PSA: A client's complaint about my finish changed my whole prep routine

I finished a maple dresser for a client in Cincinnati last month, and she called back saying the top felt 'sticky' in spots after a few weeks. She was right, I went to check it. An old-timer at the supply house told me I was probably sealing the wood before the denatured alcohol from my cleaning step had fully evaporated, which can trap solvent under the finish. Now I wait a full hour after wiping down with alcohol before I even touch the sealer. Has anyone else run into this with alcohol-based finishes?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_jenny15d ago

So you're just using denatured alcohol for cleaning, not as a thinner?

julia_lee15d ago

Has anyone ever tried using it to strip old shellac? @the_jenny, your question got me thinking about other uses. It works way faster than denatured alcohol for cleaning brushes, but it's also weirdly good at taking off that old, gummy finish. You just have to be in a really well-ventilated spot because the fumes are no joke. It's a bit harsh for thinning fresh paint, but for breaking down the old stuff, it's my go-to now.

simona7711d ago

Wait, have you tested it on a small spot to see if it messes with the wood stain underneath? I tried it on an old table and the alcohol took off the shellac so fast it started pulling some of the original color out too. It works great for the gunk but you might end up with a blotchy patch if the stain isn't sealed well underneath.