Remove Stains From Shellac/Varnish

Apparel/Fabrics

Shellac

Sponge the stain with a commercial cleaner.* Tamp or use a spoon if fabric is strong enough. Flush with a commercial cleaner.* Apply alcohol. Tamp or use a spoon and flush with alcohol.

Varnish

Sponge the stain with a commercial cleaner.’ Cover with pad of absorbent material dampened with a commercial cleaner.* Let stand as long as stain is being removed. Change pad as it picks up stain. Keep stain and pad moistened. Apply a commercial cleaner’ and tamp or use a spoon. Keep stain moist and blot occasionally. Continue as long as stain is being removed. Flush with a commercial cleaner.* Allow to dry. Apply amyl acetate to stain and cover with pad of absorbent material dampened with amyl acetate. Keep moist for 15 minutes, blotting occasionally. Use a spoon to help loosen the stain. Flush with commercial cleaner.’ Bleaching with type safe for fabric may remove final traces of stain.

*Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene, methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, Goof Off, M-1 Remover, Goo Gone, K2r.

CAUTIONS:

Always read the care label before trying any stain removal method. Do not use any products or procedures prohibited by the care label.
Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
When using caustic or commercial cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.

Carpet

Blended Fibers, Fur, Hemp, Lute, Natural Fibers, Synthetic Fibers, Wool

Blot or scrape as much of the excess spill as possible without forcing the shelladvarnish deeper into the fiber. Apply amyl acetate to an absorbent pad and place on the stain. Stand on the cle to allow the fumes of the chemical to soften the stain. Continue to add amyl acetate to the pad and stal on the cloth. Continue process about 15 minutes, blotting occasionally. Scrape to remove the softened stain. Carefully apply a commerical dry-cleaning solvent’ following the directions on the label. Blot thoroughly. Hand rub against the grain of the nap of the carpet to set the pile. Allow to dry.
Sponge the stain with mineral spirits or turpentine. Blot the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth. Rotate the cloth as the stain is picked up so that your are blotting with a clean surface. If necessary, a varnish stain can be loosened by covering it for 30 minutes or more with a pad of cotton moistened with turpentine. Sponge with alcohol to remove any turpentine residue. Dilute with 2 parts of water if used on acetate. Do not use alcohol on acrylic or modacrylic.

Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, GOOF OFF, M-1 Remover, Goo Gone, K2r, etc.

CAUTIONS:

Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilations.
Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
When using solvent-based cleaners on carpet be careful not to overwet the surface. Solvents can destroy the carpet backing.
Do not use lacquer thinner or acetone on acetate or triacetate carpets. They will turn to froth immediately.
Do not allow amyl acetate to come in contact with plastics or furniture finishes.

Natural Fibers (Silk)

Use a Dry Spotter (made by combining 1 part coconut oil and 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent). Apply the Dry Spotter to an absorbent pad and place on stain, pressing firmly with hand or standing on pad. Keep pad moist with Dry Spotter. leave on until no more stain is being lifted. Apply a dry-cleaning solvent’ to a soft absrobent cloth and sponge the stain. Blot thoroughly. Rub hand against the grain of the nap of the carpet to set the pile. Allow to dry.

Hard Surface Floors

Brick, Concrete, Resilient, Stone/masonry, Tile, Wood) Brick, Concrete, Stone/Masonry

Remove excess as soon as possible. With a cloth dipped in acetone, dab at the remaining stain until no more is picked up. Wash the area with a soft-bristled brush, using a solution of Washing (sal) Soda or detergent (not soap) and water. Rinse with clear water and allow to dry. If the varnish or shellac has dried and the acetone does not remove it, try a paint remover, testing first in an inconspicuous spot.

CAUTIONS:

Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning suppl ies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.

Marble

Wipe up the excess spill immediately. Dampen a cloth in acetone (purchased from drug store) and wipe the stained area. Rinse with a damp cloth and wipe dry.
If stain remains, make a poultice (paste) of water, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and a mild powder detergent. Apply the poultice to the stain and cover with a damp cloth to retard evaporation. When the stain has been bleached out, rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry.

CAUTIONS:

Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/canslcontainers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.

Resilient (Asphalt, Linoleum, Polyurethane, Vinyl)

Act quickly when shelladvarnish is spilled on these surfaces. First, scrape to remove all excess using a dull knife or the edge of a plastic credit card. Moisten a soft, absorbent cloth with amyl acetate (can be purchased at drug store). Dab the area until the stain is removed. Rinse well.

CAUTIONS:

Amyl acetate or paint removers can damage any plastic surface if left for a long period.
When using these products, work quickly and wash thoroughly with soapy water and rinse well.
Always pretest before using. Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of chi Idren.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for ad€quate ventilation.

Furniture

Aluminum, Bamboo, Cane, Cast/wrought Iron, Fiberglass, Lucite, Marble Melamine, Permawicker, Plastic, Rattan, Steel, Synthetic Resin, Vinyl, Wicker, Wood, Alabaster

Wipe up the excess spill immediately. Dampen a cloth in acetone (purchased from drug store) and wipe the stained area. Rinse with a damp cloth and wipe dry.
If stain remains, make a poultice (paste) of water, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and a mild powder detergent. Apply the poultice to the stain and cover with a damp cloth to retard evaporation. When the stain has been bleached out, rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry.

CAUTIONS:

Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.
Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
Do not use lacquer thinner or acetone on acetate or triacetate carpets and fabrics. They will turn to froth immediately.

