How To Remove Lacquer from Wood? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Lacquer is a stunning and long-lasting finish. However, it will eventually wear off and stain like many other finishes.
You must consider alternatives, the most common of which is to remove the lacquer from the wood. However, removing lacquer from wood is difficult because lacquer adheres to wood tightly.
Lacquer has a solid adhesion to wood surfaces. This is beneficial in one way because it means the finish will last longer on the wood. However, it becomes tough to remove the lacquer coat from the wood.
You should also ensure that the finish on your furniture is lacquer rather than polyurethane. Then, before assembling, you can compare the properties of polyurethane and lacquer.
Also, find a well-ventilated room to carry out the removal process. Because of the fumes and dust produced by the processes, ventilation is essential when removing lacquer. If possible, carry out the procedure outside.
After removing the lacquer coat from the wooden furniture, a new finish or coat can be applied. All waste products and rags generated during the process should be discarded.


VIDEO: How To Remove Lacquer from Wood?
Lacquer Coat Removal Instruments
The following tools are commonly used to remove lacquer from wood.
- Gloves made of rubber
- A fresh cloth
- Denatured ethanol
- Thinner for lacquer
- Steel wool and a scraper
- Scrubbing pad
- Glue or a plastic knife
- Spatula
- Baking powder
- Dust mask or respirator mask
- Cotton swabs
- The heat gun
- distilled mineral spirits
- An old rag
- Sandpaper
- The sanding block
- Acetone
- Bag made of plastic
- Turpentine
- Brush with a wire
Lacquer Removal from Woodwork
There are numerous methods for removing lacquer from wood, but they are typically divided into two categories: chemical and non-chemical.
As you might expect, chemical methods involve using solid chemical products to remove the lacquer coat.
Chemical strippers may be familiar to those who have removed finishes from wood. Their name implies how they work: they use chemicals to remove finishes.
This also applies to the lacquer, as its chemical resistance is poor, especially as the thick coat ages.
Because chemicals emit toxic fumes, special precautions must be taken when handling them; always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Sanding, heating, and other non-chemical methods are examples.
Both methods are effective and can be used, but we recommend starting with chemical methods because non-chemical methods can cause significant damage to the wood if the process is not done correctly.
This is especially true when it comes to heat and scraping. The following is a detailed step-by-step guide to the various methods for removing lacquer from wood.
The chemical solvent techniques have a good chance of being the best way to remove lacquer from wood. This is because it is a highly effective, efficient, and time-saving removal method.
Because the lacquer finish is alcohol-based, you can dissolve it in a suitable solvent, such as lacquer thinner, to solve the problem.
Individual chemicals, such as lacquer solvents, or chemical combinations, such as denatured alcohol and lacquer thinner, can be used as needed.
Steps


Prepare your solvent.
There are commercially available lacquer thinner solvents that will aid in removing the lacquer coat.
If you don’t have a lacquer thinner, you can use denatured alcohol and a lacquer thinner.
To make the alcohol and lacquer thinner mixture, combine equal parts lacquer thinner and denatured alcohol in a bowl and whisk until thickened.
If you don’t get a good mixture, try increasing the lacquer thinner to denatured alcohol ratio.
Use the solvent.
The next step is to apply your lacquer thinner once it has been prepared. Segment your wood into smaller pieces before applying stain solvent.
This is critical for achieving an even and consistent coat layer. Next, spread thick coats of the lacquer solvent mixture over the marked areas with a paintbrush.
Allow drying
The solvent should dry quickly, typically in a few minutes. The coat will dissolve entirely and come right off the surface of the wood if the correct solvent is used in the right amount.
If all of the required parameters are followed, the lacquer coat will come off as liquid or flakes. However, if you get a gray coat, you’ll need more solvent to remove the lacquer altogether.
Remove the lacquer and solvent from the wood.
This is a difficult step, but it is necessary. After your solvent has acted on and dissolved the lacquer coat, remove the lacquer finish and the excess solvent from the wood.
You can also use a brush for this step, but it should now be a hard-brittle brush. Then, when applying the coat, brush around in circles in the same areas you marked earlier.
Your solvent will quickly evaporate, and you can clean it with a drop cloth. If this step is successful, you will notice that the wood’s characteristic shiny and smooth coat has disappeared.
Remove any leftover lacquer.
If the hard-brittle paint stripping brush or medium-fine steel wool does not remove all the solvents, you may need to use a putty knife.
Remove any remaining lacquer with a knife, careful not to scratch or dent the wood.
You have completed the process if all of the solvents have been removed. If not, the solvent must be reapplied.
Rep the procedure.
Lacquer may remain on some surfaces in some cases. You will need to reapply the solvent as before, but this time you will not wait for the solvent mixture to dry before cleaning it with steel wool.
After removing all the lacquer spots, thoroughly wipe the wood with a cloth to remove any excess solvent.
