How do I remove varnish stains from my workwear?

Scrape off the excess varnish residue, apply a suitable solvent, rinse with cold water, and then wash according to fabric instructions.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Varnish > Workwear

Removing Varnish Stains from Your Workwear Quickly and Easily

Varnish is a helpful tool that’s used to protect and seal surfaces in many construction, fabrication, and carpentry projects. But it can be an unwelcome addition to your workwear if you end up with varnish stains on it.

Updated 22 Jun 2023

By Mateuzs Kowalski

Varnish is a thick resin made of a blend of solvent, resin, and drying oils that can be difficult to remove from clothing. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to get rid of varnish stains from your workwear quickly and easily.

Step 1: Scrape Off the Excess Varnish Residue

The first step in removing varnish stains from any type of fabric is to scrape off excess residue that hasn’t yet dried. Use a dull butter knife or the edge of a spoon to carefully scrape dried varnish away from the fabric. Be sure to do this over a sheet of paper so the pieces of varnish don’t end up on the floor or carpet.

Step 2: Apply a Solvent

Once you’ve scraped off the excess varnish residue, the next step is to apply a solvent to the stain. Acetone is a good choice for most types of fabrics, although some may be weakened by acetone, so it’s best to test it on a hidden area of the garment before applying it directly to stain. To apply the solvent, use a clean cloth and dab it onto the stain until the varnish is completely saturated. Let it sit for a few minutes to give solvent time to break down the varnish.

Step 3: Rinse With Cold Water

After giving the solvent enough time to dissolve the varnish, the next step is to rinse it off with cold water. You can either put the garment in the washing machine or rinse it in the sink. Rinse the garment thoroughly with cold water until all of the solvent has been removed.

Step 4: Wash According to Fabric Instructions

Once you’ve rinsed off the varnish and solvent, final step is to wash the garment according to the care instructions on the fabric label. This should help to remove any remaining traces of varnish and get your workwear looking like new again.

Hopefully, this article has helped to give you some tips on how to remove varnish stains from your workwear. With the right technique and a little bit of patience, you should be able to get your workwear looking like new again in no time.

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