Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: I began using Weiman Lemon Oil with Sunscreen a few weeks ago on several pieces of antique furniture.  Now I am seeing a white residue form on all the furniture.  I appears to be on the surface but I have not been able to remove it.  Do you have any suggestions?

ANSWER: Hi Kathy
Nice to hear from you.
This should be easily removed by dipping a clean soft rag in mineral spirits and wiping the furniture.
Very odd thing to happen.
Regards
Eileen

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

QUESTION: Eileen,
Thanks for the suggestion.  I tried it and it didn't work.  The film reapeared almost instantly.  I am attaching a photo of one of the pieces.  That may help you.
Thanks again,
Kathy

ANSWER: Hi again Kathy
I have never seen anything like this.
This is obviously not oil residue if the spirits failed to remove it.
It could be the finish has clouded.
They make a product called Blush Eraser thats sold in hardware stores.
I'd try that next.
But just for fun, dip a rag in a bit of cooking oil and rub a tiny area of the film.
And get right back to me please.
Regards
Eileen


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

QUESTION: Eileen,
 Thank you for the suggestions.  I have tested olive oil, a product called Rocky Mountain Lustre, and Weiman Lemon Oil with sunscreen on areas where the white residue formed.  The olive oil and Rocky Mountain Luster seem to have done the trick.  However, even on a previously clear area, the Weiman product left a white residue.  Thanks for the suggestion about the cooking oil.  I don't understand it but it worked.
Sincerely,
Kathy  

Answer
Hi again kathy
So glad you got back to me.
I was wondering how it went.
So obviously this Weiman lemon oil with sunscreen is not good to use on old finishes. Perhaps it was developed for todays new furniture.
Yes I figured the cooking oil would work. I also new tung oil would take away the white residue but I was reluctant to mention it as I did not know if this was valuable antique furniture you had or just run of the mill older things. The tung oil cannot be removed where the cooking oil of course can.
Nice talking to you.
Regards
Eileen