Orange peel in a wood finish

Likely causes

The causes the most sources give come first.

1. The finish dries before it can flow out level, in hot, dry or drafty air.

   Two sources: Mohawk (RPM) and General Finishes , sources [1, 2]

2. General Finishes says its water-based finishes need to go on above 65°F (if you need a sweater, it is too cold), and that a cool shop or cold wood keeps them from leveling.

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

3. General Finishes says sanding bare wood too smooth can cause orange peel, and not to sand finer than 220 grit before its finishes.

   One source: General Finishes, the maker of that product , sources [3]

How to tell which

1. General Finishes calls the larger dimples fisheyes or craters, as against the fine texture of orange peel.

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

The fix

1. Once the coat is dry, sand the flaw level with fine paper, wipe off the dust and put on another coat. The makers name 220 grit (Minwax), 220–320 (General Finishes) and 400 for sprayed lacquer (Target).

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

2. On the final coat, let the finish cure, then sand the flaws off with very fine wet-or-dry paper and polish it.

   Two sources: General Finishes and Target Coatings , sources [3, 5]

Next time

1. In hot or dry conditions, slow the drying with the maker’s extender or retarder.

   Two sources: General Finishes and Target Coatings , sources [3, 5]

2. General Finishes says to warm the wood, not just the air, and to warm a cold can by standing it in hot water for about 5 minutes.

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

Often comes with

• Fisheyes
• Brush marks

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