There are many ways on how to get polyurethane off hands.
However the best approach is to use chemical protection gloves while working with polyurethane .
And avoid sticky hand in the first place.
These ideas are the experiences of different people.
Therefore they have some variations in terms of experiences and results.
Some of these techniques works well while the polyurethane is still wet.
While other method can work well even with dried polyurethane on hand.
I have arranged the list from top to bottom on the basis of most common ways of getting rid of polyurethane to the least common techniques used.
If you have some other ways of getting rid of polyurethane then please feel free to share it with us.
We would love to mention it in our list..;
How To Get Polyurethane Off Hands?
#1 Using Mineral Spirits
Mineral spirits are a great way to remove poly off hands.
Also known as white spirit , mineral spirits are extensively used in the industries. It has multiple uses such as degreasing agent for tools and machines, lubricating agent , cleaning agent etc.
The same can be used to clean your hands off polyurethane.
This is by far the most common way to get rid of polyurethane.
To get the best result , this needs to be applied while the polyurethane is still wet.
#2 Using Moisturizing Lotion
Did you know that your moisturizing lotion can be use to get rid of polyurethane off hands?
In fact it is one of the easiest ways to get rid off it.
Although it might not work all the time still worth trying.
Any moisturizing lotion should work.
Wash your hands with a string dish soap and a warm water..
Then grab a moisturizing lotion from your drawer and try applying it on the affected surface on your hand.
Incase you don’t have one , you can get a Neutrogena Norwegian Formula moisturizer that works very well for me.
#3 Using Baby Oil
You would be surprised to know that baby oil are used for many purposes including cleaning.
Most artists use it to even clean their brush during painting.
Check this out…
The same approach is being used to get rid of polyurethane hands off.
Interestingly this is also very common way of doing it..
#4 Using Soap
If you are trying to use this method for getting read off polyurethane.
I strongly recommend you to use a good quality dish soap and clean your hands with warm water.
Since this works multipurpose and I almost need it every time, I prefer keeping a stock of it.
#5 Using Peanut Butter
Did you know Peanut butter is used for leather cleaning?. Yes and among its many uses, very few people know and have tried it to clean polyurethane off hands.
Simply apply peanut butter , rub into your skin well, and wash off with liquid dish soap and rinse well.
#6 Using Acetone
Acetone is widely used as glass cleansing agent .
This can also be used to cured polyurethane off hand.
While this is the last option for me since it involves direct chemicals.
However we can’t deny that most people find it useful and use this technique very often.
#7 Using Olive Oil and Salt
We can also easily get cured polyurethane off hands by using an olive oil and salt.
Olive oil is a a very good cleansing agent.
Also used in making soaps and detergents.
Salt is a very good scrub because oi its abrasive nature.
So basically olive oil makes the polyurethane tender and the salt scrubs it off..
This olive oil is also the same oil that is used in the kitchen.
Coconut oil can also be used instead of olive oil.
This way you can wash polyurethane off hands.
Steps to follow:
- Apply the olive oil to the area where polyurethane needs to be washed off.
- Scrub it with the salt for about a minute.
- Wash your hands with warm water.
#8 Using Paint Thinner (Best for Oil Based Polyurethane)
Clean using a Paint Thinner.
Paint Thinner makes the oil based paints thin and it also cleans up the paint after the use.
Same property of the paint thinner can be applied to polyurethane especially these are effective on the oil based.
I usually use WD-40 paint thinner for my polyurethane clean up.
#9 Using Denatured Alcohol
Denatured alcohol are mainly used as a solvent and as fuel for alcohol burners and camping stoves.
However denatured alcohol are also used by some people to cured polyurethane off hands.
Just be careful and keep it away from children and fire..
#10 Using Hand Cleaner
This is also a unique way to get rid of polyurethane .
Fast orange works really well when it is still wet.
Alternatively you can also use Go Jo Natural Orange.
FAQs
# Is Polyurethane Harmful to One’s Health?
Yes, Unsafe polyurethane can harm people with respiratory problems.
# How to get polyurethane off hands without mineral spirits?
Instead of mineral spirits, there are some common household products that can help.
You can use any one of these options which I have already explained.
The alternatives are given below.
- Peanut butter
- Vegetable or baby oil
- Denatured or rubbing alcohol
- Hand cleanser
- Warm water and dish soap
- Acetone
- White vinegar
- Also you can use soy based polyurethane stripper which is bio-active and gentle on the skin.
How to get dried polyurethane off your hands?
Use mineral spirits or acetone to soak the dried polyurethane.
You can alternatively use a vegetable oil or a soy-based polyurethane stripper.
Apply one of these items to the dry polyurethane, allowing it to soften for a few minutes before wiping it away..
Conclusion
Getting polyurethane off your hands is crucial for comfort and safety, to sum up. You can successfully remove polyurethane residue by following the directions, which include using soap, warm water, and gentle scrubbing. To prevent any potential skin irritation, you must act quickly and properly wash your hands..