How do I remove the rest of the finish?
by Sharon
+6
I had a sachet package with dried essential oils in it sitting on my buffet shelf unit. I discovered the polyurethane finish bubbled up and easily rubbed off.i want to to that to the whole unit but, wonder what component of that package caused it? And also, an easy non-toxic way to remove the rest of finish? The wood was nice and smooth in that spot!
Essential oils do this! My mom knocked over a reed diffuser and ruined a dresser. You could sand the rest off, or spill more oil LOL.
It's the denatured alcohol in the essential oil. Stronger than rubbing alcohol and liquor alcohol.
Denatured alcohol can remove clear finishes and paint from a wood surface without damaging the wood, but it is not as effective as paint strippers in removing finishes. Generally, wood workers only use denatured alcohol to remove bits of paint after they've already used paint strippers. You can, however, use denatured alcohol to remove latex, lacquer, shellac and polyurethane finishes, as it is less toxic than paint strippers, although it may take more time to work than paint strippers. To use it to remove finish, soak steel wool in denatured alcohol and rub it over the wooden surface until all of the finish is gone. Denatured alcohol is also an ingredient in many paint strippers.
I have removed paint before using a product called Dumond - it is zero VOC, etc. http://gatheredinthekitchen.com/2019/02/07/how-to-remove-paint-from-wood/ I believe that it will also take off the poly ...however, just be aware that it will also take off the stain
I am stripping a cabinet and I also used a product made by Dumond : Smart Strip. Very effective, odorless, VOC free and biodegradable. You can use it inside and it smells good! :)
See the before and after pictures below.
You might try ammonia in a well vientilated room and using gloves. It will take many finishes off easily. Just use it straight out of the bottle and let it set for a few minutes and wipe off.
Citristrip should work for you.