Removing Varnish

Removing Varnish from……Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper

Perfect for DIY and Up-Cycling Projects

Whether you are upcycling furniture or renovating a property, Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper is a ‘Go-To’ product that you can use for Removing Varnish from all surfaces, quickly and safely.

Traditional Ways of Removing Varnish

Removing Varnish by Sanding

The traditional way to remove varnish from a surface has always been sanding, however, it is a laborious job and takes forever. You would use medium sandpaper (150 grit) to remove the top layers of varnish and then as you get closer to the original surface you want to remove the varnish from you would use finer sandpaper (220 grit). it takes a long time, makes a lot of dust and mess, is very labour intensive and hard work on your arms, hands and fingers. You need to sand the surface in stages and layers and then wipe it clean so you can then start on the next layer. You should wear a mask when you are sanding as you will breathe the dust fibres in and always wear gloves to protect your hands as much as possible. Flat surfaces are the easiest to sand, compared to curved surfaces and joins which are really tricky to completely remove the varnish from. When you have finished and all the varnish has been removed you should wash the surface with warm soapy water to remove any dust and leave it to completely dry before you treat the surface with anything else.

Removing Varnish using a Heat Gun

A heat gun works by softening and loosening the varnish making it easier to remove. It is surprising but a heat gun doesn’t scorch the wood or surface you are removing the varnish from, however, when you have used the heat gun to soften the varnich which is time-consuming you then also have the task of scraping the varnish to remove.

You should always wear protective goggles and gloves when using a heat gun and be really vigilant as you are doing it so as not to overheat the surface and burn yourself.

You should start by washing the surface with warm soapy water to remove any dirt and dust and then wipe it dry with a microfibre cloth. Next, you use the heat gun to soften the varnish, always read the instructions and start on a lower heat setting first so you know it is not going to be too hot, you can increase the heat if it isn’t softening the varnish as you need it to. Focus on one area at a time and when the varnish has softened you then use a scraper to scrape it away whilst it’s still soft, be really careful when doing this so you don’t try and scrape away the hard varnish underneath as this will damage the surface you are trying to get to. When you have done this you can then move onto the next area of varnish. If there are several layers of varnish that have been painted over, again and again, you will need to repeat the process a few times. There will be some areas of varnish that are difficult to reach and for these, you will need to use the sandpaper guide to remove. When all the varnish has been removed you should wash the surface with warm soapy water to remove any dust and then leave it to dry completely before you treat the original surface with anything else. Again, it a long and laborious job removing varnish with a heat gun so give yourself enough time and you will definitely need a lot of patience.

Removing Varnish with Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper

Removing Varnish with Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper is an easy and quick way of removing varnish from any surface. Read more to find out what the Eco Solutions Paint & Varnish Stripper is, how it works and how easy it is to use on lots of surface types.

What is Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper?

Eco Solutions have researched, invented, developed and manufactured a really easy to use, powerful paint and varnish stripper, which doesn’t contain any solvents and is a water-based formula. The entire range of Eco Solutions products includes; De-Greasers, Artex Removers, and General-purpose Cleaners which are all solvent-free and safe to use in the home and by professionals. Eco Home Strip® Paint and Varnish Stripper won’t burn your skin, there are no harmful fumes, it works quickly, it’s easy to use, no preparation is needed, no watering eyes and it doesn’t make removing varnish from a surface such a laborious and labour intensive job like sanding or using a heat gun does.

Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper is economical to use and it goes further than hazardous solvent-based strippers. It has minimal VOC content (0.000004%, as certified by independent laboratory detection test).

Most DCM-free paint strippers have just replaced one hazardous solvent with another, however, Eco Solutions innovative technology has removed the hazardous solvent content and replaced it with water, making it a safe alternative to use.

