Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/19/2007

Question
I am attemting to refinish a 2 piece bookcase/credenza that is mostly veneered. I sanded with a coarse & finished with a fine. I washed down the piece & let it dry. I then spray painted with a flat back. After the piece dried there was an ashy residue all over which I wiped down. The piece still looks blotchy & I am worried some residue may come off on the carpet once I move it inside. I have not started on the bottom piece yet. Is the top piece salvageable (to where I don't have to start from scratch) and how should I proceed with the bottom piece?

Answer
Hi Traci
Nice to hear from you.
Does the product you painted with by any chance say "lacquer" on it.
This type of thing happens with lacquer and is called blush.
Its caused by moisture being trapped under it.
Now perhaps this can happen with spray paint but I have never had it do so because I never use water to wash a piece before painting. Just use a tac cloth to get the dust off.
So the piece will certainly be OK with another coat of paint but give it a good time to dry before the next coat.
And do not use water on the bottom piece.
Just a sanding with 120 grit paper and then a coat of primer then your top coat.
I do note you did not use primer on the top, but thats OK.
I like to use it as you do not need so many coats of your final color but in this case you have dark wood so the black will cover fine.
Good Luck and a great question
Kindest Regards
Eileen