Plastic, Vinyl

CAUTIONS:

Amyl acetate or paint removers can damage any plastic surface if left for a long period.
When using these products, work quickly and wash thoroughly with soapy water and rinse well.
Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.
Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
Do not use lacquer thinner or acetone on acetate or triacetate carpets and fabrics. They will turn to froth immediately.
Do not allow amyl acetate to come in contact with plastics or furniture finishes.

Upholstered Furniture

Blended Fibers, Fiberglass, Fur, Leather, Natural Fibers (Silk), Synthetic Fibers (Acrylic, Modacrylic, Olefin, Polyester), Vinyl, Vinyl Coated, Wool)

Scrape to remove any excess. Apply acetone to an absorbent pad and place on stain, applying pressure. Continue until varnish or shellac is softened and removed. Then sponge the area using a drycleaning solvent.’ Blot well and allow to dry quickly

CAUTIONS:

Do not use nail polish remover. Purchase acetone from drug store or hobby shop.
Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.
Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
Do not use lacquer thinner or acetone on acetate or triacetate carpets and fabrics. They will turn to froth immediately.
Do not allow amyl acetate to come in contact with plastics or furniture finishes.

Vinyl, Vinyl Coated

CAUTIONS:

Amyl acetate or paint removers can damage any plastic surface if left for a long period.
When using these products, work quickly and wash thoroughly with soapy water and rinse well.
Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.
Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves. Do not allow amyl acetate to come in contact with plastics or furniture finishes.

Walls And Ceilings

Acoustical Tile, Dry Wall/Gypsum Board, Glass, Mirror, Plaster, Paper, Tile, Wood, Paneling

Try scraping shelladvarnish off glass (often window panes) with a safety razor blade.
Apply a paste-type paint remover using a small paint brush. Follow the label directions, being careful not to get any of it on the window sash or frame. Leave on for a few minutes. Then remove with a wet sponge or cloth.

CAUTIONS:

Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning suppl ies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.

Paper (Vinyl), Paneling (Plastic Coated)

CAUTIONS:

Amyl acetate or paint removers can damage any plastic surface if left for a long period.
When using these products, work quickly and wash thoroughly with soapy water and rinse well. Always pretest before using.
Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning suppl ies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.

Other/interior

Alabaster, Ceramic Class, Mirror, Enamel, Fiberglass, Crystal, Grout, Ivory, Jade, Kitchen/bathroom Cabinets, Mattress, Mylar, Plastic, Melamine, Corelle, Silverstone, Teflon

Wipe the excess spill immediately. Dampen a cloth in acetone (purchased from drug store) anc’ wipe the stained area. Rinse with a damp cloth and wipe dry.
If stain remains, make a poultice (paste) of water, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and a mild powder detergent. Apply the poultice to the stain and cover with a damp cloth to retard evaporation. When the stain has been bleached out, rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry.

CAUTIONS:

Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.
Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.

Acrylic Plaster, Plastic, Plexiglass

Act quickly when shellac/varnish is spilled on these surfaces. First, scrape to remove all excess using a dull knife or the edge of a credit card. Moisten a soft, absorbent cloth with amyl acetate (can be purchased at drug store). Dab the area until the stain is removed. Rinse well.

CAUTIONS:

Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous areas first to determine colorfastness.
When using caustics, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.
Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
Amyl acetate or paint removers can damage any plastic surface if left for a long period.
When using these products, work quickly and wash thoroughly with soapy water and rinse well.
Do not allow amyl acetate to come in contact with plastics or furniture finishes.

Glass

Try scraping shelladvarnish off glass (often window panes) with a safety razor blade.
Apply a paste-type paint remover using a small paint brush. Follow the label directions, being careful not to get any of it on the window sash or frame. Leave on for a few minutes. Then remove with a soft cloth.

Exterior Surfaces

Porches, Decks, Patios

Brick, Concrete, Stone

Remove excess as soon as possible. With a cloth dipped in acetone, dab at the remaining stain until no more is picked up. Wash the area with a soft-bristled brush, using a solution of Washing (sal) Soda or detergent (not soap) and water. Rinse with clear water and allow to dry.
If varnish or shellac has dried and the acetone does not remove it, try a paint remover, testing first in an inconspicuous spot.

CAUTIONS:

Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of productsicansicontainers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Siding/walls

Brick, Brick Veneer, Cement, Concrete

Remove excess as soon as possible. With a cloth dipped in acetone, dab at the remaining stain until no more is picked up. Wash the area with a soft-bristled brush, using a solution of Washing (sal) Soda or detergent (not soap) and water. Rinse with clear water and allow to dry.
If varnish or shellac has dried and the acetone does not remove it, try a paint remover, testing first in an inconspicuous spot.

CAUTIONS:

Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of productslcanslcontainers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Other/exterior

Shutters (Fiberglass, Vinyl), Windows, Skylights (Plastic, Fiberglass)

Act quickly when shelladvarnish are spilled on plastics. First, scrape to remove all excess, using a dull knife or edge of a plastic credit card. Moisten a soft, absorbent cloth with amyl acetate (can be purchased at drug store). Dab the area until the stain is removed. Rinse well.

CAUTIONS:

Always pretest before using.
Amyl acetate or paint removers can damage the surface if left on for a long period of time. When using these products, work quickly and wash thoroughly with soapy water and rinse well.
Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Vinyl

Act quickly when shelladvarnish are spilled on vinyls. First, scrape to remove all excess, using a dull knife or edge of a plastic credit card. Moisten a soft, absorbent cloth with amyl acetate (can be purchased at drug store). Dab the area until the stain is removed. Rinse well.

CAUTIONS:

Always pretest before using.
Amyl acetate or paint removers can damage the surface if left on for a long period of time. When using these products, work quickly and wash thoroughly with soapy water and rinse well.
Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.