Q. We have recently switched to a water-based finish. When we use it on hard maple, the wood from one supplier seems to cause the sugars in the wood to come through the finish and appear as a white frost on the surface. What is it and why on just one supplier?

ATLANTA - Waterborne wood coatings can provide lower VOCs (volatile organic compounds), HAPS (hazardous air pollutants) and toxicity, while offering improved pigment loading, improved productivity and output. Waterborne wood finishes will be discussed by Nick Bartoszek, global director, new product development for Sherwin-Williams at the Finishing Symposium August 23 at the Georgia World Congress Center. The daylong event will be the day before the exhibition starts.

Wood finishing manufacturer ICA announces the launch of its Italian Coatings division, which derived from the earlier incorporation of Salchi Wood Coatings SpA into ICA.