Replies

1. 
   CharlieP | Mar 19, 2004 07:41am | #1

   Denatured alcohol is the solvent for shellac, not lacquer, so it won't touch the lacquer.

   Lacquer is closely related to finger nail polish, so is attacked by finger nail polish remover.  I sure wouldn't try that to fix a lacquer table - get the actual thinner.  If you put lacquer thinner on a table, it is much like warming a candle - too much and you will have a puddle and a bare spot.  Just a little to soften it, and it will still be hard to level. 

   All that said, I have used some lacquer thinner with clear lacquer, applied with a Q-tip, to repair lacquer finished items.  Very easy along an edge.  Pretty difficult in the center of a flat table.  But if you are going to do it, gradually soften the spots with thinner until the finish clears, then build up a thicker layer of new lacquer, a little at a time.  Remember that as you apply lacquer, it softens the layers under it, dissolving into a single surface (you cannot rub or brush hard - it will take more off than it applies).  Then sand it (I use 320 grit) with a block (not your bare hand) until it is even, then rub with 0000 steel wool. 

   If you haven't worked with lacquer, you might want to be prepared to use the lacquer thinner to remove the surface and refinish it.  I recently removed a couple dings from a table top, and spent as much time fussing over the repair as I would have spent refinishing the whole top. 

   Keep in mind that Lacquer is pretty flammable and toxic.  But I love the results and use it a lot. 

   Edit:  Are you sure the damage is in the finish and not in the wax or other coating on top of the finish?  You might try rubbing with steel wool (the woodworking kind, not the soapy pan cleaner - Brillo pad - type) to see if the mark is just on the surface.  Most lacquer finishes are rubbed with steel wool at the end of the process anyway, so that is not likely to do as much harm as a mistake with lacquer or lacquer thinner would. 

   ________________________
   Charlie Plesums  Austin, Texas
   http://www.plesums.com/wood

   
   

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   Edited 3/19/2004 12:53 am ET by Charlie Plesums

2. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Mar 19, 2004 01:59pm | #2

   Touch-up Solutions makes a spray called "blush control".  About $4.  Special spray blend of solvents designed to remove rings and white blush from lacquer.  Try that before you attempt a spot-refinish job.  It will only work on traditional lacquer, not urethanes or catalyzed or polyester.  Woodfinishingsupplies sells it, among others.  If it was shellac, your alcohol would have removed a lot of it.  Be gentle.

   I have oil-based poly on my kitchen table.  I'm happy with it.  Not as durable as stainless steel.  Better than shellac.  Like 90,000 other products, its somewhere in between. 

1. 
   Gretchen | Mar 19, 2004 02:23pm | #3

   You might try applying a thick gob of mayonnaise and covering it with plastic wrap for 24 hours to see if that will release the trapped moisture. The denatured alcohol trick does work on some white spots. Barely moisten a rag with the alcohol and wisp it across the white spot--don't rub. Even though your finish is not shellac and alcohol is not the solvent it may release the moisture.Gretchen

1. 
   VeniciaL | Mar 19, 2004 07:15pm | #5

   Gretchen,

   Regular or diet mayonnaise?

   (I just had to ask!)

   VL

3. 
   Ardito | Mar 19, 2004 05:08pm | #4

   Erv,

   I have used the Mayonaise trick that Gretchen was talking about.  I have had very good success with it!

   Cheers!
   darkmagneto