Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Acetone on table top
Philip Duffy
>Neighbor asked for help on repairing her new table. Her youngest spilled nail polish remover (acetone ++) and left 7 nice little quarter sized spots right in the most visible corner of the top. What is your recommended solution. The table was made in Italy and the finish is unknown. Any/all help appreciated. Phil
Re: Acetone on table top
Clint Searl, at the base of Haycock Mtn
>Flood the whole top with the stuff; it will then look all the same.
Clint
Re: Acetone on table top
Doug in Denver
>When you say spots, what do you mean? I'm assuming you mean it tunred the finsh white and opaque, but maybe not. Also, is the wood stained, or is is just clear over oak or soomething?
Re: Acetone on table top
bill tindal, E.TN
>The finish will be lacquer, probably nitrocellulose. Spraying the whole top with lacquer will fix the problem. Spraying the whole top with lacquer solvent retarder MAY fix it. Coating the top with more nail polish remover will likely make a substantial mess.
If you can't spray lacquer take piece to someone that can. This is a very simple fix for someone experienced.
Re: Acetone on table top
Philip Duffy
>Bill, Thanks for the correct answer. Lacking the ability to move the table from her house and not wanting to spray inside, I rubbed and rubbed with 0000 steel wool and made the whole thing almost invisible. A bit of rubbing compound made it smooth and a buffing wax finished the job. I am certain your solution was the better answer, but I didn't have a choice. She is happy and I was pleased at the result. Now, if I could just get her husband to say thanks that would be nice - -but that is a different story. Phil