Replies

1. 
   mapleman | Jan 04, 2009 09:48pm | #1

   You're in luck, I'm spraying some today. All of my cabinet jobs get a top coat of conversion varnish - it's all I use.

   Here is a PDF product sheet for the Sherwin Williams conversion varnish I use. If you have any questions that the product sheeet doesn't answer I will be glad to help out any way I can.

   Lee

    

   
1. 
   Stig | Jan 05, 2009 02:06am | #2

   Lee.

   Thank you for the rapid response. The spec. sheet mention "water white".Does that indicate that the varnish is white in color? Like i said earlier, i am totally new at this.

   What i am looking for is a clear, high gloss finish for some fancy desks that a client want me to build. It should be resistant to alcohol and quite durable.

   Thanks again.

   Stig.

1. 
   RW | Jan 05, 2009 03:57am | #3

   water white simply refers to a clarity thing really. Its clear, and stays that way. I also use KemVar. I run it with a pressure pot. It is not difficult though I have found on large pieces it starts to set fast enough that for table tops I have to reduce it with Xylene to slow it down or by the time I get to the other side it's dry.

   The spec sheet I had say reduce with MAK (not MEK, but Methyl Amyl) but it was too fast. Xylene is compatible and works way better. Its also cheaper and stinks less.

   It rubs out well after just 24 hours. Do your prep well; you do not want to put too many layers on. Stick with 3 and rub out the last. I sand between coats with abrasive pads - the scotchbrite looking stuff. And wipe thoroughly clean.

   Also really clean the heck out of your gun. Especially with a pot and feed lines, its very easy to have that last little bit of residue turn to sludge and surprise you the next time you go to use it.

   Down side, available only in 5's. Gemini also makes a conversion varnish that is real nice to use and available in gallon sizes. Real trucks dont have sparkplugs

1. 
   mapleman | Jan 05, 2009 05:38am | #5

   RW,

   I have not used the SW Kemvar conversion varnish but only the regular water white. I assume the kemvar only comes in 5's because I get gallons of the regular Sherwin Williams water white conversion varnish all the time locally. If I understand correctly the kemvar is slightly tougher but the standard CV seems to be plenty fine for my application.

   As for the CV drying too quickly, I find that in summer I can't even use xylene as it dries too fast for me (I'm in southern Mississippi). I use High Flash Naptha 100 or 150 in the summer as it slows the set a little to allow better flow out.

   FWIW - I have used the Gemini CV and find it to be inferior to the SW - doesn't build as fast. The SW has much higher solids content.

   Lee

2. 
   mapleman | Jan 05, 2009 05:33am | #4

   Stig,

   No problem. If you go the Sherwin Williams route I can give you some specific ratios for catalyst, etc. You can use the conversion varnish as a self sealing system, however I use the Sherwin Williams 24% solids vinyl sealer since it dries quicker and sands very nicely. Then the top coats of conversion varnish.

   Best of luck and if you need any help drop me a line.

   Lee

   Edit: As RW has mentioned, the water white refers to the fact that the clear does not have an amber cast like some laquers do. It is ideal for use as a top coat over pure white or light colored paints since it will not yellow or change the color negatively.

   Edited 1/4/2009 9:41 pm by mapleman