What Can I Clean Shellac Floors With

Repairing a worn wood surface is a great way to exhale new life into an old slice. Unfortunately, removing the former finish isn't always like shooting fish in a barrel. For older woods surfaces, the finish is likely either shellac or lacquer. Whether you are repairing a piece to sell or to relish for years to come, here are a few ways to remove shellac finishes.

Determine the Finish

The start step in repairing an erstwhile wood surface is to detect out the type of finish originally applied. You can achieve this by using some denatured alcohol and an one-time rag. If the woods was finished before the '20s, there is a stiff gamble it could be either shellac or lacquer. Fortunately, denatured alcohol dissolves shellac, simply not lacquer. Simply dab the surface with some denatured alcohol. If it gets gummy, then you're dealing with shellac. If nothing happens, and so the surface is probably lacquer and you will demand to utilize a thinner to remove it.

Removing Shellac With Solvents

You can remove shellac with a diversity of solvents, including denatured booze. While this method is messy to make clean up, it is the least labor-intensive. Merely moisten a rag with denatured alcohol and rub it into the surface in a circular motion. The booze volition eventually soften the cease until it becomes viscous. In one case it starts to separate from the wood you can begin to wipe the cease abroad with another rag. If you have trouble removing the shellac, use a dull scraper, especially in corners or hard-to-reach places. You should progress in small sections and requite the alcohol plenty of time to piece of work its magic.

Sanding Shellac

You can remove shellac (and nearly finishes, for that matter) via sanding. Yous can do the sanding by hand or with a ability tool—only make sure all the old terminate is completely removed before applying the new finish. Start with a lower grit sand paper, such as 150 grit, and work your style up to 220 dust. Remove any dust particles with a tack textile and brand sure to work in a well-ventilated area. After the sanding is complete, clean the surface of the forest with a damp textile and let the area to dry before moving on.

Removing Shellac With Chemicals

Removing shellac with a chemical stripper is an constructive method that will not damage the wood. The downside to chemical strippers is their wellness hazards. These types of chemicals can damage your lungs, optics, and skin, and are not good for you for the environment. With that in heed, chemical strippers should exist used as a last resort and be handled with extreme care. Make sure y'all are in a well-ventilated area and wearing appropriate safety gear. Y'all may even need to utilise fine steel wool to help remove the cease. Scrub in the management of the grain and wipe away with a clean cloth.

Wood Care

It doesn't accept much to damage the forest surface, especially if the wood is antique. Taking a few extra precautions when removing the shellac will prevent any unwanted harm. E'er brainstorm the removal process with the least annoying method (denatured alcohol) and but move to another option if it doesn't work. Using ultra-fine steel wool is preferable to sandpaper, which should merely be used for the most stubborn of places. Finally, be extra patient throughout the removal procedure and give your materials enough time to work before moving forward.

Safety Commencement

There are a number of safe concerns when removing shellac from a forest surface. Denatured alcohol is very flammable and can be harsh on the skin. It also releases a bountiful amount of noxious chemicals into the air. If possible, strip the old finish outdoors. If you have to piece of work within, open every bit many windows as you can and plough on a few fans to circulate the air. Ever habiliment rubber gloves when removing the stop and dispose of the dirty rags in an closed container.