Bubble wrap disaster.....

[Adam Pinson]

So I mailed off my Olive wood platter with a heavy lacquer glaze halfway around the globe, upon arrival the customer noticed (in certain light especially) that the bubble wrap had left an impression on the glaze ! I was sure the lacquer was dry as it was finished for a couple of weeks before I mailed it....possibly something heavy was stacked on top, or maybe it got hot!? I did suggest firstly a dry cloth, then maybe a damp cloth also after a patch test on another item and without issues I suggested isopropyl alcohol, failing that I suppose sending it back to me for a re-finish is the only other option....unless anyone has another idea.... many thanks

 

[scooby]

Sorry to hear that. I vaguely recall reading about this a long time ago, just had a quick look around and found a couple of threads that might be worth a look.

I'd be tempted to try and buff them out starting with the least aggressive mop/compound combination and work from there.


https://www.talkbass.com/threads/bubble-wrap-reacted-with-finish.1239430/
Post number 7 on this thread seems the most logical explanation Sticky varnish / lacquer?

 

[AJB Temple]

I once had exactly this with a Cremonese violin. Newly made and finish appeared dry. Was softly wrapped in bubble wrap for a 2 day journey back to the UK and it left and impression on the back. Required a refinish.

 

[stuart little]

I've heard of this happening to model railroad rolling stock, so I've always avoided 'bubbles' directly against finished surfaces. I've used tissue paper first before 'bubbles'.

 

[Adam Pinson]

Sorry to hear that. I vaguely recall reading about this a long time ago, just had a quick look around and found a couple of threads that might be worth a look.

I'd be tempted to try and buff them out starting with the least aggressive mop/compound combination and work from there.


https://www.talkbass.com/threads/bubble-wrap-reacted-with-finish.1239430/
Post number 7 on this thread seems the most logical explanation Sticky varnish / lacquer?

This is EXACTLY my issue, many thanks for the link

 

[Adam Pinson]

I once had exactly this with a Cremonese violin. Newly made and finish appeared dry. Was softly wrapped in bubble wrap for a 2 day journey back to the UK and it left and impression on the back. Required a refinish.

I hope it doesn't require a re-finish, that is about the worst case scenario!!

 

[Adam Pinson]

I've heard of this happening to model railroad rolling stock, so I've always avoided 'bubbles' directly against finished surfaces. I've used tissue paper first before 'bubbles'.

Good advice, many thanks

 

[AJB Temple]

Not difficult to refinish the back of a violin. It was a nice instrument so I had it done professionally rather than do it myself, but it only took a morning as a while you wait job.

 

[Adam Pinson]

Not difficult to refinish the back of a violin. It was a nice instrument so I had it done professionally rather than do it myself, but it only took a morning as a while you wait job.

In my case it would have to be mailed back halfway around the world for me to finish it though......

 

[TheTiddles]

There’s lots of reports about bubble wrap and finish problems, I’ve had it too.
I did once think it was possibly plasticiser coming out the bubble wrap and softening the finish, however it’s usually LDPE which doesn’t require plasticiser to make it soft, unlike PVC for example.
The people who shipped to us said always wrap in poly bags, then paper and only bubble wrap between the boxes.
Either way, trying to ship any finished part faster than planned usually ends in disaster and costs you more than the time you saved.
I’d have thought you’d been ok with 2-weeks, was that a single part laquer?

 

[Tanglefoot20]

I used to work as an inspector for THE aero engine company...(RR)...we were never allowed to wrap components in bubble wrap due to some constituent reacting and leaving residue on metal surfaces....
Parts were always placed in a sealed poly bag and then wrapped in bubble wrap for protection, the packed in a cardboard box. So it looks as though bubble wrap should not come into contact directly with items.....

 

[KimG]

Sent many lacquered items with bubble wrap on them with no issues so far, but I will be sure to avoid it in future, the next one could well be the exception. I use both Shellac and rattle can lacquers.

 

[Democritus]

Anyone ever had problems with wax finishes like Hampshire Sheen and bubble wrap?

 

[Adam Pinson]

Many thanks for all your comments and help..... i've messaged the guitar shop that's local to him to see if they can help...... i'll post an update.......

 

[Adam Pinson]

There’s lots of reports about bubble wrap and finish problems, I’ve had it too.
I did once think it was possibly plasticiser coming out the bubble wrap and softening the finish, however it’s usually LDPE which doesn’t require plasticiser to make it soft, unlike PVC for example.
The people who shipped to us said always wrap in poly bags, then paper and only bubble wrap between the boxes.
Either way, trying to ship any finished part faster than planned usually ends in disaster and costs you more than the time you saved.
I’d have thought you’d been ok with 2-weeks, was that a single part laquer?

Just a single part rattle can......