Taking on a new varnishing project around the house is a great way to spend the weekend, and it makes your home look updated and new. However, these projects can create a situation where you might need to update other items, if an accident with the varnish occurs. If you spill a small amount of varnish on your marble floor, countertop or even a statue, you can remove the varnish with these simple steps.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

• three rags
• a pair of rubber gloves
• acetone
• powdered detergent
• a small dish
• 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.

Step 2: Wipe the Area

Thoroughly wipe the varnish up as much as possible with one of the rags. Try to get to the stain as soon as possible. The sooner you are able to get to the stain, the easier it will be to clean it. If the varnish is already dried, it is still helpful to wipe in case you are able to slightly loosen the varnish or gather flaked pieces with the dry rag.

Step 3: Dab the Area with Acetone

Gather your second rag and the acetone and put on your rubber gloves. Dab the acetone on one corner of the rag and use that corner to gently rub the varnished marble. Refrain from soaking the area, but rather use a little acetone. It goes a long way and works as if you were removing nail polish from fingernails.

Rinse the other half of your rag in clean water and wipe up the acetone and remaining varnish. Use your final dry rag to wipe the area dry. Depending on the size of the soiled area, you may need to alternate between the wet and dry rag to ensure the area is clear of acetone.

Step 4: Remove the Remaining Stain

If there is any remaining stain after the above steps, gather the powdered detergent, hydrogen peroxide, water and a small dish. Mix small but equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and detergent together with water until you form a loose paste.

Apply the paste to the remaining stain and cover it with your wet rag to prevent it from drying out. Wait about 10 minutes and lift the remaining varnish up by simply pulling up the rag. Rinse and dry the area once again with your water and another dry rag.

Depending on how long the varnish has sat on the marble, you can expect this process to take only around a half an hour to complete. Ask a cleaning service, such as Service King, about other ways to remove varnish from items you may already have in your home