How to Clean PVC Pipe by Brooks Owen Over the past 28 years of showing folks how to build PVC furniture a question I’m often asked is, "why clean-up PVC pipe before I assemble my PVC project?" The reason is, when you pick up lengths of pipe from the hardware store they’re always dusty, smudged and have a few blemishes from shipping, handling and storage. Also, the pipe has manufacturing details stamped up and down the length that should be removed if you want your project to look good. And if you intend to paint your project, it must first be thoroughly cleaned. All in all, it’s pretty quick ‘n easy to do.
Here are six ways to clean the pipe... 1. Wipe off any loose dust with a damp rag. Then dab a little powdered cleanser onto a green nylon scouring pad, dampen and simply rub off the markings. Rinse with a damp rag. This method also removes most other marks and dirt. (Sometimes this works well, sometimes not. It depends on the ink ingredients.) 2. For difficult imprints, try this: • Soak a small chunk of 000 or 0000 steel wool in acetone and begin rubbing. • Don’t do the whole pipe at once. Work in short sections of 2 or 3 feet, because acetone dries quickly and the marking dye tends to smear. • Wipe with a shop rag before the acetone dries. • Replace the ball of steel wool with a new one when you've done about 10 feet of pipe. Caution: Wear rubber gloves and an eye shield. Be sure to follow the directions on the acetone container. Work in a well ventilated area. Note: If you use PVC primer before gluing – which I don't recommend for non-plumbing work – any overflow can be washed off with an acetone-soaked rag. 3. Sand the markings with 100-grit sandpaper. (This will, of course, rough-up the pipe a bit. So it’s up to you, depending on what your project is.) 4. I’ve been told that carburetor cleaner will remove the blue lettering used by some manufacturers, as well as erase other stubborn smudges. 5. Wiping the pipe with lacquer thinner was suggested to me as a removal method. I’ve not tried methods 4 & 5. But if you do, the same caution applies as for using acetone. Finally, an easy way to cleanse PVC pipe is to... 6. Lightly sand blemishes and imprints with a low-cost sanding pad. Get one with medium grit on one side, fine grit on the other. (I use the 3-M brand.) You’ll find them at most hardware stores. Sanding pads conform to the pipe’s contour and will quickly remove markings with just a light pressure. To me, this is much better and easier than fooling around with acetone or other harsh chemical agents. In addition, light sanding is best for proper paint adhesion. You’ll find it’s easy to achieve professional results with your PVC projects by simply following the above tips.
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