Mainly your options are not get it on there in the first place, or removed it mechcanically. However xylene also works, if also horrably bad for your hands!
I just got polyurethane wood stain all over my hands and I tried everything to get it off with no success. I tried rubbing alcohol, soap and scalding hot water, scrubbing them with a hard brush, astringent, etc. Finally, I tried non-acetone nail polish remover and it came off instantly!
As an alternative you can use the Goo Gone Spray or liquid (I used the Orange Spray). Just spray it on you hands leave it on for 10 seconds. Wash your hands with Dawn liquid soap twice, then repeat until the stickiness is gone. Then wash your hands with a gentle hand soap just to make sure you get all the harsh chemicals off.
THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO REMOVE POLYURETHANE OFF YOUR HANDS!
Cover you hands and where you got Polyurethane on yourself with veggie or canola oil and rub it till the polyurethane comes off then wash your hands with soap and water. I just completely covered my hands in it and found this to work AMAZINGLY! And the bonus is your hands become very soft and no more stickiness!
Answer: Mineral spirits will remove oil based polyurethane from your hands, while soap and warm water will remove the water based poly. However, latex gloves will protect your hands from most of the poly that didn't make it onto your project and will allow for quick cleanup.
I saw lots of comments about gasoline. That seemed really scary. So I tried finger nail polish remover. That had minimal effects. I tried the vaseline gloves method. It thinned the layers but didnt take it off the skin. Finally, I incidentally got oxyclean spray on my hands doing laundry. Stuff worked amazingly. Didnt get it off my fingernails much. But a scrubber and oxyclean got my skin clean.
Use vegetable oil or peanut butter to soften the paint and then wash it off. Using paint thinner on skin is problematic for your health. After this, plan to use plastic gloves when painting--uncomfortable, but so easily cleaned up!
Answer
It depends if the paint is dry or not,When wet, you'll need at least general purpose paint thinner, then hot soapy water
If dry, you'll need a very strong paint thinner( Polyurethane thinner) then hot soapy water.
If really dry, take one kitchen metal scouring pad with some soap n scrub it off, a little painful but it does the trick
Many people will tell you to use paint thinner, however, the thinner can be very hard on your skin. The best thing to use for small amounts of paint is a high fat/oil content lotion. Work it well into the skin and loosen the paint. If there is a lot of paint on your hands use Vaseline or other petroleum based cream and again, work it well into the skin. It takes a bit longer, but it will work, and the result is easier to live with.
Next time, use a product called "Gloves in a Bottle" or coat your skin with a light coating of good hand lotion, before you start your project.
You'll need: Paint thinner, plastic bowl, and a old towel. Fill the plastic bowl halfway with paint thinner. The paint thinner need only be applied to the bristles, or foam section, of the brush in order to remove the polyurethane. Dip the brush tip into the bowl of paint thinner. Cover the entire brush end with paint thinner. Add more paint thinner to the bowl if needed. Leave the brush in the bowl of paint thinner for 15 to 20 minutes. Allow the paint thinner to fully penetrate the polyurethane within the brush . Remove the brush from the bowl and rinse it with Luke warm water. Do not use cold water as this can cause the brush to harden . Avoid using extremely hot water as well as this can cause the glue securing the bristles to loosen and the bristles will fall out . Pat the brush with a old towel. Hope this helps.
Bleach
Polyester resin, fiberglass, polyurethane, horse hair and cotton
Often, poly will not adhere due to contaminants on the surface. Remove all of the loose coating, sand the surface, brush off the surface with a brush, then remove the remainder the dust with a tack cloth.
You don't. You will most likely have to restain after stripping.
You can remove stains or blemishes from a polyurethane watch by scrubbing it with a wet terrycloth that has been dipped in a solution of warm water and liquid dish soap. For tough stains, dip a melamine foam sponge into the solution, ring out and wipe the watch gently. Dry well with a clean towel.
To remove polyurethane from brass, you can use a solvent such as acetone or denatured alcohol. Apply the solvent to the polyurethane with a soft cloth or brush, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub the affected areas until the polyurethane is removed. Be sure to clean the brass thoroughly afterward to remove any residue.
Bleach
To effectively remove polyurethane from a brush, you can soak the brush in mineral spirits or paint thinner for a few hours to soften the polyurethane. Then, use a wire brush or comb to gently scrape off the softened polyurethane. Repeat the process until the brush is clean.
To remove polyurethane from terrazzo floors, you can use a chemical stripper specifically designed for removing polyurethane coatings. Follow the instructions on the product carefully, and make sure to ventilate the area properly. After stripping the polyurethane, clean the terrazzo floors with a neutral pH cleaner and rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
To effectively remove polyurethane from wood, you can use sandpaper or a chemical stripper. Sanding the surface with coarse sandpaper can help remove the polyurethane layer. Alternatively, applying a chemical stripper specifically designed for removing polyurethane can also be effective. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and wear protective gear when using chemical strippers.
The best way to remove polyurethane from a surface is to use a chemical stripper specifically designed for polyurethane. Apply the stripper according to the manufacturer's instructions, allow it to penetrate the polyurethane, and then scrape off the softened finish with a putty knife or scraper. Be sure to wear protective gear and work in a well-ventilated area when using chemical strippers.
No, it is not recommended to apply water-based polyurethane over a surface that has been previously coated with oil-based polyurethane. The two types of polyurethane do not adhere well to each other, which can lead to issues with the finish. It is best to sand down the surface and remove the oil-based polyurethane before applying the water-based polyurethane.
To effectively remove polyurethane from a surface, you can use sandpaper to sand it off, a chemical stripper to dissolve it, or a heat gun to soften it for scraping. Be sure to follow safety precautions and instructions for the method you choose.
Polyester resin, fiberglass, polyurethane, horse hair and cotton
Yes, you can sand polyurethane to achieve a smooth finish. Sanding helps to remove imperfections and create a smooth surface for a professional-looking result.
One way to remove polyurethane from fabric is to gently scrape off as much of the excess as possible using a dull knife or spoon. Then, apply a solvent such as rubbing alcohol or acetone to a clean cloth and blot the affected area to break down the polyurethane. Finally, rinse the fabric thoroughly with cold water and launder as usual.
To clean a polyurethane brush effectively, you can use mineral spirits or paint thinner to remove the polyurethane residue. Soak the brush in the solvent for a few hours, then rinse it with warm soapy water and let it dry completely before storing it.