Making use of a chemical stripper
Chemical strippers, which remove the lacquer coat, are another method of removing lacquer from wood.
As with chemical solvents, the principle remains the same, but there are some differences in how they are used. Traditional paint strippers are labor-intensive and do not work as quickly as solid solvents.
To begin, chemical strippers can be either alkaline or solvent-based. Then, the stripper you use will be determined by the type of lacquer coat you want to remove.
Alkaline strippers will work on oily paints and lacquers. Solvent-based paint strippers can also be used to remove other lacquers and paints.
Working with chemical strippers, and all chemicals for that matter requires extra caution because too much will stain the wood surface.
Wear rubber gloves and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Steps
- Before beginning the stripping process, remove all metal fittings from the furniture.
- Lightly sand the lacquered areas with 150-grit sandpaper and steel wool.
- After sanding the surface, use a plastic paintbrush to apply the paint stripper.
- With 80-grit sandpaper, remove the remaining lacquer layer.
- After completing the sanding process, wipe the wooden surface with a tack cloth to remove any remaining traces.
Sanding
This is a popular method for removing lacquer from wooden furniture, especially for thin layers of lacquer. Sandpaper or a sand machine, such as an orbital sander, can be used for sanding.
Many people prefer sandpaper to protect the wood’s surface from deformation. But, on the other hand, a sanding machine will work just as well.
When sanding, use a flat surface and do not apply too much pressure or sand too hard on the wood. After the lacquer finish has worn off and the wood is no longer slippery, you can reapply any lacquer finishes, varnishes, or paints of your choice.
Sandpapers can be used in various ways, depending on the wood and the individual. They consist of 80-grit sandpaper, 150-grit sandpaper, 220-grit sandpaper, and so on.
Steps
- Use a soap solution to clean the wood. Remove all debris and dust from the wood surface. Allow the wood to dry completely.
- Sand the wood with a sanding machine or sandpaper. The power sander may miss certain areas, and these lacquered areas should be successfully removed with sandpaper. There is no single grit of sandpaper that should be used. Some people begin with 150-grit sandpaper, while others begin with 220-grit sandpaper. When first starting, it is usually best to use coarse sandpaper to remove as much as possible. Sanding should always be done with the grain of the wood, not against it. Sandpaper or a sanding block can be used in areas where the electric sander cannot reach.
- Finish with fine sandpaper after coarse sanding for even smoother wood surfaces.
- Using a paintbrush and a drop cloth, remove dust from the wood surface after sanding. Again, clean with the grain of the wood rather than against it. Replace the finish.
Making use of heat
Heat is an underutilized method for removing lacquer from wood. Unlike chemical removal methods, there is no high risk of staining the wood when using heat because no chemicals are used except to burn the wood.
High temperatures are used in this method to peel off and remove lacquer layers. And, before you ask, no, you will not set fire to your wooden furniture or hardwood floors.
If you did that, the lacquer coat would be gone, but you can bet your wood would also be gone! For controlled lacquer removal, a heat gun would be ideal.
Steps
- Allow the surface to dry completely after cleaning it with a clean rag.
- Heat the lacquered surface at a 45-degree angle and about 15 centimeters away from the wood.
- The old lacquer coat will wrinkle under the influence of heat before long, at which point you can remove it with a putty knife.
- Sand the wooden surface after most of the lacquer layer has been removed.
- A spatula can be used as a scraper, or other scrapers can be purchased at wood hardware stores.
The spatula technique
How do you remove lacquer from wood furniture? Scrap it off! That sounds like it belongs in a low-budget commercial, but it works. You can scrape away several layers.
This must be done carefully so as not to damage the wood. A spatula can be used as a scraper, or other scrapers can be purchased at wood hardware stores.
Steps
- Allow the wood surface to dry after cleaning it with a damp cloth.
- Begin scraping the lacquer layer away in short vertical and horizontal strokes.
- With a sponge, remove any remaining lacquer from the wood.
The steel wool technique
Steel wool appears several times throughout this article. This demonstrates how critical it is when removing lacquer from wood. Steel wool is used to scrape the lacquer coat off the wooden surface.
Steps
- Begin by cleaning the wood’s surface with warm soapy water and allowing it to dry completely.
- Move the steel wool in small circles over the lacquer finish, careful not to apply too much pressure.
- Use a small scraping tool to reach the corners and crevices the steel wool cannot reach.
- Wipe the wood surface with a tack cloth to remove all lacquer during the final removal process.
Choosing the Best Chemicals for Lacquer Removal from Wood


Various chemicals aid in the removal of the lacquer coat from wooden furniture. There are some factors to consider when deciding which one to use. The first consideration is the thickness of the lacquer coat to be removed. Stronger chemical strippers and solvents will be required for thicker coats.
While these chemicals will perform admirably, they pose more significant toxicity risks than weaker solvents.
