damaged laquer on table..from rubber cement?

"cmt909" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> While putting together invitations on my mothers Breuner's table (deep
> cherry, solid wood, laquer finish) we seemed to have damaged the shiny
> laquer as it now appears to be spider web fractured-like and can be
> peeled off in certain sections. We put down 2 cotton table cloths and
> did not spill any standard rubber cement however this damage is only
> seen on the side to which the gluing took place. The finish is smooth
> but on the damaged parts, it is course and can be chipped away if you
> scratch with your finger nail. My mothers boyfriend will surely kill
> me as the table cost $4000 and we are trying to find a way to fix it.
> When you wet the table with water and towel the damaged spots go away,
> but when it dries you can notice them again. Any advice?
> THANK YOU for whoever has any ideas...
> CMT909
>
It would appear as if the fumes/gases that were given off from the rubber
cement affected the laquer finish. Knowing a little about automotive
laquers, I would say that the table has to be stripped and refinished, at
least if a good durable finish is needed. The laquer can be sofened by
using laquer thinner sprayed onto the surface, but I am not sure this will
"melt" the laquer into a good looking and durable surface.

Good luck