Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/9/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have stripped the inside doors and woodwork around them, then re-stained them and applied polyeutherane.  A milky white substance has come out of parts of the door and left a white chalky residue on the door.  I have redone them and the same thing happens again.  What could be causing that?

ANSWER: Hi Charles
Sorry I hit the wrong button on your question and sent you off to the question pool..my mistake.
Your going to have to give me a bit more info here.
1..does this residue appear before the finish is dry or after it dries?
2..Does the residue come out of the joined parts?
3..Can it be wiped off with paint thinner?
4..Did you apply water based poly or oil based poly?
5..And be specific about the procedure you used to remove the finish.
ie..did you use paint stripper or just sand, and did your type of stripper indicate any neutralizing was required after its use?
We'll get to the bottom of this
Regards
Eileen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: 1.  residue appears after it dries
2.  does not come out of the joined parts-multiple places on the door
3.  cannot be wiped off with paint thinner - tried mineral spirits and that won't take it off
4.  applied oil based poly
5.  I used paint stripper, no neutralizing required and sanded and also tried mineral spirits and steel wool, and it seemed to spread out the waxy residue more.

Answer
Hi again Charles
Sounds like you did everything right.
This just cannot happen on a properly prepped surface.
This has to be from some kind of contamination of the poly.
You are going to have to remove this mess and try again.
The residue is embedded in the finish obviously.
If this was a lacquer you used the answer would be easy.
Lacquer will do this when moisture is present (moisture from high humidity is always a culprit).
And certainly get a fresh brush and a fresh can of poly.
I just would not use the same stuff again.
Sorry I can't give you better news but it must be removed.
Regards
Eileen