Problems with bubbles in painted table top
#1
07-26-15, 09:21 AM
Problems with bubbles in painted table top
I mounted a professionally printed map on a coffee table that I had crackled-painted, and used spray adhesive to secure the map. The underlying crackle paint was totally dry (it had cured at least several days), and the adhesive had cured for at least a day or two before I then applied several coats of polyurethane. The result was great, for about 2 months. And then large bubbles started popping up in the map. I don't know if the polyurethane caused the adhesive to let loose (but strangely, only portions of the map are bubbled, not the entire thing). Does anyone have any solutions for getting rid of the bubbles? Seems it requires something to make the poly contract and allow the map paper to lie flat again. Thanks for any ideas!!!
#2
07-26-15, 10:34 AM
Welcome to the forums!
Was it an oil base or water based poly?
I'm thinking it's probably an issue with the adhesive. Are you sure it was compatible with both the map and the underlying finish?
Was it an oil base or water based poly?
I'm thinking it's probably an issue with the adhesive. Are you sure it was compatible with both the map and the underlying finish?
#3
07-26-15, 11:22 AM
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Got to agree with Mark, it's the adhesive that failed to bond the map to the wood or wood finish.
It's a tough fix now. You could try to poke a few holes and inject some varnish, hoping it will hold and keep the map from bubbling again. Use a roller or plastic item, such as a credit card to flatten the paper. If it does lay flat after that, follow up with more coats of varnish with a light sand or steel wool in between coats. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust between coats.
You can do a search for decoupage. Ideally the paper is held down with a 3:1 mixture of white glue and water or a commercial product specifically designed for this, which is very popular.
It's a tough fix now. You could try to poke a few holes and inject some varnish, hoping it will hold and keep the map from bubbling again. Use a roller or plastic item, such as a credit card to flatten the paper. If it does lay flat after that, follow up with more coats of varnish with a light sand or steel wool in between coats. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust between coats.
You can do a search for decoupage. Ideally the paper is held down with a 3:1 mixture of white glue and water or a commercial product specifically designed for this, which is very popular.
