Whether your varnish has ended up somewhere it wasn’t supposed to or you just fancy changing up the finish of your wood, it’s good to know how to remove varnish from different surfaces.
You may be wondering, do I need to remove varnish before painting? And the answer is yes! Preparing the surface is arguably more important than the painting itself and not taking the time to remove existing finishes is a great way to waste your time and effort.
In this blog, we will teach you everything you need to know about removing varnish from the best tools to the ideal methods, so you can start planning your next project!
Best Way to Remove Varnish From Wood
Perhaps you want to change the colour of your window frames, or maybe you didn’t properly protect the surrounding area while doing some DIY and are now wondering how to remove varnish from the floor.
There are three main ways to remove varnish from wood at home, these being using a varnish stripper, a hot air gun, or sanding. The best way is typically using a varnish stripper, allowing it to sit before using a plastic scraper, and then finishing off by wiping clean and sanding it down. You will probably have to repeat the process a couple of times to get the best results.
The quickest way to remove varnish from wood is by using a heat gun and a scraper, although this can be dangerous and should not be tried at home if you don’t know what you are doing due to the risk of harmful fumes, burns, or even fires. If you are not a professional, the best way to remove varnish would be by using the aforementioned method of varnish stripper and a plastic scraper. This method can be used on practically all wood surfaces, including furniture, doorframes, and skirting boards. The varnish stripper is fast acting and potent, while sanding irons out any imperfections it may leave behind.
What Grit Sandpaper to Remove Varnish From Wood
To effectively remove varnish with sandpaper, start with something relatively coarse, around 60-80. This will strip thick layers so you can move on to removing smaller bits with a medium grit of around 120. Finally, use a fine grit of around 180-220 to polish off.
If you are using varnish stripper, you can skip the first step and begin sanding with a medium grit. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain and ensure you are dusting with a damp cloth between steps to ensure the best finish possible.
How to Remove Varnish From Soft Surfaces
We’ve all been in the situation where we accidentally touch wet paint or varnish. If it comes into contact with your t-shirt, there’s no need to panic and jump to the conclusion that your clothes are ruined.
There are some things you can try first to remove varnish from clothes. For water-based varnish, you can usually get good results with just a little soap and water. For oil-based varnish, time is of the essence. The sooner you start removing the stain the more effective it will be. Apply white spirit to a cloth and dab the stain gently, working from the outside in. You can also use a brush to work hard to remove or dried stains.
To remove varnish from carpet, start by gently scraping off the excess varnish with a damp cloth and then use the same method as we recommend for clothes gently blotting from the outside in. Then, rinse the area with warm water. Repeat until it’s no longer visible.
How to Remove Varnish From Hands
When varnish gets on your hands, it’s important to get it off quickly so you don’t transfer it to clothes or other surfaces. But water isn’t enough, even if the varnish hasn’t yet dried.
A simple trick to remove varnish from hands in a pinch is by using vegetable oil to break down oil-based varnish. Pour a small amount of oil onto a cloth and work it into the skin until the varnish dissolves. You may have to work it in for quite a while before it starts to break down.
This will likely only work while the varnish is still wet, but it’s worth a try before moving on to harsher methods. For a quicker and more effective solution, white spirit applied to a cloth can remove varnish, although it can be abrasive so it’s important to moisturise your hands after you’ve finished.
How to Remove Varnish From Stone
To remove varnish from stone you will likely have to purchase a specialised stone stripper or a heavy-duty polish stripper. Dab the stripper all over the surface of the stone and allow it to soak.
It’s best to consult the specific product to know how long it needs to soak for as timings can vary. After the optimal time has passed, scrape off the varnish and rinse the area. It may be necessary to repeat the process a few times to remove stubborn varnish. This method will work for a variety of stones and varnishes, so if you’re wondering how to remove varnish from tiles, this method should have good results.
How to Remove Varnish From Glass
To remove varnish from glass, soak a cloth in white spirit and test the solution on a small corner of the window. If all goes well, continue rubbing the white spirit across the varnish, being careful not to be too heavy handed. As the varnish begins to dissolve, remove it with a scraper and repeat as needed.
Remember the fragility of the surface you’re working with and make sure you don’t miss any, even tiny marks will be very visible on windows and other glass surfaces!
The Best Varnish Remover
Varnish is a fantastic alternative to traditional paints, especially on wooden surfaces. But it can be tricky to remove if something doesn’t go exactly to plan, which puts some people off. We hope that this blog has given you the confidence to use varnish for your next project.
At Paintmaster, we have varnish removers that are perfect for every surface, so you can be sure you’re ready for the next step. Why not check out our excellent range of paints and varnishes for some inspiration?