.
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