“Removing varnish stains can often be a difficult task.
Lacquer and varnish are used to give surfaces a beautiful shine, but when it gets on the wrong surface, the result is anything but pretty. Read on for tips on how to remove stubborn lacquer and varnish stains.
The first step in removing lacquer and varnish stains is to identify the stained material.
Below are the most common types of materials that can become varnish-stained, with steps on how to remove lacquer and varnish stains from each:
- Non-washable fibers such as Acetate, Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate or Wool
- Washable fibers such as Acrylic Fabric, Burlap, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Rope or Spandex
- Hard surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile or Vinyl Wallcovering
- Stone surfaces such as Alabaster or Marble
- Metal surfaces such as Aluminum, Iron, Stainless Steel or Tin
- Bamboo or Cane
- Masonry such as Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate or Terrazzo
- Carpet (synthetic or wool)
- Smooth surfaces such as Ceramic Glass/Tile, Enamel, Glass, Porcelain Fixtures
- Grout
- Leather or Suede
- Paint (flat or gloss)
Contents
- Non-washable Fibers
- Washable Fibers
- Hard Surfaces
- Stone Surfaces
- Metal Surfaces
- Bamboo or Cane
- Masonry
- Carpet
- Smooth Surfaces
- Grout
- Leather or Suede
- Paint
Non-washable Fibers
Follow these steps to remove lacquer and varnish stains from Acetate, Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, Wool:
- Scrape (the method of using a dull tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains) to remove excess.
- Apply a dry spotter to the stain and cover with an absorbent pad moistened with dry spotter. Let it stand as long as any stain is being removed.
- Keep the pad and stain moist.
- Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) with a dry-cleaning solvent and allow to dry.
Washable Fibers
Follow these steps to remove lacquer and varnish stains from Acrylic Fabric, Burlap, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Rope, Spandex:
- Scrape to remove any excess lacquer immediately.
- Flush acetone through the stain to an absorbent pad underneath.
- When no more stain is being removed, change pads and flush well with a dry-cleaning solvent such as Afta Cleaning Fluid. Allow to dry thoroughly.
Hard Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove lacquer and varnish stains from Acrylic Plastic, Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering:
- Lacquer can quickly damage or ruin these surfaces, so act immediately.
- Scrape to remove any excess with a dull knife.
- Dab the area with a cloth dipped in amyl acetate. Rinse. Note: This stain may be permanent.
Stone Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove lacquer and varnish stains from Alabaster, Marble:
- Wipe up the excess immediately.
- Wipe the area with a cloth dampened with acetone.
- Rinse with a damp cloth and wipe dry.
- If any stain remains, make a poultice of water, 3% hydrogen peroxide, and a mild powder detergent.
- Apply the poultice to the stain and cover with a damp cloth to retard evaporation.
- When the stain has been bleached out, rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry.
Metal Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove lacquer and varnish stains from Aluminum, lron, Stainless Steel, Tin:
- Wipe excess immediately.
- To remove any discoloration, wash with a steel wool soap pad. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
Bamboo or Cane
Follow these steps to remove lacquer and varnish stains from bamboo or cane:
- Remove the excess and wipe the area with a cloth dipped in mild pure soapsuds to which a little ammonia has been added.
- If any stain remains, try dipping the edge of a clean cloth into acetone and gently dab at the stain — be careful not to force any staining material into the surface. Note: If not treated immediately, this could become a permanent stain.
Masonry
Follow these steps to remove lacquer and varnish stains from Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo:
- Remove the excess as soon as possible.
- With a cloth dipped in acetone, dab at the remaining stain until no more is picked up.
- Wash the area with a soft-bristled brush, using a solution of washing soda or detergent (not soap) and water.
- Rinse with clear water and allow to dry.
Carpet
Follow these steps to remove lacquer and varnish stains from carpet:
- Scrape as much of the excess as you can without forcing the lacquer deeper into the fiber.
- Apply amyl acetate to the stain and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with amyl acetate.
- Keep moist and let stand for about 15 minutes, blotting occasionally.
- Scrape to help loosen the stain.
Smooth Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove lacquer and varnish stains from Ceramic Glass/Tile, Enamel, Glass, Porcelain Fixtures:
- Wipe up excess lacquer as soon as possible.
- Wash with a cloth dipped in a solution of washing soda, water, and a few drops of ammonia.
- Rinse well and wipe dry.
- Hardened lacquer can sometimes be carefully scrape with a razor blade on all surfaces except porcelain.
Grout
Follow these steps to remove lacquer and varnish stains from grout:
- Wipe up as much excess as possible.
- Dip a wet toothbrush into a little baking soda or powdered cleanser and scrub gently.
- Rinse well with clear water and wipe dry.
Leather or Suede
Follow these steps to remove lacquer and varnish stains from leather or suede:
- Carefully scrape to remove excess lacquer.
- Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water.
- Swish to create a great volume of suds.
- Apply only the foam with a sponge. Dry with a clean cloth.
- If the lacquer has hardened, gently rub it with an emery board or a piece of fine sandpaper.
- As a thin layer of the hide will also be removed, work slowly and lightly.
Paint
Follow these steps to remove lacquer and varnish stains from paint:
- Wipe away the excess, being careful not to spread the lacquer.
- Wipe the stain with a cloth dipped in 1 pint warm water mixed with 1 tablespoon borax.
- Rinse with clear water and dry thoroughly.
Originally Published: Mar 22, 2006
Removing Lacquer FAQs
How do you remove lacquer from wood?
To remove lacquer from wood, you will need a good scraper. You can also work with steel wool, but it might leave being hard to fill scratches. Once you are done with the wool or scraper, wash away remaining lacquer with a sponge dipped in lacquer thinner and denatured alcohol.
Does acetone hurt wood?
If you spill acetone on wood, you will find that only the lacquer layer on top gets damaged, not the wood itself. In fact, the acetone will end up evaporating before it reaches the wood.
How do you remove lacquer from wood without sanding?
If you don’t want to sand the wood, you can dampen a soft steel-wool pad (preferably fine grain) with paint stripper and squeeze it lightly so it isn’t dripping. Now, rub it against the wood WITH THE GRAIN.
Does vinegar remove lacquer?
If you are planning to use vinegar to remove lacquer, you might have to work a bit harder than you would have to with a lacquer thinner but you will most likely get the desired results.
