Solvents, Thinners and Strippers Buying Guide

Lowe's

Choosing the right solvent, thinner or stripper for your project can be somewhat confusing, especially if you don't know the type of finish.
Many people use the words "solvent" and "thinner" interchangeably, even though they have different meanings. Keep the following in mind when choosing a solvent or thinner:
A solvent dissolves a cured finish.
A thinner thins a liquid finish.
Some substances can be both a solvent and a thinner for a finish.


If You Suspect Your Finish Is:
Determine By:
Wax
Put a few drops of turpentine on the wood. If the finish dissolves, it's wax based.
Shellac
Apply a few drops of denatured alcohol. If the finish dissolves quickly, it's shellac.
Lacquer or shellac
Try a few drops of lacquer thinner to dissolve.
Water-based finish
A few drops of Xylene (xylol) liquefies water-based finishes.
Polyurethane or varnish
Paint/varnishremover strips these materials, but you'll probably still have to sand some of the old finish off.
Other Finishes You May Encounter (and What to Do About Them):
Penetrating oil
The product does just what its name says, so nothing can remove it. The color is not strippable since it has become part of the wood. If the wood is dry, it can be clear-coated, waxed or painted.
Paint
Determine whether the paint is oil-based or water-based (latex).
Rub a rag or cotton ball moistened with denatured alcohol on the paint surface. If it rubs off or gets soft, it's latex. Alcohol will not affect oil paint.
Latex paint can be applied over oil if the old surface has been lightly sanded and properly primed.

Vinyl covered or Formica surfaces
Do not attempt to paint or refinish. Cabinets surfaced with these materials should only be done by a professional.