How to Remove Polyurethane from a Computer Screen

Table of Contents:

You Will Need
Steps to Remove the Stain
Additional Tips and Advice

Linsey asked: How do I remove polyurethane from a computer screen? While opening a can of polyurethane, it somehow splashed up on my computer screen, and I haven’t been able to remove it. I know I shouldn’t have opened it so close to the computer, but I didn’t think it would have gotten to the computer screen. I was just wondering if there was anything I could use to remove the stain without damaging the screen.

Any attempt at removing polyurethane from your computer screen should be carefully considered, as the chance of damaging your computer, particularly if it’s a flat LCD screen, is extremely high. If you want to give it a shot, do so at your own risk.

You Will Need:

Urethane cleaner (check your local home improvement / hardware stores)
Q-tips
Computer screen cleaner
Microfiber cloth or paper towels for wiping the screen

Steps to Remove the Stain:

Power down the computer. If possible, lay the screen so that it’s flat and you’re working on a horizontal surface. In either case, whether you’re working horizontally or vertically, take care that no moisture reaches the edges of the screen.
Following all use and safety precautions for the urethane cleaner, carefully open it (away from the computer) and dip a Q-tip in the cleaner.
Use the Q-tip to dab the cleaner only on the polyurethane spot. Do NOT touch the screen itself or allow the urethane cleaner to drip or run onto the screen.
Wait a few moments for the spot to soften.
Use a blunt object like your fingernail or the square plastic tab from a bread bag to GENTLY pry it from the screen. Do NOT force it and do NOT apply downward pressure onto the screen. If it won’t budge, add more urethane remover with the Q-tip and allow more time for it to work.
If you believe there’s any chance you’ve touched the screen with the urethane remover, immediately wipe the area with computer screen cleaner. Do NOT wipe over the urethane remover, as you may pull even more onto the screen.
Once you’ve removed as much of the polyurethane as possible, clean the screen with computer screen cleaner.
Do not plug the monitor/computer back in until the screen is completely dry.

Additional Tips and Advice

Only attempt this if you’re willing to take the chance of causing more damage (which may include melting the screen) and if you’ve already tried a commercial product made specifically for your type of computer screen.
Opt for a pH neutral urethane cleaner for lower risk to your screen.
Do not use a “wet” Q-tip. Press excess moisture out so it will not run down the polyurethane spots onto the computer screen.