Refinishing Cabinet Lacquer With Moisture Damage

Lacquer is a clear, spray-on finish that gives wood surfaces a shine and helps protect them against damage. Wood is vulnerable to water damage, and lacquer helps protect it against moisture. However, if the wood under the lacquer is already damaged by water, the lacquer doesn't restore it. Likewise, the lacquer itself can sustain damage over time. If you have a cabinet that is lacquered and suffers from moisture damage, try refinishing it.

Oil soap
Clean rag
Petroleum jelly
Hair dryer
Fine sandpaper
Replacement lacquer

Instructions

- 1
  Apply an oil soap to a clean rag and scrub at the cabinet to help remove any wax or polish in the water-damaged area. Repeated scrubbings break it down effectively.
- 2
  Add a small amount of petroleum jelly to the affected area and let it sit for 24 hours. This helps eliminate haziness in the finish and also removes any moisture that may have been trapped under the lacquer previously. Wipe it away with a clean rag after 24 hours.
- 3
  Use a hair dryer to slowly heat the lacquer. This helps further eliminate existing moisture and improves the appearance of stains. The cabinet should never be too hot to touch. Heating slowly works better than heating quickly.
- 4
  Sand the finish very lightly with fine sandpaper if it still looks damaged. This helps remove the top layer of lacquer.
- 5
  Spray fresh lacquer on the damaged area.

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