How to Remove Soluble Varnish

Chemical Varnish or Paint Remover

• 1

  Brush on a coat of chemical paint remover, per the package instructions. Allow it to work on the varnish and paint for 20 to 30 minutes. Once the paint begins to bubble and lift off the surface, use a scraper to remove as much paint as possible.

• 2

  Roll the burlap or a rag into a long strip and use it like a shoeshine cloth. Rub the legs and rounded edges to remove the varnish and paint.

• 3

  Apply more chemical remover in the cracks and crevices. Use steel wool or a scrubber to remove the varnish. A set of dental tools will reach easily into the tiny spaces to remove the last bits of varnish and paint.

• 4

  Wipe off all the chemical remover with old rags.

• 5

  Clean the entire surface with the appropriate solvent, mineral spirits or water, depending on the chemical remover. Wipe dry with rags. Do not leave solvent or water standing on the wood, as it may dissolve the glue in the joints or raise the grain of the wood. Allow the piece to dry completely.

• 6

  Sand lightly with fine grit sandpaper if the wood grain rises from the surface of the piece.

Heat Gun

• 7

  Apply heat to the varnish and paint, using a heat gun. While heat guns look much like hair driers, they are extremely hot. Use caution; do not burn the surface of your piece.

• 8

  Scrape the bubbling paint off with a scraper. Heat again if necessary and repeat the scraping.

• 9

  Sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust.

Sandpaper

• 10

  Sand the piece, using coarse-grit sandpaper in the sander or sanding block. Sand in the direction of the wood grain. Discard the sandpaper as it fills with varnish and paint dust.

• 11

  Sand again, using the medium-grit then the fine-grit sandpapers to smooth the surface of the piece. Wipe with tack cloth to remove all dust.

• 12

  Pick out any remaining bits of varnish and paint in the cracks and crevices, using the dental tools.