Refinishing Furniture

I recently purchase an unfinished table and I applied an oil base stain which took perfectly (sprayed on/wipe down) and let it dry for several days, then I applied a lacquer sealer (2 coats) which dried clear. After which I lightly sanded and then applied 3 more coats of lacquer sealer (we prefer to use lacquer sealer totally as the final finish) which dried milky white in places. The temperature that day in our shop was 65 degrees, but it had been raining and the humidity was high that day. The furniture could possibly have been cool or cold. Where did I go wrong?

Thanks for your help,
Diana

 

Diana:

The humidity got you - water became trapped in the finish and the finish dried before the water evaporated.

Go to your hardware store/paint store/home center. In their paint department you'll find an aerosole can with a glass jar (empty), which is designed to let you spray whatever you want. Put lacquer thinner in the jar and spray the white spots lightly - this should remove them.

Or, you can make a paste of baking soda and water and use this with a damp sponge to rub the spots out, You can either polish the table after that or recoat.

Your mistake was applying a finish in high humidity. Temperature is not so much a factor in 'blushing' as humidity and air circulation. Don't be too put out - it happens to everyone I know who uses lacquer.

PS - It's your choice, of course, but lacquer isn't the most durable surface in the world, and lacquer sealer isn't as good as lacquer for taking wear and tear.