Stagi - Varnish/lacquer (?) Blush

[Don Taylor]

I have a Stagi where the finish has a milky white blush:

 

 

Has anyone else experienced this? Do you have a fix for it?

 

From reading up on the Internet it seems that this is probably caused by excessive moisture trapped in the finish and that sometimes it can be removed by rubbing the surface with whatever was used as the reducing agent (aka. thinner) in the original finish. Interesting to note that the handrails have not gone milky so presumably these were sprayed on a different occasion.

 

I have not tried this yet as I don't like messing with solvents inside the house and it has been too damn cold to work outside. I am also not sure what solvent to use.

 

I am trying avoid sanding off the finish as the layer of veneer is really very thin.

 

Don.

[sqzbxr]

I would try testing a small area with furniture oil.

[gcoover]

Don, it's Canada, it's winter - you sure it's not ice?

[Don Taylor]

Don, it's Canada, it's winter - you sure it's not ice?

Gary:

 

Well, it is sitting on top of your Christmas Concertina book so maybe it is icing sugar/frosting.

 

Licks concertina No, I guess not.

 

Damn, now my tongue is stuck to a concertina.

 

Don.

[twisper]

Hi Don...question: did the finish just suddenly 'turn' that way, or was it that way when you bought it? Most of the Stagi's and Bastari's I have had were finished with nitocellulose lacquer. The frosty finish is usually referred to as "blush", caused by absorbtion of moisture during the finishing process. Although the veneer is frightfully thin on these boxes, there is usually a pretty thick coat of lacquer on top. I would try a small bit of 4/0 steel fur and find an inconspicuous area, give it a rub, and see if that improves the picture.

[Don Taylor]

Twisper:

 

I bought this Stagi recently and it came this way, it is 10-15 years old and I think that it has had this blush for some time. I will ask the previous owner.

 

I don't have steel fur of that grade but will look out for some.

 

Thanks for telling me that the finish is nitrocellulose lacquer.

 

Don.