So, even if you emphasize the effectiveness of the chemical stripper and solvent, don’t overlook its safety.
Aside from toxicity concerns, many lacquer chemical strippers are highly flammable. So, once again, extreme caution must be exercised to ensure that the chemical used poses the least risk to your health while also being practical.
Furthermore, the chemical’s cost must be proportional to its effectiveness. Therefore, spending much money on chemicals that will only produce mediocre results makes no sense.
Methylene chloride agents are the most potent chemical strippers. Methylene chloride agents can be replaced with N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone.
NMP strippers are less toxic than methylene chloride counterparts but also less powerful; however, they will work well.
Then there are biochemical strippers, typically organic acids derived from various plants and animals.
These include lactic acid, citric acid, terpenes, and other compounds. Biochemical strippers have the lowest toxicity risk of all strippers discussed, but they are also not as powerful as the previous two.
The nature of the lacquer coat usually dictates which chemical stripper to use. For example, if the wood is old or not resistant to chemical damage, you should avoid using methylene chloride agents.
However, if you believe your wood can withstand and manage all toxic products, methylene chloride agents are one option.
It’s important to note that the chemical strippers and solvents you use for the job will significantly impact the result and get the most out of your money.
As a result, consider all relevant factors and make an informed decision.
When Removing Lacquer from Wood, Take Care
Wear safety equipment at all times.
We can’t emphasize this enough – but we’ll try! When removing paint or lacquer from wood, always wear protective clothing.
Regardless of your method, keep your goggles and respirator mask on. Also, wear rubber gloves when working with strippers, steel wool, and solvents.
Lacquer thinners should be kept away from your eyes and skin. Even when using mechanical methods, you must exercise caution.
Toxic fumes can be produced when the lacquer is heated. In addition, sanding generates dust, which can irritate the eyes and skin.
Execute the removal procedure in a well-ventilated area.
This is required whenever lacquer is removed from the wood. In addition, because the various methods may emit toxic fumes and dust, adequate ventilation is required.
Open all the windows or use fans, one blowing into the room and the other out the window. Perform the removal outside.
Lacquer thinners should be kept away from your eyes and skin. Even when using mechanical methods, you must exercise caution.
Toxic fumes can be produced when the lacquer is heated. In addition, sanding generates dust, which can irritate the eyes and skin.
When working with chemicals, use plastic knives.
Several chemicals can be used to remove lacquer or wood stain from wood. The chemicals, however, are usually concentrated due to the nature of the wood finish.
Because of their high concentration, they are toxic not only to living tissues but also to metals. As a result, before beginning any removal process, ensure that the bare wood is completely free of all metal fittings.
It would be preferable if you used plastic knives rather than metal knives to remove the coat.
Conclusion
Lacquer is unquestionably an excellent existing finish. One of the reasons it’s so popular is that it has a long lifespan and can stay on wood for a long time without peeling or staining, even with heavy use.
However, learning how to remove lacquer from wood can be a hassle. However, it is possible.
Just make sure not to damage the wood grain. Because of the potential toxicity of the methods discussed, safety equipment is an absolute must.
FAQ on How To Remove Lacquer From Wood
Is it difficult to remove lacquer?
In the furniture industry, lacquer is replacing shellac as the finish of choice because of its superior durability. Lacquer is designed to be a very durable finish, in contrast to shellac, which is easily dissolved by alcohol. This is done so that the wood underneath it is protected. Because of this, it is sometimes challenging to get rid of.
How exactly does one go about stripping away varnish and lacquer from wood?
Sand the entire surface using sandpaper with a grit of 150, which is all that is required of you to get started. After you have accomplished that, proceed to the sandpaper with a grit of 220 and continue working. The varnish ought to be removed after doing this. If you are removing varnish from a flat surface, using an orbital sander will make this task significantly simpler and much more efficient.
What is the most effective remover for lacquer?
Lacquer and shellac both benefit from its use.
Denatured alcohol is an effective solvent for removing shellac. Try lacquer thinner if alcohol does not accomplish the task. Since shellac or lacquer was most likely used as a finishing material on your furniture if it was made after 1930 and came from a reputable furniture maker, the best place to begin is with a product that thins the finish.
Is it possible for baking soda to remove lacquer?
Baking soda and water, in the proportion of one tablespoon of soda to one quart of water, should be combined and then brought to a boil. Place the item in the liquid while it is still boiling. If your container of solution is not big enough to completely submerge the item, you may need to do it one half at a time. After boiling for around 15 minutes, the coating will begin to peel and lift off.
Will rubbing alcohol remove lacquer?
Shellac can be easily dissolved in alcohol, and lacquer will gradually become more flexible. Shellac can be made more pliable by using lacquer thinner, which also easily dissolves lacquer. The varnish will bloat, wrinkle, and lift as a result of this.