Removing Paint or Varnish from Wood

Never use paint remover or strong chemicals to dissolve paint. They may cause extensive damage to the finish. Wipe off water-thinned paints with wet cloth. Wipe surface immediately with dry cloth to prevent water damage to finish. Caution: water will make shellac finish sticky. Remove fresh oil-base paint by rubbing the spot with a cloth saturated in liquid solvent-base wax. For paint stains that have dried, cover the spot with boiled linseed oil. Let stand until softened; then remove with a cloth dampened with boiled linseed oil. If any paint remains, remove with rottenstone and oil, using the same procedure as prescribed for alcohol stains; or gently scrape off paint with stiff cardboard, a plastic bowl scraper, or a fingernail.

This article does not necessarily reflect the views of 411 Home Repair, and is only a suggestions and/or comments submitted to our site to share with our site viewers through the world wide web.

Submitted by: Michigan State University

Click Here if you would like to submit an article.