Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Dec 02, 2009 03:46am | #1

   The elapsed time can work out to be about the same, whether applying 8-9 coats of wipe on, or 3 coats of brush on.  The reason is that you only need an overnight wait between coats after each "set" of three coats.  That is you can wipe on a thin coat after the preceediing coat has just dried enough for the thinner to flash off and the varnish to set enough to no longer be liquid.  That takes only 3-4 hours, assuming you have a reasonably warm finishing space.  You do not need to sand when a coat is applied after only 3-4 hours. 

   After each set of no more than three coats you do need to give it a longer, overnight drying time.  After a longer drying time, a scuff sanding is needed for adhesion, (and for dust nibs and defects, usually). 

   So, in the end, you have about the same number of days, and the same number of scuff sandings.   

   For heavy use cabinetry, you may need 9 coats, which is about the same total finish thickness as 3 brushed on coats.  But for living room wall units--a little electronics, some books, and some art objects, you may decide to stop a few coats shy.  For such usage, after 4-5 wiped on coats, you can let your aesthetic judgment take charge. 

   By the way, the wiped on varnish generally looks a bit better on walnut, assuming you aren't planning to fill the pores.  It levels more naturally around the pores, in my opinion.   

1. 
   WillGeorge | Dec 02, 2009 06:10am | #2

   No finishing expert here by any means but I love wipe-on... Yes, maybe a bit more work and time but very easy to correct something missed on the last step.

2. 
   jrogerh | Dec 03, 2009 02:09am | #6

   Thanks Steve.  I really am leaning toward the wipe-on finsish.  Your remarks about being more error-free and the rapid drying times are encouraging.  I also was glad to hear I need not sand between every coat.

2. 
   paulbny | Dec 02, 2009 08:39am | #3

   I've had pretty good luck with doing both.  I use Waterlox and brush on 5 coats to build finish, sand with 220 between coats.  Last two coats are wiped on.  Gives a great finish.

    

    

   Often in error but NEVER in doubt! 

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Dec 02, 2009 05:48pm | #5

   You will find that between coat sanding with 320 grit will give you a better finish. 220 grit is too aggressive and may leave scratches that are not covered by succeeding coats.Howie.........

2. 
   jrogerh | Dec 03, 2009 02:14am | #7

   If I use a brush-on coat(s) to build up the finish and then do the final coats with the wipe-on what are the combinations I can use? I  assume the wipe-on is basically a varnish.  Does that mean if I apply brush-on coats have to be varnish also?  Can I put wipe-on coats over brushed lacquer?

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Dec 03, 2009 05:19am | #8

   You can, nothing dramatically bad will happen.  But, as a rule you are better off with using the same finishing materials from start to finish excelpt where there is a specific finishing reason.  Different finishes react differently to temperature, etc, and over the years you are more likely to see the odd chip,  or bit of crazing, etc. when lots of different finishes are combined. 

2. 
   paulbny | Dec 09, 2009 04:40am | #9

   Sorry for the delayed response (I just got out of the hospital).  Basically what Steve said.  The only time I've changed at all was to thin the finish to be wipeable(sp?) or to use a version of Waterlox contaning a flattener for a satin finish.  Not sure I see the upside to changing but if I did want to I would test the heck out of it do the ths test long term.  The only time I had a finish fail on a commercial project it took a year for it to happen.

    

    

   Often in error but NEVER in doubt! 

   Edited 12/8/2009 8:40 pm ET by paulbny

1. 
   jrogerh | Dec 09, 2009 09:59pm | #10

   Thanks again for the advice.  I feel I know the basic do's and don'ts now.  Sounds like the wipe-on the what I really want to do. 

3. 
   knuts | Dec 02, 2009 04:13pm | #4

   What I really like about wipe-on is NO runs! I'd rather wipe-on 6 times than fix 1 run or brush streak. And as Steve pointed out, you can get 3 coats on in a day.