Product Features

  • Water-based – “Tough, not toxic”
  • Non-Hazardous
  • Non-Toxic
  • Non Caustic
  • Non-Flammable
  • PH Neutral
  • No Fumes
  • No Skin Burns
  • Product requires no ventilation
  • Suitable for use by people with respiratory problems such as asthma sufferers
  • No H (hazard) or P (precautionary) statements on the label
  • Water-based, Solvent-free and pH-neutral
  • Clings 100% to vertical surfaces – no drips or runs,
  • Stays wet and works for up to 24 hours, strips while you sleep

Removes

  • Varnishes & Waxes
  • Lead-based paints
  • Oil-based paints
  • Solvent-based paints
  • Water-based paints & emulsions
  • Polyurethane’s- Stains
  • Fire-resistant paints
  • Rust-preventative surface coatings

Ideal for use on all types of surfaces including:

  • Wood (hard & soft)
  • Marble
  • Stone
  • Brick
  • Concrete
  • Plaster
  • Ceramic Tiles
  • GRP
  • Aluminium, Brass, Cast Iron and other soft metals

What are the Benefits of Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper?

Home Strip® Paint and Varnish Stripper is solvent-free, non-toxic, safe and it won’t harm your skin or other parts of your body. Care should be taken, but Home Strip is water-based and can be washed off very easily, with no detrimental effects. It is easy to apply to any surface and quick to work its magic, leaving you with a varnish free original surface.

What are the Disadvantages of Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper?

There really aren’t any disadvantages of using Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper, the only one maybe being that you have only just heard about it.

How long does Eco Solutions Eco Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper take to work?

You only need to leave Home Strip on the surface for a short while, anything from 20 – 40 minutes and up to 24 hours (dependent on how many layers of varnish there are on the surface). After 20 minutes plus you can test a small area to see if the varnish is ready to come off. Use a scraper and slide it under the paint or varnish and if it doesn’t lift easily then you will know you need to leave it on a bit longer.

How many times will I need to use Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper to remove Varnish?

It really depends on how many layers of varnish have been painted on the surface as to how many time you may need to repeat the process. If there are several thick layers of varnish on a surface then apply a thick layer of the product and leave it to work up to 40 minutes plus. The product doesn’t damage the original surface so don’t worry about leaving it on too long. It doesn’t dry out for 24 hours so if you need to you can leave it working for that long. When you use the scraper it should lift the varnish without too much effort and if it does then you know you can get to work.

Will I need gloves when using Eco Solutions Eco Paint & Varnish Stripper?

You don’t need to use gloves when using the product as it won’t harm your skin, however, it’s a good idea as renovating, recycling or decorating will always dry out your hands and gloves help to protect them.

Will I need a mask when using Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper?

You don’t need to wear a mask when using the product as it is a non-toxic, water-based product which is solvent-free so there are no fumes or harmful toxins to breathe in.

Will I need safety goggles when using Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper?

Again, you don’t have to wear goggles when using the product as it is non-toxic, water-based and solvent-free, however, it is a good idea whenever you are stripping any kind of surface.

Will there be dangerous fumes when using Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper?

There are no dangerous fumes when using Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper as it is a water-based, non-toxic and solvent-free formula that has been researched and developed to ensure it isn’t harmful when used.

How do I use Eco Solutions Home Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper for Removing Varnish from Cabinets?

Wipe the cabinet over with warm soapy water to remove any dirt and dust and then simply paste the Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper using an old paint soft paintbrush. Leave it to work its magic for 20 plus minutes and then use a scraper with a clean edge and slide it under the varnish. If it lifts easily then carry on scraping the varnish off but if it doesn’t lift then leave it for a while longer and try again. If the cabinet has several layers of varnish on it then use a liberal amount of stripper on it to ensure it soaks right into the varnish layers. Scarpe in the same direction as the grain and when all the varnish has been removed you can wipe it over with warm soapy water and leave it to dry completely before you do anything else.

How do I use Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper for Removing Varnish from Oak Doors?

Paint a liberal amount of paint and varnish stripper over the whole door and leave for 20 plus minutes. Slide a clean-edged scraper under the varnish and it should lift if it’s ready to be stripped. Use the scraper in the same direction as the grain of the wood and work over the whole door. For uneven edges and joins you may need to use sandpaper if the scraper doesn’t remove the varnish. That’s it, it’s done and you can now wipe it down with a damp cloth and decide what colour, oil or varnish you are going to use to make it like new or old if that is the style you are looking for.

