Can Stripper Take Sanding Sealer Off?

Expert Insight

• According to The Paint Store, lacquer thinner is strong enough for removing a lacquer-based sanding sealer. Lacquer thinner is similar to paint stripper because both remove color or finish from wood surfaces. When applied to a layer of sanding sealer, the paint stripper slowly softens the coating, letting you scrape off the sealer with a putty knife or paint scraper.

Using Paint Stripper

• Protect the areas around your wood item with old newspapers or a drop cloth. Paint strippers come in paste, gel and liquid forms. The liquid form is best for flat surfaces because it tends to drip over and down vertical surfaces. Paste and gel forms are best suited for areas with intricate details, rounded surfaces and angled pieces. Apply a thick coat of the paint stripper to the wood and let it sit, following the manufacturer guidelines. Some products take only 60 seconds, while others take five minutes or longer. A putty knife scraped across the floor pulls off the sanding sealer.

Alternative Removal

• Sandpaper works equally well at removing a layer of sanding sealer. Opt for fine-grit sandpaper that will not leave behind scuffs or scratch marks like coarser grits do. Gently buff the wood with the sandpaper, rubbing the paper along the natural grain of the wood. A tack cloth rubbed against the wood removes any sawdust or debris on the surface of the wood. Repeat the process several times, until you remove the shiny sanding sealer coat and reveal the natural hardwood below. The sandpaper method works well on flat surfaces.

Considerations

• Minwax recommends using warm water when cleaning any tools used in the sanding sealer coat, including rags or brushes. Dip the items in warm water and gently shake loose any water clinging to the surfaces. Let the tools air dry overnight. The water method works best if the tools are still damp and the sanding sealer has not dried. Soak dried tools in paint stripper or lacquer thinner for a few minutes. Once the sanding sealer softens, run the tools under warm water.