I’d appreciate some insight on what might be happening to the sides of a jewelry box I made. Wood species is Pernambucco, I believe, although it might be Padauk. Finish was a simple Watco Danish oil.
After a few days, week or so, most of the outside is covered in a white milky haze. Inside of box has some, but not nearly as severe. The haze wipes right off, but returns again, and again.
Any insight as to what is going on would be appreciated. At the same time, what ideas might you have to ‘clean it’ and refinish it.
Thx
Replies
Looks like it was applied in a high humid area. that is generally what causes it. High humidity. Try a moist rag with some lacquer thinner on it to see. if the lacquer thinner makes it go away. Then that was the issue. Ideal conditions are 45°F (8°C) to 75°F (24°C) and humidity at less than 65%.
I agree it looks like moisture or solvents trapped under the finish, often seen if subsequent coats are not allowed sufficient drying time in between. High humidity can prolong drying times between coats beyond what the label suggests. You might also try a heat gun, I've successfully removed similar looking areas with that method.
Whoops, I just noticed you said it wipes off that I've never encountered before so I don't have a suggestion. Sorry.
Thanks guys for the feedback. In the interest of full disclosure, I made this box at least 6 months ago and I'm only getting around to trying to get some feedback. I have a 'gift box' of projects, and brought this one out recently and realized it was still not right. I live in Texas so 6-7 months ago, humidity was at it's lowest. Can't say for sure the day i put on the oil was an exception, but having finished at least 5-6 projects since then using the same Danish oil, I'm leaning towards the WOOD SPECIES being "odd".
Never used Pernambucco before, and was hoping someone out there might have and could confirm that is the culprit.
BTW: I've since wiped it down with DN Alcohol, let's see what happens over the next few days.
I saved the photo, blew it up and I see what I suspected. It looks like mold that has grown on the finish. The DNA should solve the issue.
Flyfisher,
Thanks for the insight. Would never have thought of 'mold', but I suppose that is in fact the case. After a good wipe down with DNA, several days have past , and it appears to be clear of the white milky haze.
You've missed a great marketing opportunity here to sell/gift a nice jewelry box with its own custom, one of a kind, green (mold is green, right ??) finish !!
Ha !!
Glad you were able to fix the issue with Flyfisher's great insight.
The wood is more likely Padauk than Pernambuco. The photos show large open pores, typical of Padauk. Pernambuco is a closed grain wood. Attached is bowl I turned several years ago.
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