Differences between chemical and water damage​

Water vs. Chemical Damage

Water Damage

• Typical appearance: white rings, cloudiness, or hazy patches (moisture trapped in the lacquer).
• Edges: soft, diffuse, or feathered - rarely sharply defined.
• Progression: in severe/long-term cases, the finish may lift, but usually as broad peeling or flaking with poorly defined boundaries.
• Wood surface: may feel slightly raised or rough from grain swelling; possible subtle discoloration.

Chemical (Solvent) Damage

• Cause: strong solvents (e.g, acetone, nail polish remover, harsh cleaners) rapidly dissolve lacquer at the contact point.
• Typical appearance: sharply defined, irregular patch where finish is fully removed, often down to bare wood.
• Wood surface: underlying wood looks clean and flat - no swelling, whitening, or grain raising.
• Surrounding finish: remains intact unless the solvent spreads.

Quick field checks

• Edge definition: sharp = chemical; diffuse/hazy = water.
• Surface feel: raised/rough = water; smooth/unchanged = chemical.
• Colour/whitening: white/cloudy = water; natural wood tone exposed = chemical.
• Onset timing: gradual/after exposure = water; immediate/after brief contact = chemical.