How do I use Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper for Removing Varnish from Wooden doors?

Use an old soft paintbrush to spread a liberal amount of product over your door. Leave it for 20 minutes plus and make yourself a cup of tea whilst it starts to work. Take a scraper with a clean smooth edge and gently wedge it under the varnish, if it lifts then it is ready to remove all of the varnishes. Work your way over the whole door and use sandpaper if there are areas that your scraper can’t get to. Wipe your door over with a damp cloth and leave it to dry fully before you paint again with oil, varnish or paint.

Removing VarnishHow do I use Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper for Removing Varnish from Floorboards?

Clean your floorboards with warm soapy water before you start to remove any dirt and dust. Leave it to dry and then use a large soft paintbrush and apply the product to small workable areas so you can kneel on the floorboards next to your area to strip the varnish when it’s ready. Use a wide scraper and lift the varnish, if it doesn’t lift easily then leave it to work a while longer, in some cases you may need to apply more of the product if there are thick layers of varnish that have been applied over years. Then you can move onto the next area and you will know how much product you need and how long to leave it. When removing varnish from floorboards you can work on different areas at the same time as long as there is enough room between the areas for you to kneel down and scrape the varnish off when it’s ready. When you have removed all of the varnish layers, you can mop the floor with warm soapy water and wait for it to dry and you will see the true colour of the original floorboards, which will help you decide on the varnish, oil or paint you want to use to revamp or protect it.

How do I use Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper for Removing Varnish from Handrails?

Removing varnish from a handrail is tricky as there are lots of round corners and edges to get to which means it takes a lot of time and effort unless you use Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper. Take your time to thoroughly coat every part of the surface of the handrail with the stripper using a soft paintbrush, use a smaller brush for joins and use a liberal amount. Leave it to work and then use a scraper to lift the varnish away, using a medium to fine sandpaper to get into any awkward areas. It’s a long job due to the shapes and joins on a handrail so work in areas so you feel like you are getting somewhere. When you have finished, wipe the handrail down with warm soapy water and leave it to dry thoroughly. You will be amazed at how different it will look and how much lighter it will make the area and space feel. Leave the handrail to dry for 24 hours and then you can start to revamp it using a wood oil, varnish or paint.

How do I use Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper for Removing Varnish from Oak Cabinets?

Varnished oak cabinets can make a room look dark and out of date. Using Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper to remove the varnish from an oak cabinet will give it a new lease of life, making it compliment your interior decor. Paint a liberal amount of the stripper onto the cabinet using an old soft paintbrush and leave to work its magic (20 minutes plus). When the product has worked the varnish will lift away from the cabinet when you put a smooth-edged scraper under it. Work your way over the cabinet scraping the varnish away in the same direction of the oak grain. Use fine sandpaper to get into those awkward joins and non-flat surfaces. When you are done just wipe it over with warm soapy water and then leave to dry for 24 hours before you revarnish, oil or paint.

How do I use Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper for Removing Varnish from Pine?

Original pine looks very different to varnished pine and stripping it back will give you a blank canvass to work with. Paint a liberal amount of stripper onto the varnish and leave to work anything from 20 minutes to 24 hours. Home strip stays wet for 24 hours and it won’t damage the pine if you leave it on too long. Use a smooth-edged scraper to gently lift the varnish away from the pine, working in the direction of the grain. If there are several layers of varnish that have been added over the years then you may need to use more product to enable it to soak into the pine or repeat the process. when you have finished, wipe the pine surface clean with warm soapy water and leave to dry. Pine looks great if you revamp it with a wood oil which makes it look rustic and original.

How do I use Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper for Removing Varnish from Teak Veneer?

A teak veneer is typically a golden honey brown or a deep brown colour that can darken with age. Teak is a dense, oily and strong hardwood that is relatively easy to work with but if it has several layers of varnish you won’t see its true colour and finish. Use a soft paintbrush to apply the Home Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper all over the surface. When the varnish is ready to be removed you will be able to lift it with a smooth-edged scraper, if it doesn’t lift then leave for a while longer and or apply more of the stripper. Use the scraper to scrape the varnish away working in the same direction as the grain. When you are done, wipe it over with warm soapy water and leave to dry completely. A teak veneer is best finished with a wipe-on oil so you can still see its heavy, uniform and coarse texture, and porous grain.

