Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/17/2010

Question
Hi.  I wanted to refinish our oak colored bedroom furniture so I went to the store and explained that I wanted it to be black with a rubbed look on the edges so the wood would show through.  They had me first treat it with TSP, then paint with a satin black paint, then sand down the edges, and finally apply a lacquer.  While applying the lacquer it seemed to get gummy easy.  I applied it to three (big) pieces and stopped.  Was I advised incorrectly?  Have I ruined furniture that I put the lacquer on?
Thank you in advance for any insight you can provide!

Answer
Hi Lindsey
Nice to hear from you.
I won't say you were advised incorrectly but applying lacquer is tricky.
I suspect you worked the lacquer too much.
Lacquer dries very fast and will go as yours did if its brushed too much.
I would have used a waterbased poly for the clear coat.
If its dry now and suits you I would leave it alone.
The finish is ruined if its still gummy or uneven.
Back to sanding and repainting I'm afraid.
Regards
Eileen