Does acetone damage varnished wood?

Author: Dr. Johann Bartell IV  |  Last update: Thursday, February 26, 2026

The acetone will strip the wood finish, and bleach the wood. If the finish was thin (or non-existent) then the wood will be slightly warped or “melted”. Acetone tends to raise and roughen wood. When fixing the damage, you need to be gentle.

Will acetone remove varnish from wood?

However, when spilt on the wooden surface, acetone in nail polish remover acts as a varnish or paint remover. The acetone reacts with the varnish or lacquer used as coating or finishing in the wooden furniture, removing the coating or varnish off the wooden surface.

Does acetone damage polyurethane?

Acetone is a strong solvent, so it can remove some polyurethane if you use it correctly.

What surfaces does acetone damage?

Acetone doesn't just harm the paint—it can also damage plastic, rubber trims, and other car components. These materials can become discolored, deformed, or brittle when exposed to acetone, causing further aesthetic and functional issues.

Does acetone leave a residue on wood?

Tools and equipment used for working with lacquer, polyester resins, and fiberglass are routinely cleaned with acetone. It is frequently used to prepare wood or metal surfaces for a fresh coat of paint or varnish, partly because it does not leave an oily residue behind.

Stripping Furniture Varnish with Acetone

Where should you not use acetone?

Acetone should not be used on 1-part paints or varnish coatings, and it is very important to test or know compatibility on plastics or any other materials (beyond wood, metal, epoxy, and polyester resin). Acetone should never be used on clear windows, lenses, or clear plastics.

Is acetone corrosive to wood?

Acetone, a chemical most commonly found in nail polish remover, can be incredibly destructive to a wood floor. It damages finished wood surfaces immediately on contact, and the damage is typically isolated to the wood's finish. Acetone is colorless, with a slight order, and highly flammable.

Does acetone damage clear coat?

Acetone shouldnt strip the clearcoat but will stain the clearcoat.

Will acetone affect wood stain?

The strength means that acetone can damage or remove most paints and finishes, so you should avoid using this solvent as a cleaner on all but the most solvent-resistant finishes. These would include conversion varnish, two-part polyurethane, UV-cured finish and epoxy resin.

How to fix varnish on a table?

To fix the finish, start by sanding the affected area to remove any damaged finish. Clean the surface, then apply a wood conditioner if needed, followed by a matching wood stain. Once dry, apply several coats of polyurethane or varnish, sanding lightly between coats for a smooth finish.

How to neutralize acetone?

How to neutralize acetone? Acetone is a good solvent for some polymers (plastics). In the case of acetone, if a residue is present on a piece of plastic, the plastic can be rinsed with water to flush the acetone away and stop it from dissolving the plastic (gradually).

How do you fix wood ruined by acetone?

Repairing the wood finish from a nail polish remover spill involves sanding the damaged area lightly to remove the affected finish. Apply a matching stain or touch-up marker to blend with the surrounding wood, then finish with a clear coat of varnish or lacquer.

How do you remove varnish from wood without sanding it?

Here is the step-by-step rundown for how to remove varnish from wood (without sanding!) Firstly, pick a varnish remover to use and then spread it evenly across the wood surface. Give it some time to set in. After a few minutes, it will break down the varnish.

Does vinegar destroy wood varnish?

Many wood surfaces are treated with finishes like varnish, lacquer, or sealants to enhance durability and appearance. Vinegar can strip away these finishes, leaving the wood vulnerable. This not only affects the wood's aesthetic but also its ability to resist moisture and other damaging elements.

What should you avoid with acetone?

Use only non-sparking tools and equipment. Metal containers involving the transfer of Acetone should be grounded and bonded. Keep Acetone out of confined spaces, such as sewers, because of the possibility of an explosion. DO NOT wash into sewer as Acetone is dangerous to aquatic life in high concentrations.

Will WD-40 damage clear coat?

WD-40 is mixed to precise proportions, and once it's mixed together, the ingredients are safe on your paint. Yes, you read that right. It's safe! But just because it won't dissolve your car's clear coat doesn't mean that using it on paintwork is a good idea.

Can you use acetone on hardwood?

This powerful solvent can remove more than just nail polish from your floors. Depending on the material, acetone may remove some of the finish from your hardwood floors as well. For this reason, you should always test acetone in an inconspicuous place before you use it on your nail polish stain.

What material does acetone damage?

Rubbers and plastics are both prone to scarring and damage by acetone exposure, but the ones used in automotive seals are generally not affected by it.

How to remove nail polish from wood without removing finish?

RUBBING ALCOHOL

Lay the material over the nail polish stain, and let it set there for a few minutes before gently scrubbing out the polish (you shouldn't have to use too much elbow grease). Rubbing alcohol can remove most layers of nail polish with ease.

Why is acetone not good?

Human studies of inhalation exposures to acetone have shown irritation of the nose, throat, trachea, and lungs.

How long does acetone take to evaporate?

If you pour it out on a table it will probably be gone within a minute, but if you leave it in a beaker or flask it could take hours or longer. Based on the feedback provided by OP, I would suggest that you don't evaporate anything. Just leave the lab or bedroom the way you found it.

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