How to Clean Varnish Spilt on Ceramic Tile
Varnish is a lacquer that creates a hard, transparent finish or film that is primarily used to cover and protect wood. Varnish is commonly found on wood furniture, wood flooring and cabinets. If varnish spills on carpet or tile, it can create a discoloration stain.
It is easier to remove varnish while it is still wet, and since varnish dries quickly, it's important to clean spills right away. However, if varnish hardens, it still can be removed with a bit more work.
Things You Will Need
- Paper towels
- Plastic scraper
- Cloth
- Rubbing alcohol
- Laundry detergent
- Soft-bristled brush
- Heat gun or hair dryer
Warning
Do not use a metal scrapper, as it can scratch the surface of the tile.
When working with a heat gun, wear protective gloves and goggles.
Rubbing Alcohol Method
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Place paper towels over the varnish and blot up as much as possible if the varnish is still in liquid form. Place a plastic scraper under solid varnish and scrap up as much as possible.
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Wet a cloth with rubbing alcohol. Rub the rubbing alcohol into the varnish on the ceramic tile.
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Wet a cloth with warm water. Rub the area to remove the rubbing alcohol and varnish.
Laundry Detergent Method
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Place paper towels over the varnish and blot up as much as possible if the varnish is still in liquid form. Place a plastic scraper under solid varnish and scrap up as much as possible.
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Mix 1/2 cup liquid laundry detergent with 1 gallon warm water.
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Dip a soft-bristled brush in the mixture. Rub the mixture into the varnish on the ceramic tile.
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Wet a cloth with warm water. Rub the area to remove any soap residue and varnish.
Heat method
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Place a plastic scraper under solid varnish and scrap up as much as possible.
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Use a heat gun on the lowest setting or blow dryer on the highest setting. Place as close to the tile as possible without touching it.
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Use a damp cloth to lightly rub and absorb the varnish as the heat liquifies it. Continue until most of the solid varnish is removed.
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Complete the steps in Section 1 or Section 2 for residue removal.
The Drip Cap
- Varnish is a lacquer that creates a hard, transparent finish or film that is primarily used to cover and protect wood.
- Place paper towels over the varnish and blot up as much as possible if the varnish is still in liquid form.
- Wet a cloth with warm water.
- Rub the mixture into the varnish on the ceramic tile.
References
Writer Bio
Kallie Johnson began her writing career in 2009, contributing to various online publications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She enjoys writing home and garden topics and considers herself an expert on do-it-yourself home improvement topics.
Photo Credits
- Tile image by Josef F Stuefer from Fotolia.com
- Tile image by Josef F Stuefer from Fotolia.com
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