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Finishing - Lacquer

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I feel like an idiot, but here goes.

I did a blonde rod using Pearsalls gold, and decided to color preserve this one. I did the wraps with my usual 3 coats of plain lacquer, then dipped it. Every one of the wraps turned white. In the past, I have had the occasional wrap get splotchy, but white?

I think that I may not have let them dry completely, but has anyone had this happen, and what was the cause and cure. I ask because I have a second rod ready for finishing, and do not want to repeat this experience.

And whatever you suggest, I already have a nice can of Varathane 900 sitting there completely jelled from my failure to hit it with the can of Bloxygen sitting right next to it on the shelf.  (Jeff Schaeffer)

This may be an easy answer. lacquer is affected by abnormal weather. In humid weather  the cooling effect of the rapidly evaporating solvents will draw moisture into the finish causing blush (turn white) You can slow the curing by adding lacquer retarder, this usually works.  (Daniel Durocher)

Best thing I can suggest is NEVER use a color preserver.  Almost anything unpleasant can happen with that stuff.  The only suitable answer to holding a color seems to lie in that jelled can of Varathane 900.

I've been told that two coats of a really good, freshly mixed, white shellac will also make a good color preserver.  Perhaps some of the other guys on the list can chime in on this one.  (Bill Harms)

I've had good results with Flex-Coat's color preserver. It's some type of clear acrylic.  I paint it on, let it penetrate, and wipe it off with my fingers.  I've covered it with polymers and varnishes, and it's performing.  (Greg Kuntz)

My sample stick includes three small wraps of each kind of silk finished in oil-base varnish (General Finishes).  One warp has lacquer CP, one has white shellac, the third has none.  The lacquer is always brightest, the shellac is somewhere between the lacquer and the plain wrap, usually tending to look more like the no-CP wrap.  If you're doing a repair, you get more choices for matching.

Always let CP dry thoroughly, at least 24 hours.  (Jim Utzerath)

Ha, Yes, Color Preserver, the bane of rod wraps.  I have done a few years ago that looked great only to have them blotch up in a year or so.  No color preserver for me, I have had too many problems with it.  (Tony Spezio)