Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Hairspray on wood

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nonunik123
07-15-02, 04:36 PM
I have a beautiful antique Mahogany dresser that has a polyurethane finish. I believe my daughter got hairspray splatters all over the front. I can't tell if this has taken the finish off or is a splatter on top of the finish. Does anyone have advice/experience with this problem? I'd like to save the piece, preferably with stripping and re-finishing. Thank you.

George
07-15-02, 06:31 PM
First, are you certain the finish is polyurethane? If it is, the 'spatters' of hair spray can probably be removed with 0000 steel wool - no stripping etc., needed.

If the finish is original, however, it's not polyurethane, but lacquer. A light sanding followed by steel wool will repair that. Unless the finish has been severly damaged, stripping/refinishing is not necesary in either instance.

FYI: hair spray is a lacquer....
thiggy
07-17-02, 05:46 AM
I disagree. If you are sure you don't have a shellac finish, hair spray can be washed off with a soft cloth dampened with alcohol. You may use either rubbing or denatured alcohol. I suggest you try this on a hidden spot first to ensure that your furniture finish won't be damaged.;)

George
07-17-02, 04:44 PM
Denatured and rubbing alcohol will dissolve a lacquer finish as well...
thiggy
07-18-02, 06:03 AM
Oops! Thanks for the correction George.:o
George
07-18-02, 03:11 PM
Thiggy:

You were correct about one thing (don't know where my head was at the time).

If the finish being dealt with IS poly - chances are the hair spray didn't adhere well. Rubbing alcohol would work there, and probably wouldn't hurt the poly. Because of the disparity in finishes, however, you could probably scrap the lacquer (hair spray) off with your fingernails...