Why did the wipe-on poly make white patches in my stain?

Question

I just did my first project. I sanded off all the old stain/finish, put several layers of the new stain (I let the stain dry for several days, wiped off the extra). All looked great till I wiped on the poly? In a few sections it turned white, looks like the stain just lifted out? What did I do wrong? Help!

Janet Pizaro · Answer

In order to answer your question a few questions I have to ask you. What kind of polyurethane did you use and why didn't use use a brush and how many coats were applied?

Deb · Answer

I used the Mini Wax wipe on poly.I just did 1 lite coat.I didn't even finish applying as it turned white in spots right away. Very frustrating.

Julies1949 · Answer

I don't know if anyone can give a definitive answer, but just so you know, you are not alone. There are several posts on various forums about the same problem. http://community.woodmagazine.com/t5/Finishing-and-Refinishing/White-haze-on-quarter-sawn-oak/td-p/3716 http://www.woodtalkonline.com/topic/15140-white-patches-after-polyurethane-coat/

Deb · Answer

Thanks ! I had just googled this and found that forum and a few others.I will try some of the suggests they had.I sure don't want to re-sand the whole thing again ! Fingers crossed

Lagree Wyndham · Answer

Just a guess but it may have not been mixed well, or your wood had some glue residue on it. Been there done that.

Sherri Taylor · Answer

It's also possible that you sanded too much and closed the pores of the wood.  You may have to start over and wet the wood a little to get the pores to open.  Stain it then lightly sand to knock the raised wood fibers down.  Also, don't let your stain set for days before you finish the wood.

LD · Answer

Was the stain and poly, not the same base. If you use oil base stain, then you must use oil base poly only, and this holds true for water base stain and poly.

Dyana Elkins · Answer

Another thing to think about.... are you using outdoors? What is the reason for using poly? Personally, I like to use a finish wax instead of poly.

9530106 · Answer

To me it appears that the white is not from the poly, but from the wood not absorbing the stain evenly, or maybe not at all in some areas. I know that when I have had this happen, I wished that I had used a pre-stain conditioner first. Keep trying-we all keep learning!

LD · Answer

It could be air, but it also could be that it wasn't mixed well. When working with poly you must re-stir it so you keep the components mixed.

Deb · Answer

I was able to fix the problem ! I did a light sanding with steel woo,rubbed harder where the white areas were at,l,wiped the dust off and applied my second coat of poly...no more white spots.All looks great !  I had read on several other forums that numerous people had the same thing happen,no one is sure why the white occurred. I am so HAPPY I didn't have to re-sand and stain again. Thanks everyone for trying to help me out,I can't wait to try my next project.

Margaret · Answer

This is really not very helpful but I was redoing a dining room table, my husband who wants everything completed yesterday said to use a roller when applying the poly. Even though the directions clearly state to use a paint brush. We ended up with so many air bubbles I wanted to cry. I tried sanding but it is simply too many. I guess the placemats will save me some.I did use Purdy rollers.

Sherri Taylor · Answer

Never use rollers with poly.  Oil based poly should use a natural bristle brush.  Water base, use a nylon or polyester brush.  Several years of experience and also several years working the paint dept. at Lowe's.

Why did the wipe-on poly make white patches in my stain?

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Why did the wipe-on poly make white patches in my stain?

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