Maybe you want to repaint furniture or restore the beauty of wooden floors at home. Whatever you want to do, the first thing to tackle is to remove the polyurethane coating, which is the clear substance used to protect the surface. You will need a paint stripper and metal scraper to remove the polyurethane. Don't forget to prepare yourself and your work area before you start.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Setting up the Work Area
Step 1. Make cross ventilation
Basically, you need a chemical to remove the polyurethane. However, these chemicals are harsh so you should have good ventilation to protect yourself. If possible, do this work outside the home. If you're doing this on the floor, cross-ventilate it for added safety.
Make cross ventilation by opening doors and windows in the room. In addition, it is recommended that you place one fan that is directed inward, and another fan that is directed outward to keep the air moving
Step 2. Protect the floor
If you're handling furniture indoors, lay out something to cover the floor to prevent dripping. Plastic sheeting is a good material for protecting floors by placing them under furniture.
You can put tape on the edge of the tarp so you don't trip over your feet
Step 3. Protect yourself
Paint remover can harm you if you're not careful. Protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves and wearing safety glasses to protect your eyes. And to avoid inhaling chemical fumes, wear a gas mask (also known as a respirator), which is available at hardware stores.
Also wear shoes that cover the whole leg, long sleeves, and long pants if possible
Step 4. Select the desired paint remover
Chemical-based paint removers (such as methylene chloride) are very effective. However, it's also very harsh on the skin and can cause breathing problems if you're not careful. If you're concerned about the effect, use a water-based paint remover, although this material will take longer to work.
Part 2 of 3: Applying Paint Remover
Step 1. Apply a generous amount of paint remover on the treated area
Coat the polyurethane with paint remover until it is completely wet. Remember, you must apply this material until the polyurethane is wet. So, feel free to use a lot of paint remover. Use an old brush or even a paint roller. Make sure you also apply it to every nook and cranny.
The type of brush you use doesn't really matter, but use a brush that's ready to be thrown away once you've used it
Step 2. Let the paint remover soak in
For the paint remover to do its job, allow it to soak into the polyurethane. Chemical paint removers usually take ten minutes. If the polyurethane begins to shrivel and bubble, you're ready to take the next step.
Water-based paint removers take longer to do their job, maybe even 6-24 hours. Check the back of the product can for the time required
Step 3. Cover the project at hand if you want to take a break
If you want to leave the project longer than the directions on the back of the product can, cover the surface to keep the paint remover wet. The paint remover must be wet for it to absorb properly. You can use plastic sheeting spread over wooden floors or handled furniture.
Part 3 of 3: Rubbing Polyurethane
Step 1. Use a scraper to scrub it
A metal scraper is ideal, but you can use a plastic scraper if you're concerned about scratching the wood surface. Polyurethane will peel off easily when you rub it. The paint remover must have done its job well.
Scrape using a motion in the direction of the wood grain. If you scrub against the grain of the wood, the surface of the furniture or floor may be damaged. Also, if you make an accidental scratch, it will look like wood grain
Step 2. Use a steel brush to work on small areas
If there are areas that are curved or decorative, the scraper will not work properly. Instead, scrub with a metal brush as the bristles can get into any nook or cranny, and will remove the polyurethane coating.
Step 3. Rub the polyurethane with paint polish (after wash)
Paint polish is a solvent that is used after you apply paint remover. This is useful for cleaning up any remaining polyurethane, and removing any paint remover you used. Use a tissue to rub it. You don't need to let it soak for a certain amount of time. Just rub the paint polish until the remaining polyurethane is removed.
Step 4. Repeat as needed
If the polyurethane hasn't gone away in one run, you can do it again. Apply another coat of paint peeler on the area, then do another scraping, and check if this second process works.
Step 5. Sand the surface of the wood to remove the polyurethane
After most of the polyurethane has been removed, sand the remaining polyurethane. Use fine steel wool. You can also use sandpaper with a grit (roughness) of 150. The sandpaper will smooth the wood and remove any remaining polyurethane.
The polish must have removed most of the polyurethane so you don't need to use abrasive sandpaper. Always rub the sandpaper using a motion in the direction of the grain of the wood
Step 6. Soak the newly used cloth and steel wool in water to avoid starting a fire
Take water and rags to your local hazardous waste disposal site, along with any scraping residue. Do not throw rags and chemicals directly into the trash or drain.