How do I use Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper for Removing Varnish from a Table?

Revamping an old table is hugely rewarding and will cost you much less than buying a new one. A revamped and upcycled table can be stripped and repainted with another varnish, oil or paint to give it the look you want to suit your decor and style. Apply a liberal amount of stripper all over the table surface using an old soft paintbrush. If you can remove the legs of the table then do this after you have removed the varnish from the tabletop as this means you won’t need to worry about the varnish that is deep in the joins of the legs and tabletop that can be difficult to remove. Gently lift the varnish following the direction of the grain using a smooth-edged scraper. When you have removed all of the varnish layers wipe it over with warm soapy water and you will see a huge difference, you may be surprised at the original colour and grain which layers of varnish will hide and it will often change your mind about what you will do with it next. Wood oil is an amazing product to use to upcycle a table after the varnish has been removed as it will protect it but you will still see the original wood and surface which can be beautiful.

How do I use Eco Solutions Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper for Removing Varnish from a Wooden Bench or Garden Furniture?

Garden furniture can quickly look old and worn out as it is always out in the elements and using Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper will quickly transform it, making it look new and fresh. Paint a liberal amount of the product all over the furniture using an old soft paintbrush. Leave it to work for 20 minutes plus. The more varnish layers that are, the more product you should use and the longer you should leave it wor work before you lift it off with a smooth-edged scraper. You will know when the product has worked as the varnish will lift easily. Work in the direction of the grain and use sandpaper for any awkward joins or areas. Wash it clean with warm soapy water and then it dry completely before you repaint using an oil, varnish or paint. That’s it, your garden furniture will look like new again.

If you have a surface that you want to remove varnish or paint from easily, quickly and safely then Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper will save you a huge amount of preparation time, tools and products and will give you a perfect original finish in no time at all.

Eco Solutions Other Products

One product does all – No pre or after treatment – Suitable for many substrates – Water-based – Non-hazardous – Non-toxic – No skin burns – Non-caustic – Non-flammable – PH neutral – Solvent-free- “Tough not toxic” – No H (hazard) or P (precautionary) statements on the label.

Grime Go removes all types of grease, oil, dirt, stains, grime, dirt, mould, adhesive residues as well as paint splashes. It can be used to prepare surfaces for re-painting or just to clean and brighten the substrate. No fumes, no skin burns, no abrasives and non-toxic.

PVCU Cleaner cleans uPVC windows, doors and guttering (may etch certain types of Perspex and polycarbonate so do a patch test first). Removes heavy grime, dirt, oil, and paint splashes too. Spray on and wipe away any stains and grime. The product is safely being used by an increasing number of consumers and professional users alike. DIY Doctor is currently one of the largest home improvement websites in the UK. They are committed to putting the customer first, providing a platform for novice and experienced Home Improvers so they can get together with experienced tradesmen to share knowledge, skills and experience about anything to do with house and home. You can see their demonstration for PVCu Cleaner here.

Super Strength Degreaser removes grease, oil, grime, glue and even light carbon build-up. It is effective and pleasant to use, water-based, no abrasives with no H (hazard) or P (precautionary) statements on the label.

Graffiti Go removes all paints including car spray paints – Graffiti shadow – Leather dye – Marker pen -Crayons – Fly posters – Chewing gum and can be used on on all types of surfaces including; woods, all metals (including Aluminium), stone (including soft and porous stones), brick, marble, concrete, most plastics (may etch certain types of Perspex and polycarbonate).

Where can I buy the Eco Solutions Products?

Eco Solutions ‘Home Use’ and ‘Trade Use’ Products including Removing Varnish with Home Strip® Paint & Varnish Stripper can all be purchased through Brewers, Buildbase, Jewsons, Travis Perkins or you can find your local supplier here.

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