Replies

1. 
   SgianDubh | Nov 21, 2006 08:17pm | #1

   Start by trying the least invasive fix. If the water ingress is not severe, you can occasionally fix it by simply burnishing the spots hard with a soft cloth. This warms up the shellac, the water trapped in it, and sometimes it's just enough warmth that the water will evaporate out.

   If this doesn't work you can often repair the damage by being just slightly more aggresive. Slightly dampen a fine weave cloth (or cotton bud if the damaged spot is very small) with alcohol. Bunch up the cloth in your hand. Then, sweeping backwards and forwards over the spot, just barely skim the polished surface with it. It's a bit like an aeroplane almost landing but then taking off again. The idea here is that the fumes from the cloth (or cotton bud) will just soften the top surface of the shellac thus allowing the trapped water to escape as water vapour.

   Done carefully this might very well do it. Try it out if you can on a scrap piece of wood you prepare, finish, and damage in the same way-- particularly if this method of repairing water damaged shellac polish is new to you. Slainte. 

   Richard Jones Furniture

   
   

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   Edited 11/21/2006 12:23 pm by SgianDubh

2. 
   jimmar | Nov 22, 2006 12:48am | #2

   I have read about but not tried this: rub a bit of mayo on the spot, let it sit for a few minutes (not sure how long, though)and polish it off. The water is supposed to be drawn into the mayo. If you try it on some inconpicuous spot first, let us know how it works. I've never had this problem, but this information kind of burned itself into my brain,  & I'd like to know if it does work!