Repairing Scratched Topcoats with different Chemicals

October 02, 2023

Refinishing old furniture is a tough ask, especially if it is laden with scratches, marks, and crevices. If you are an amateur with limited expertise, don’t try it on your own. It’s best to hire experts like Flooring and Refinishing Guru, one of the best companies in the USA.

Wax – A Possible Substitute?

Lacquer, Shellac, Varnish, and Polyurethane are some of the common coats present on furnishings and wood tabletops. Some individuals tend to apply wax as an alternative. However, it doesn’t provide the sheen and glare that other chemicals do: Wax can be used for polishing a dry coat.

If you want to figure out the type of clear coat applied, you will need to remove the wax on the surface before the application of solvents. Also, do not sand the piece if there is wax on it.

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Repairing Surfaces with Clear Coats

The process of re-amalgamation is applied to fix scratched coats of lacquer and shellac. These marks appear due to excessive sunlight or temperature changes. The following chemicals are used in the process:

Lacquer Thinner is applied to provide a clear shine on the lacquer-coated surface.
Denatured Alcohol is applied to provide a clear sheen on the shellac-coated surface.
If the wood top surface is covered with lacquer and shellac, use 3-parts denatured alcohol to 1-part lacquer thinner.

Steps to Fix a Damaged Clear Coat of Lacquer/Shellac

Clear the area from particulates (debris, dust, smoke, etc.)
Using a new, bristle paintbrush soaked in solvent.
Apply it to the surface
Stroke the entire section 1-3 times.
Allow drying time of half an hour or more. The surface should look dull.
If the damages are still viewable, repeat the process.
Once the blemishes are removed, let the surface dry.
Buff the surface with thin steel wool.
Wax the fixture with wax and a clean cloth.

N.B. Whichever coat was applied on the surface; you will need to apply the same type.

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Steps to Fix a Damaged Clear Coat of Polyurethane/Varnish

Remove particulates of all kinds with a clean cloth and spirit.
Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper.
Wipe the dust off the surface if any. Don’t blow it in the air.
Pour poly/varnish on the surface and spread it with a dry cloth.
Let the first coat dry after 4 hours.
Lightly sand off bubbles made from the first coat. Use 600-grit sandpaper. You can also use a wet sandpaper and dish detergent.
Wipe off the dust and repeat the amalgamation process.
Allow the coat to dry for 4-6 hours.

N.B. Ensure that the thickness of the fixture’s surface complies with the other architecture.

How to Remove Deep Scratches from Wood?

Before applying a suitable chemical over crevices, clear the area from dust and particulates with spirit and clean cloth.

Apply Wax Wood Filler

Choose the wax color that matches the wooden fixture. Rub the stick in continuous strokes until the crack is filled. This product is easy to remove (if not dry).

Use Your Fingers

Spread the filler by rubbing it with your fingers. Ensure that you don’t put too much wax in the crevice. Smooth the filler around the edges.

Remove the Excess Chemical

Use a clean cloth and scrub it around the edges. Wipe on the wood’s grains to reduce the likelihood of new scratches.

* Apart from wax wood filler, you can also use Wax Filler Putty and Wax Paints.

Conclusion

Refinishing wooden furniture for cracks and scratches require skill, specific materials, and chemicals. To apply, you need to clear the surface from dust, sand it (if required), use chemical, and remove the excess material from the surface. Repeat the process if necessary.

To know more, contact Flooring and Refinishing Guru, a company known for high-quality work.

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