The question ‘how to get polyurethane off hands’ requires detailed information from a reliable source. Polyurethane can release some toxic fumes that can cause irritation and health hazards. Therefore, once the polyurethane adheres to your hands, you should remove it immediately after completing the project.
Here is what I found:
How to Get Polyurethane off Hands?
To remove polyurethane from your hands, apply denatured alcohol or mineral spirits in moderate quantities. Then rub your two hands against each other to allow the polyurethane to dissolve and get off your hands. You can also opt for a soy-based poly stripper, peanut butter, or vegetable oil. After using these methods, rinse your hand in warm soapy water.
But that’s just a quick preview clip, keep reading for more surprises.
In this article, we’ll look at how to get polyurethane off hands and other related topics such as:
- Tips to avoid polyurethane on your hands
- How to get oil-based polyurethane off hands step by step
- How to get water-based polyurethane off hands step by step
Is polyurethane harmful to people’s health?
Yes, polyurethane gives off some harmful and toxic fumes that can affect your health. Whether water-based or oil-based poly should be avoided from getting into the respiratory organ. Even when it comes in contact with the external boy parts like the hands, poly can cause some damage.
What can you use to remove the polyurethane on your hands?
When poly stains the hands, there are chemical and non-chemical ways to get it off. They include
1. Mineral Spirits
Mineral spirits are an excellent solvent to help get poly off your hands. Mineral spirits produce less toxicity and low volatile organic compounds (VOC). It’ll get poly paint off your hand fast and decently, without affecting the skin.
2. Soap
Soap is very cheap to get and work effectively to rid your hand of poly finish. It is recommended to use dish soap and water to effectively clean. Put soap in small quantity into a bowl of water. Stir the mixture to lather and wash your hands thoroughly.
3. Acetone
Acetone is a highly volatile and flammable liquid. It can break down other materials such as polyurethane paint, poly varnish, and grease. Soak a ball of cotton inside acetone liquid. Place the wool on the poly-stuck part of your hand. Leave it for some minutes to soak and peel. Rub it off and wash with soap and water.
4. Paint thinner
Paint thinner is suitable for thinning poly varnish and getting oil-based poly off your hand. It works like mineral spirits but has a 40 degrees C flashpoint. With a ball of cotton wool soaked in paint thinner, you can get rid of poly from your hands.
5. Denatured Alcohol
Denatured alcohol helps you rid your hands of polyurethane, shellac, lacquer, and latex finishes. Soak a cotton wool swab in paint thinner and place it on the sticky part.
6. Hand Cleaner
To use a pumice-based hand cleaner, you must first soak the hand in acetone, denatured alcohol, warm soapy water, or mineral spirits.
How to get oil-based polyurethane off hands step by step?
You’ll need soap, water, mineral spirits, hand moisturizer, and clean cloth
Step 1: Apply mineral spirits on hands
Start by applying an adequate quantity of mineral spirits on your poly-soaked hands.
Step 2: Rub your hands
Rub your hands together vigorously to dissolve the sticky oil-based poly product.
Step 3: Allow the mineral spirits
Allow the solvent-dissolved poly to stay on the hand for a minute or so.
Step 4: Rinse your hand
It’s time to rinse the caustic mineral spirits from your hand. Do this with warm water.
Step 5: Reapply the mineral spirits
If oil-based poly still sticks around your hands, reapply the mineral spirits and repeat steps 2 to 4.
Step 6: Apply soap and water
After these steps, you should take your hands into a bowl of warm soapy water and wash thoroughly. Rinse with clean, warm water.
Step 7: Dry and moisturize hand
Use a dry microfiber towel to dry your hands. You can apply moisturizing lotion to keep your hand off poly and mineral spirits odor.
How to get water-based polyurethane off hands step by step?
You’ll need water and soap as the main supplies.
Step 1: Add soap to your hand
Apply a modest amount of soap on the affected part of your hand and add a tiny drop of water.
Step 2: soak your hands in water
In case poly has dried up on your hand, you’ll need to soak your hands in warm soapy water for a few minutes. Acetone nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol will be an alternative dissolving solvent.
Step 3: Rub your hands
Rub your two hands together to speed up the rate the water-based polyurethane dissolves while producing lather in the process. Using your nail to scrape off the tacky water-based poly varnish will also work.
Step 4: Rinse and moisturize you hand hands
It’s time to rinse your lathered-soaked hands in a bowl of clean warm water. After this, you should dry your hand with a microfiber towel and moisturize with hand lotion.
Tips to Avoid Polyurethane on Your Hands
There are tips you can take to avoid poly getting into your hands. Avoid poly having direct contact with your skin. Don’t inhale it either. Polyurethane is toxic, irritating, and harmful to your health.
Here are the things to do:
1. Work in a well-ventilated workspace
There is a required humid and heat level needed to apply polyurethane. Keep the humid range at 40-50 percent and a heat range between 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Wear safety goggles
Regardless of whether you’re applying water-based or oil-based poly, you must protect the eyes from direct contact with chemicals. Harsh chemicals contained in poly can irritate facial skin and damage your eyes.
3. Wear safety suit
Protective long-sleeve suit, toe-covered shoes, pants, and shirts. This way, you can reduce or avoid harsh poly chemicals from dripping or splattering into your skin.
4. Put on protective gloves
This precautionary measure is a no-brainer. Latex gloves prevent chemicals from getting into your hands.
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Final words
The final point to reiterate about how to get polyurethane off hands is that you shouldn’t let polyurethane have direct contact with your skin. It can damage it. But with the tips listed above, you can always escape the health risk posed by polyurethane. Take all the precautions and solutions seriously. Apply them to avoid having affected body parts. Overall, polyurethane make
My name is Mark, and I am a software engineer and the founder of OnWoodWorkingArt.
I grew up with a passion for woodworking and now have my woodworking studio with a group of like-minded friends who love to create woodworking. My dream is to have a more extensive workshop and be able to make woodworking my main business.