Cloudy or white finish (blushing)

Likely causes

The causes the most sources give come first.

1. Humid air traps moisture in or under the coat as it dries.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 2, 3]

2. Cold, damp conditions: a cold room, or lacquer sprayed cold.

   Two sources: Minwax (Sherwin-Williams) and Mohawk (RPM) , sources [1, 3]

3. Recoating before the coat underneath has dried clear.

   Two sources: General Finishes and Rust-Oleum (RPM) , sources [4, 5]

4. General Finishes says a water-based topcoat over an oil-based stain that is not dry enough can turn cloudy; it says to wait 72 hours, or seal the stain with shellac or lacquer first.

   One source: General Finishes, the maker of that product , sources [2]

How to tell which

1. Varathane says its Crystal Clear water-based polyurethane looks milky while wet and dries clear, so wait until it has dried before judging.

   One source: Rust-Oleum (RPM), the maker of that product , sources [5]

The fix

1. Wait: blush often clears by itself as the moisture leaves. Don’t add a coat until it has.

   Two sources: Minwax (Sherwin-Williams) and Target Coatings , sources [1, 6]

2. Warm it: a warmer room, or warm air held over a small spot.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 3, 2]

3. If it won’t clear, sand or strip the cloudy coat off and finish again.

   Two sources: Minwax (Sherwin-Williams) and General Finishes , sources [1, 4]

Next time

1. Finish on a drier day, or in a warmer room.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 3, 2]

2. Let each coat dry clear before the next one.

   3 sources agree , sources [4, 5, 6]

Often comes with

• Sticky or tacky finish
• Cracking or crazing

The finishes it applies to: lacquer, oil-based polyurethane, water-based polyurethane, wipe-on polyurethane, spar urethane. Every other problem: the finish troubleshooter.