Mainly your options are not get it on there in the first place, or removed it mechcanically. However xylene also works, if also horrably bad for your hands!
I just got polyurethane wood stain all over my hands and I tried everything to get it off with no success. I tried rubbing alcohol, soap and scalding hot water, scrubbing them with a hard brush, astringent, etc. Finally, I tried non-acetone nail polish remover and it came off instantly!
As an alternative you can use the Goo Gone Spray or liquid (I used the Orange Spray). Just spray it on you hands leave it on for 10 seconds. Wash your hands with Dawn liquid soap twice, then repeat until the stickiness is gone. Then wash your hands with a gentle hand soap just to make sure you get all the harsh chemicals off.
THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO REMOVE POLYURETHANE OFF YOUR HANDS!
Cover you hands and where you got Polyurethane on yourself with veggie or canola oil and rub it till the polyurethane comes off then wash your hands with soap and water. I just completely covered my hands in it and found this to work AMAZINGLY! And the bonus is your hands become very soft and no more stickiness!
Answer: Mineral spirits will remove oil based polyurethane from your hands, while soap and warm water will remove the water based poly. However, latex gloves will protect your hands from most of the poly that didn't make it onto your project and will allow for quick cleanup.
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