How to Clean Paint Lacquer

Using paint lacquer often leads to some of it getting on areas that you had not intended it to. Lacquer is by design difficult to remove, as it is intended to be durable and to protect surfaces. When you work with lacquer it helps to know an effective cleaning method for removing it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Steel wool
• Scraper
• Denatured alcohol
• Lacquer thinner
• Clean rags
• Isopropyl rubbing alcohol

1. Remove paint lacquer from hard materials by applying denatured alcohol or lacquer directly to a piece of steel wool. Scrub the item with the steel wool.

2. Use a scraper to get to difficult to reach places on items, dripping the denatured alcohol or lacquer thinner directly on the spots as you scrape.

3. Wipe off the item with a clean, dry rag and then wipe it down with another clean, damp rag.

4. Remove paint lacquer from soft materials like fabric by soaking the affected area in isopropyl rubbing alcohol and then scrubbing the material with a brush or against itself.

5. Blot the area with a clean, dry rag, rinse and repeat Step 4 as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Many of these materials give off toxic vapors. Work outdoors or in a well ventilated area, and wear safety goggles and a breathing mask when removing paint lacquer.

References

• How to Remove Varnish

Resources

• Lacquer stain removal steps