Q&A for How to Remove Polyurethane

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What tools are needed to strip round legs?

Community Answer

Steel wool works well on any curved surface or on carved details. Make sure you have relatively fine grade so you don't scratch the wood. A wire brush also works well for curved areas, such as turned legs. I prefer a brass brush over steel as it is softer and less prone to damaging the wood. With either steel wool or brushes you will need to either have enough on hand when they clog up, or spend time cleaning them out with more stripper. And wear gloves to keep the stripper off your skin.

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Question

What type of stripper can be used that will not harm the paint underneath?

Community Answer

Soy stripper, because it is plant oil based rather than harsh chemical based.

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Question

I'm stripping my kitchen cupboards. I can remove the doors, but not the base. Will the stripper stay on the vertical surfaces?

Community Answer

Yes. Don't put as much on and do the whole thing twice.

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Question

Can I use light sandpaper with a sander without using paint stripper to do this?

Community Answer

Yes, but it takes a lot of labor. Your best bet is to use the soy-based stripper. It's water soluble and doesn't require the use of a respirator. Some of the chemical strippers' fumes can be fatal, so pay attention to the directions.

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Question

While removing polyurethane, do I scrape across or towards the grain?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Scrape with the grain, never across it.

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Question

Can I paint over gloss polyurethane with satin polyurethane?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as you sand the shiny coat off carefully with a very fine grade sandpaper and wipe down after. If there are still shiny places, gently give them another gentle sand.

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Question

How do I remove polyurethane from a Formica tabletop? Can I just sand it down?

Community Answer

Yes, though you run the chance of putting scratches in the Formica unless you use a finer sandpaper like 80.

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Question

Can I stain my steps with a water base paint if I just sand the polyurethane gloss?

Community Answer

No. you will need to remove all the polyurethane before attempting to stain. the polyurethane will prevent the stain from penetrating into the wood. Poly is intended to protect and seal the wood from water/liquids, after all.

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