finishing cleaner
The second step in our Strip and Clean system. A biodegradable, low-VOC neutralizer that removes the residue stripper leaves behind, so your new stain, paint, or sealer actually bonds.
OVERVIEW
A biodegradable neutralizer that finishes the strip.
Stripper leaves a thin film of dissolved coating and chemical residue. New stain, paint, or sealer will not bond on top of it. Finishing Cleaner uses alkaline-builder chemistry to neutralize the surface completely, pull embedded stain bleed, and leave wood open-grained and ready for the next coat.
- Removes coating and stripper residue that soap and water leave behind
- Alkaline-builder chemistry — no phosphates, no solvents
- Biodegradable and safe to rinse to drain
- Concentrated — dilutes 1:1 with water for normal cleanup
- Indoor-safe, very low VOC, low odor
Neutralize a stripped surface before lunch is over.
Dilute 1:1 with water
Mix one part Finishing Cleaner with one part clean potable water. For heavy residue after stripping, use full strength.
1 minApply with the grain
Wet a clean rag or sponge. Work with the grain on furniture. Brush generously on floors and let it dwell to loosen embedded residue.
2 to 10 minWipe and test
Pull the residue with a clean rag, then rinse with clean water. Wipe again with a dry rag. No color transfer means the surface is bond-ready.
5 minWORKS BEST ON
12+ residue and surface types.
- Stripper residue
- Coating residue
- Mastic residue
- Adhesive residue
- Stain bleed
- Brush degreasing
- Tool degreasing
- Bare wood prep
- Cabinet cleanup
- Light grease
- Wood and metal
- Pre-stain surface prep
Test in an inconspicuous spot first. Not for delicate fabric, raw drywall, or unsealed plaster.
Specifications
- Coverage
- 100 to 150 sq ft per gallon (diluted 1:1)
- Dilution
- 1:1 normal, full strength for heavy residue
- Chemistry
- Biodegradable, alkaline builders, no phosphates or solvents
- VOC
- Very low
- Hazards
- Skin irritant, GHS irritant, see SDS
- Cleanup
- Clean water rinse
- Works on
- Wood, metal, and most surfaces
- Made in
- USA
COMPARE
Why Finishing Cleaner beats soap and water.
WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY
Reviewed by 31 verified buyers.
COMMON QUESTIONS
FAQ
Everything you need to know before you start your project.
Do I really need Finishing Cleaner after stripping?
Stripper leaves a thin film of dissolved coating and stripper residue. New stain, paint, or sealer will not adhere properly on top of it. Finishing Cleaner neutralizes the surface so the next coat bonds.
Can I just use water or soap?
No. The residue is chemical and film-like. A mild alkaline cleaner formulated for this purpose removes it reliably. Soap leaves its own residue that interferes with finish adhesion.
How do I know the surface is ready?
Wipe with a clean rag. If there is no color transfer to the rag, the surface is clean and ready for refinishing.
Can I use it to clean my brushes after stripping?
Yes. It is an excellent degreaser for brushes, rollers, and scrapers. We use it to save tools that would otherwise get tossed.
Does it work on bare wood that has never been finished?
Yes. Use it diluted as a wood prep cleaner before staining. It opens the grain and removes dust and oils from handling.
What dilution should I use?
1:1 with water for normal cleanup. Full strength for heavy or stubborn residue after stripping.
