Thread: White Cloudy stuff all over my table...HELP!!

Ok, taking a few guesses here....

If it is coated in a modern polyurethane finish, the finish has minute cracks in it and water has seeped under. Sand and refinish.

If it is coated in an old fashioned shellac finish, the water has reacted with the shellac. Strip back and refinish.

If it is coated in a 40's, 50's or 60's lacquer finish, its possible that it has much the same problem as if it was a poly finish. The remedy is the same.

Rub an area with metho. If the finish starts coming off, its shellac, so keep going till you have it all off and refinish with the finish of your choice.

If metho doesn't shift it, then you'll need to hit it with a sander. 80, 100 and 150 grit should see you right.

As for refinishing - Minwax Wipe-On Polyurethane (from Bunnies) is probably the most newbie-friendly finish and well liked in these forums, while Shellac (from the forum sponsor) is the most traditional. (search forums for ways to apply both).

Personally, I like shellac and wax, or oil and wax finishes - they are no way as durable as poly, but on the other hand, you just wipe more on to get it back to good as new condition rather than having to refinish.

Sounds like shellac or more likely just a waxed finish or wax over another finish. You most likely will be able to fix it with Polish Reviver if not you've lost $13.20, however, if it does work, you could save yourself a whole heap of trouble and work.

Cheers - Neil