Removing wood finish from lathe.

Re: Removing wood finish from lathe.

john lucas

it would depend a great deal on the finish you used. If it's poly based finish abrasives are about all that will work and of course that will damage the finish on the lathe. If it's lacquer or shellac then you might be able to use a solvent that hopefully will remove that but not the finish on the lathe. A simple test with a solvent somewhere should tell you.

Shellac is the only easy one

Dick Coers

Denatured alcohol is the solvent for shellac, and that will not soften enamel. Lacquer thinner will remove enamel if you have to leave it on long enough to soften much thickness of lacquer. Once most poly finishes are fully cured, it could take paint stripper to remove it chemically. Spill prevention is the only real way to do it, but sounds like that is water under the bridge.

Re: Shellac is the only easy one

Dick Hines

I bought my PM in 2003. It has had so much finish and other stuff spilled on it it's hard to tell what color it is. As long ad it works the looks are no concern to me.

I bought it to use and used it is

Re: Shellac is the only easy one

John K Jordan

A card scraper will take off some finish buildup but also might scratch the paint. I personally don't worry about it but someone who did or preparing to sell the lathe might consider stripping it down and repainting. Then cover with something when finishing.

JKJ

Re: Removing wood finish from lathe.

Vince Welch

I use Goo Gone on my lathe to get rid of unwanted stains and finish. It does not seem to tarnish the lathe paint.

Re: Removing wood finish from lathe.

Bruce Schoenleber

A heat gun is a common tool for boat owners to remove varnish. Softens it for easier scraping.