Sustainable Ewe The Home of Sustain Ability in CHB

DIY Varnish Remover

NO MESS.  NO FUSS.  NO SMELL varnish remover that costs next to nothing and involves little effort!

(This will also work on some paints – you will need to test/experiment with length of time depending on paint type..)

You will need:

  • Soda Ash (Washing soda) – I used Soda Ash Light
  • Flour (the sort you make scones from)
  • Water
  • A paint brush
  • Steel wool or a scrubbing brush or a Scotch Bright (I just used an old kitchen scotch bright that was past it’s use in the kitchen)
  • Some old rags/cloths
  • More water

In a container put your Soda Ash and just enough water to dissolve it.  Stir well until Soda Ash is dissolved.

Add flour while stirring, add enough to turn your mixture into a cream paste (not too thick).

Brush paste onto furniture with a paint brush.

Leave 30 mins at least – this can be left longer if need be – however do not let the paste dry out too much as it becomes hard to get off – if need be spritz it occasionally with cold water.

Wipe off using your scrubbing brush/scourer

Rinse well with clean water and a cloth to remove residue.

To finish off rub in Danish Oil using 0000 grade steel wool and wipe down with a soft cloth.

Admire your hard work.