"Bill Waller" wrote in message
...
I am using Deft Brushing Lacquer to refinish a mahogany table top. The
first
coat appeared to go on well. The second coat developed what appear to be
craters in various places. I sanded with 320, cleaned with mineral
spirits, and
recoated. The pock marks came back.

Sounds like surface contamination. You didn't by any chance get any
silicone on the surface did you? Or any oils?


I have never used any kind of lacquer before.

Do I have to sand back down to bare wood and start over.

Should not have to as long as it's not silicone contaminated. Try to wipe
it down again and make sure to let it thoroughly dry. Maybe try alcohol
instead of mineral spirits. If the wood is well sealed at this point you
can even use a detergent on it.


I really don't like finishing. -or- I should have stuck with shellac.

Well - that may not be a bad solution to this problem. First try another
coat after cleaning it up well. If you still have problems, throw a coat of
shellac on it as a barrier coat. Then you can try to lacquer over that for
a more durable finish.

Can you post a picture of your piece over in the binaries group?

--

-Mike-