Cleaning wood only (not stripping it) - Lacquer thinner or Mineral Spirits?

[Ed_Flecko]

From what I've read online, Lacquer thinner is the most effective product one can use if you want to clean something made of wood (i.e., furniture, etc.) without removing and/or damaging the existing finish.

Correct?

If that's right, I'm sure that's also only correct if you're buying real lacquer thinner (like Crown Laquer Thinner - https://bit.ly/3jSqW4h). Since I'm in California, I can only buy the watered down stuff such as Klean-Strip Lacquer Thinner.

I've also read that mineral spirits are good, but not quite as effective as lacquer thinner.

Thought? Comments?

Thank you,
Ed

 

[doitmyself]

I've always considered lacquer thinner to be "hotter" than mineral spirits. Just my opinion. Effectiveness will vary depending on what you are trying to remove and if it dissolves with either one or the other. Results with either could be catastrophic without knowing what kind of finish is on the wood.

Here's an excerpt from the first article I Googled: https://home.howstuffworks.com/home...ts/how-to-restore-wooden-furniture-finish.htm
"Before you do any work on the finish, you must identify it. First, test the finish with denatured alcohol; rub a little alcohol onto an inconspicuous finished area. If the finish dissolves, it's shellac. If it partially dissolves, it's probably a combination of shellac and lacquer. Test it again with a mixture of denatured alcohol and lacquer thinner; this should completely dissolve the finish. If alcohol doesn't affect the finish, rub a little lacquer thinner on an inconspicuous finished spot. If the area turns rough and then smooth again, the finish is lacquer; if the finish crinkles and doesn't get smooth again, it's a type of varnish. If neither alcohol nor lacquer thinner affects it, the finish is varnish."

"If detergent cleaning doesn't work, use a solvent -- depending on the type of finish -- to clean the wood. Solvent cleaning is the last resort to consider because it may damage the finish. Use mineral spirits or turpentine on any finish; use denatured alcohol on varnish or lacquer. Do not use alcohol on shellac or on a shellac/lacquer mixture."

 

[#18FAN]

What are you trying to clean off the finish and NO do not use lacquer thinner first. Ask your self would you first clean your car with Lacquer thinner NO but most automotive finishes could handle it many many wood finishes Can Not But some can.