Why does Cabot’s benchtop clear go white?

[marty2]

I’ve stained an old piece of furniture and then tried putting on a coat of Cabot’s Benchtop Clear to seal it. Unfortunately the benchtop clear turns white in parts and that white residue remains when it dries. I sanded it all down and tried the stain and benchtop clear again and the same thing has happened. How to fix this problem?

[EricL]

Hello @marty2 

Thanks for sharing your question about Cabot's benchtop clear. This phenomenon of clear coats turning white often happens when there is moisture trapped underneath the benchtop coating. It happens when the clear coating is applied too thick and when another coat is applied over the first coat and is still wet and not yet fully cured (surface dry only). 

I propose sanding your benchtop one more time especially the sections that have turned white. Apply a thin coat only and allow that thin coat to fully cure before applying the next one. Should you happen to get small patches of white appear on the surface, I suggest using a hair dryer and running it over the white section to neutralize the trapped moisture. 

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and mask when painting your benchtop.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric