Bill Waller wrote:
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.

I have never used any kind of lacquer before.

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

I really don't like finishing. -or- I should have stuck with shellac.
It has been years since I brushed on Deft. I never had orange peel when
using the product. I have had orange peel when spraying paint on cars.
It is caused by wax, silicone or other contaminates. I think when you
still have orange peel when working on the car you can strip and clean
again. Sometimes you can get some additive that can help. Back to the
question. My guess is that you had some residual wax that lifted out
with the solvent in the Deft. There is a wax and grease remover for
automotive finishing. You apply is very wet with one rag and clean it
with the second dry rag. Repeat. The question for you is if the
contaminants will stay under the first coat or not.