Quickly Clean Varnish Stains from Your Outerwear
Varnish is an invaluable tool for protecting and finishing wood, but it's not so great for your clothes. To get rid of unsightly varnish stains from your apparel, you'll need to act quickly and use the right materials.
Updated 22 Jun 2023
By Cyryl Wozniak
Varnish—typically consisting of a combination of resins and oils—is a classic way to protect and finish wood surfaces like doors, furniture, and trim. Unfortunately, it can be just as difficult to remove varnish from your clothing. If you have recently found varnish stains on a favorite piece of outerwear, don't despair. Here’s how you can quickly and easily remove those stains.
Examine the Stain
Before you do anything else, take a close look at the stain. Is varnish still wet, or has it completely dried? If it’s still wet, you can use a paper towel to blot the excess. But if it's dry, you will need to take some additional steps.
Choose Your Cleaning Solution
There are a few different methods you can use to clean varnish from your outerwear. The most effective option is to rub a cloth dipped in mineral spirits over the stained area until the varnish starts to dissolve. You can also use vinegar and water, or equal parts of acetone and dish detergent.
Test the Cleaner on an Unseen Spot
No matter which cleaner you decide to use, it’s always a good idea to test it on a hidden area of the garment first. This will ensure that the solution won’t cause any additional damage to the fabric.
Remove Stain
Once you have chosen and tested your cleaning solution, you can start removing the varnish stain from the outerwear. Dip a soft cloth into your chosen cleaner, making sure not to saturate it, and then scrub the stain gently. If the varnish is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a toothbrush or other small brush to help break it up.
Rinse the Area with Water
When the stain is gone, rinse the area with clear water and then allow the outerwear to air dry. Don’t put the garment in the dryer until you are certain that all traces of the varnish are gone.
Prevent Future Stains
Finally, take steps to avoid future mishaps. When painting or working with varnish, wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained. Also, thoroughly wash items that may come into contact with varnish to prevent the substance from transferring to your outerwear.
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