How to Remove Varnish From Skin

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If you are applying wood varnish to a house project or applying varnish to your nails, things can get messy when you're using an oil-based product. While traditional varnish used to be made from resin, today most varnish is polyurethane. It is used to provide a hard, protective coating over paint or stain. A commercial varnish is also applied to nails. If you get varnish on your skin during your project, don't despair when soap and water won't remove the sticky substance. Solve the problem quickly by using products found in your pantry or at the hardware store.

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Remove Oil-Based Varnish With Pantry Supplies

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Step 1

Dip the corner of a washcloth into the peanut butter and scoop out enough to cover the varnish on your skin. The oil of the peanut butter will help remove the sticky substance.

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Step 2

Dab peanut butter onto the varnish and gently rub. The oil in the spread will remove varnish and also sooth your skin. Continue rubbing until the varnish has been removed.

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Step 3

Squirt a small amount of mild dish detergent directly onto the affected skin. Work the detergent into the peanut butter with your fingers until suds form. Place the area under warm, running water and rinse the skin until it's clean.

If peanut butter isn't in your pantry, try substituting vinegar or cooking oil. Dish detergent is recommended because it cuts through grease and oil effectively.

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Commercial Products to Remove Oil-Based Varnish

Step 1

Open the can of paint thinner in a well-ventilated area due to its strong odor. Place the rag on the opening of the container. Tip the container to apply solution to the rag.

Step 2

Using light pressure, stoke the affected skin with the paint thinner. It will dissolve the varnish effectively and quickly.

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Step 3

Pour a small amount of dish detergent onto the treated area. Rub the soap with your fingers until you see the varnish dissolving. This might take a minute or two.

Step 4

Place the soapy skin under warm, running water. Continue rubbing with your fingers to produce suds. Rinse the paint thinner and soap from the skin thoroughly.

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Nail Polish Varnish

Step 1

Open the bottle of nail polish remover. Insert the cotton swab into the bottle and saturate it. The swab, however, shouldn't be dripping with the solution.

Step 2

Swab the varnish with the soaked cotton swab. See how quickly the varnish dissolves.

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Step 3

Place a small amount of dish detergent onto the treated skin. Using your fingers, rub the soap into the acetone. This will dissolve the remover and varnish.

Step 4

Rinse the skin under warm, running water. Create soapy suds by rubbing it with your fingers.

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