Removing polyurethane?
#1
12-26-22, 04:57 PM
Removing polyurethane?
Hi...I have a butcher block workbench top, and the polyurethane finish is in bad shape. I'd like to remove the old poly finish, and just coat fresh with Danish oil.
My question is: Is it possible to simply sand off the old polyurethane? Most recs suggest chemical strippers, but I'd prefer to sand it off if possible.
I'm sure sanding could do a good job visually, but Danish oil needs to be able to penetrate...so the question is really whether sanding the old poly will remove it sufficiently that the oil will be able to penetrate?
Thanks for your thoughts
My question is: Is it possible to simply sand off the old polyurethane? Most recs suggest chemical strippers, but I'd prefer to sand it off if possible.
I'm sure sanding could do a good job visually, but Danish oil needs to be able to penetrate...so the question is really whether sanding the old poly will remove it sufficiently that the oil will be able to penetrate?
Thanks for your thoughts
Last edited by RobertSF; 12-26-22 at 05:34 PM.
#2
12-26-22, 05:34 PM
Group Moderator
Sanding typically burnishes the poly into the pores of the wood partially sealing it so it won't take stain very well afterward. Your best bet is a stripper, followed by a paint thinner rinse and then sand it. Wait about 48 hrs before staining it so that the thinner completely evaporates.
marksr
voted this post useful.
#3
12-27-22, 05:37 PM
Thanks for your note. Just to ask though, do you think the old poly will get burnished if I'm only going to around 180-grit sandpaper? I would understand 600 or 2000, but I'm not going too crazy. Again, really trying to avoid chemical strippers if possible.
#4
12-27-22, 05:51 PM
Group Moderator
If your using 180 your never going to get all the old the poly off. So no, that won't work. And don't even think about hand sanding it.
Use a citrus based stripper if you are concerned about chemicals.
Use a citrus based stripper if you are concerned about chemicals.
#5
12-27-22, 05:58 PM
Sorry I wasn't very clear...180 is just the final sand. I'll likely use an 80 grit to remove the bulk of it...then 120, then 180.
Regarding chemicals, I've logged plenty of hours with Jasco and CitriStrip, just prefer not to deal with the mess here and sand if I can get away with it.
Regarding chemicals, I've logged plenty of hours with Jasco and CitriStrip, just prefer not to deal with the mess here and sand if I can get away with it.
#6
12-28-22, 02:34 AM
Member
I've re-finished many kitchen, coffee, and desk table tops and always sanded them before re-staining/re-finishing without any issue. I've never even considered using a stripper!
RobertSF
voted this post useful.
#7
12-28-22, 04:26 AM
As long as you are sanding with the grain, 180 grit is good for the final sand before you apply the oil.
Personally I wouldn't rely on sanding alone to remove the old poly - too much effort.
Personally I wouldn't rely on sanding alone to remove the old poly - too much effort.
