How do I get rid of those milky areas that have formed in my finish?

This effect is known as “blushing” and is caused when finishes dry too quickly in high humidity conditions or if there is condensation on the surface when it is finished. Instead of sanding down or stripping the finish, use Dover Finishing Products Blush Stopper to dissolve the affected areas, whereupon they will level out and reform after the humidity has had time to escape. Avoid this problem in the first place by using a retarder (slows drying time so that humidity doesn’t become trapped) mixed in with the finish.

Why do I have indented craters all over my finish?

This problem is known as “fisheyes” and it is a result of finishes becoming infected with silicone. Silicone exists in a myriad of products, including furniture polishes, and very little is required to infect a finish. Again, stripping may be avoided by using Dover Finishing Products Silicone Stopper. This will let you neutralize the effects of silicone damage while building layer upon layer of gloss, semi-gloss or flat finish. A good preventive measure is to mix an anti-silicone product with your finish when spraying (e.g. Sil-flo).

When doing a burn-in stick repair, is there any way to eliminate the bright spot that appears where the repair is carried out?

This bright spot or “halo” can be virtually eliminated when Burn-In Sealer is applied prior to the finish application.

Why does my top-coat often separate from the previous surface?

Peeling may result from one, or a combination, of several factors. First, Improper cleaning of the old surface. Second, improper or incompatible undercoats were used. Lastly, if bulk lacquers are being used, unbalanced thinning agents were used. Ensure the previous surface is always clean before applying a finish. Also, always use products from the same system to avoid incompatibility problems. Often this may only be corrected by sanding and re-finishing the affected area.

Why does my finish sometimes crack?

This is often a result of improper drying between coats of finish. Drastic temperature changes during the drying/curing process may also result in cracking. Incompatible materials and insufficient mixing of product are additional sources of cracking. However, the most common cause of cracking is that the coats applied are too heavy. Always allow for proper drying between coats, mix products thoroughly before applying, avoid application of heavy coats of finish and use products within the same system (it is best if they are supplied from the same manufacturer).

Why is my finish full of indentations resembling an orange peel?

“Orange peel” is often caused by a lack of proper flow when spraying a finish. Insufficient or incompatible reduction is also common causes. A finish that dries too quickly will often orange peel, especially if improper air pressure is being used to spray. The Dover Finishing Products Leveling aerosol will allow your finish to dissolve and re-form resulting in a smooth beautiful surface. In some serious cases, the problem may be corrected with a rubbing compound or by sanding and refinishing.