How to Remove Urethane Without Stripping Stain

Woodworkers finish projects with urethane, also called polyurethane, to protect the wood from moisture and insects and to create a shiny, appealing surface. Over time, finish can flake off and become unsightly. You can remove urethane with a mixture of lacquer thinner and denatured alcohol. Because stain penetrates into the wood, removing the urethane on the surface will have a minimal effect on the stain.

Things You'll Need

• Lacquer thinner
• Denatured alcohol
• Can
• Old brush
• Rough cloth
• Scraper

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Mix 1 part lacquer thinner in a can with 1 part denatured alcohol.

   • 2

     Paint the mixture over the urethane on your wood. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 seconds.

   • 3

     Wipe away the mixture and urethane quickly with a rough cloth.

   • 4

     Remove any remaining finish with a scraper.