| Silicone Polish Information |
Silicone is used in most modern furniture polishes. It adds gloss and water repellency and so protects the finish. If one is refinishing furniture at home, silicones left on may cause problems. These silicones must be removed during the refinishing process, or the new finish will not adhere properly, and craters and pits, called "fish eyes," will form on the new finish. Remove the silicone before stripping and sanding by washing the surface with a cloth wet with turpentine and sprinkled with a heavy-duty powdered laundry detergent. Allow the turpentine to remain in contact with the finish for two or three minutes. Wipe the surface with a clean cloth, using a fresh part of the cloth with each wipe to prevent transfer of the silicone back to the wood surface. If some evidence of "fish eyes" appears on the surface when a new finish is applied, wipe off the finish and mix in with it a finish additive made to eliminate this problem. Finish additives are available under various brand names at paint stores or wherever refinishing supplies are sold.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus with references from Recipe for Furniture Care, National Assoc of Furniture Manufacturers.
MSU 2003
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