Remove An Old Finish From Wood In Just One Easy Step

If you've removed an old finish before, from a deck, furniture, or wood floor, you probably know there are a bazillion other (more entertaining) ways to spend your time. As DIYers who've stripped more wood than we can shake a stick at, the process is time-consuming and cumbersome no matter what the project. But we've discovered the secret to making the job so much easier — acetone — and we're showing you how it's done.



Sure, it's exciting to flip a piece of drab furniture, but getting there sometimes requires more patience and endurance than most people have. The whole process usually means multiple steps, starting with a gooey paint stripper and letting it work its magic for a few hours, scraping it off, and then having to apply another coat all over again. Then, you have to switch to an electric wood sander to do the heavy lifting for removing anything that's left over of that old finish. But thanks to acetone and an ordinary dish brush, the process is whittled down to just one step.

Acetone, which is often found in nail polish remover, is useful around the house, but by itself, it can dissolve paint, varnish, and even superglue. The colorless liquid evaporates very quickly, making it perfect for removing an old finish and creating a brand new one. With acetone in one hand and a hard-bristled dish brush in the other, find out how to quickly and efficiently remove a wood stain without damaging the wood.

In one step (and some elbow grease), you can fast forward to the fun part of your DIY project — painting on a new finish. While acetone doesn't smell great, it holds tremendous power to remove an old wood finish from your next project. A few of things to keep in mind when you're using acetone: keep a window cracked or a door open so the fumes can escape if you're indoors; protect your floor area by putting down a drop cloth or cardboard; and test a small area of your wood piece with acetone before getting started. 

Once you've prepped your area, you'll use any ordinary dish brush you have on hand. Dip it in the acetone ($11 at The Home Depot) and start scrubbing. You can also use a smaller wire brush ($7 Amazon) to reach all the nooks and crannies if your wood piece has them. The finish should literally melt right off. Although you still might need to sand the piece to eliminate any imperfections, it won't take nearly as long since you've removed the majority of the finish already.

If you prefer not to use acetone, a can of mineral spirits ($10 at The Home Depot) is odorless and an alternative for removing certain types of finishes, like on wood floors and furniture. It helps clean up years of grime and wax buildup. While it doesn't completely dissolve the old stain, it still offers a one-step option to add a fresh look.