Remove Polyurethane

Cured polyurethane finishes protect a piece of furniture or flooring from damage. If you want to remove a polyurethane layer, you will need to use a chemical stripper in a well-ventilated area.

Steps

Choosing a Polyurethane Remover

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.
2. Use a water-based product, such as Safest Stripper, if you must work in poor ventilation. It will take longer to strip off the polyurethane, but it is unlikely to do damage to you or the environment.
3. 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. 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.
4. Consider purchasing a “green” or soy-based stripper if you are worried about the effects of the stripper on the environment. It will require more stripper, because the chemicals are less volatile.
5. Use mineral spirits on laminate projects with a polyurethane coating. This petroleum product has been deemed safe for use with laminate. You can buy it in low-odor and odorless varieties.

Preparing for the Project

1. Move your piece of furniture into the garage or the open air. 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.
2. Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Purchase thick rubber gloves so that you can avoid contact with your skin.
3. Buy a ventilation mask and safety goggles if you are using a chemical stripper that contains methylene chloride or mineral spirits. Check the label to see what ventilation and precautions are recommended.
4. Purchase plastic putty knives to scrape the polyurethane off of the object. You will also need very fine steel wool, or grade #0000.

Stripping Polyurethane

1. Paint or spray the stripper onto the surface of the item. 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.
2. Wait 15 minutes or however long the package recommends. If you are having problems with evaporation, apply the stripper and then cover it with a layer of wax paper.
3. Slide your plastic putty knife along the surface of the object, following the grain of the wood. Wipe the polyurethane onto a rag or into a plastic yogurt container. Repeat until a full layer of polyurethane is removed.
4. Apply another layer of stripper if there is more polyurethane or paint that you want to remove. Do not sand between applications. Continue until the object beneath is exposed.
5. Use fine steel wool to remove polyurethane from detailed woodworking or crevices. 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.
6. Soak your discarded rags and steel wool in water to avoid fires. 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.
7. Sand your project once all the finish and paint are removed. It is ready to be refinished.

Things You'll Need

• Chemical stripper
• Soy stripper
• Mineral spirits
• Ventilation mask
• Safety glasses
• Thick rubber gloves
• Work clothes
• Tarp
• Plastic putty knife
• Fine steel wool
• Paint brush
• Wax paper

Sources and Citations

See also

• Buff Floors
• Install Baseboards
• Prepare a Subfloor for Hardwood
• Measure for Stairs
• Protect Laminate Flooring
• Lay Laminate Flooring
• Install Linoleum Flooring
• Sand Hardwood Floors
• Install Floor Tile
• Clean Linoleum Floors

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