How to Remove Polyurethane From Oak

Open windows for ventilation. Stripper has a very pungent smell. You may wish to put a fan facing toward an open window to pull the smell out of the area in which you are working. Use plastic sheeting to cover the floor under the area where you are working to protect the floor. Place the oak object onto the plastic. Put on the plastic gloves.

Pour a small amount of stripper onto the oak. Spread the stripper by brushing it with a clean paint brush. Continue to pour stripper and spread it with a paint brush. Allow the stripper to penetrate the polyurethane for a few minutes.

Scrape off the stripper with a plastic putty knife. Use a large putty knife for large areas and a small putty knife for corners and edges. The stripper will lift the polyurethane with it as you scrape the surfaces. Wipe off the entire area with a cotton rag.

Reapply the stripper with a paint brush to areas with any remaining polyurethane residue. Remove the stripper with a putty knife.

Dampen a cotton rag with warm water. Wipe the oak with the dampened rag to remove any remaining residue.