I’m building a bookcase, and as usual, I messed up the finish. I would like to use Hydrocote “Resisthane Plus”, but I didn’t read carefully the label and used first an old base stain on the wood. When I sprayed the Hydrocote “Wood Pre-Seal” it beaded up, just like water on an oily surface (of course). I rubbed it in with a rag and hoped that it would seal the oily surface. However when I sprayed the Resisthane lacquer it looked really bad (maybe fish eye or orange peel…or both…but it wasn’t smooth and you could see like a crackle pattern…). It is possible that I have no idea how to spray…there are three adjustments on the Porter Cable PSH1 gun (supposedly a competent tool) I’m using…and I have no idea what exactly I need…a super fine mist? how much material and/or air? The manual is a disaster!
So, I need advice on how to rescue this piece. I did spray the Resisthane only on the back of the bookcase, but all of it was sprayed with the “wood Pre-Seal”. Shall I switch to a rub in varnish? Would it work over the water based sealant? Shall I attempt again to spray Hydrocote?
Thanks a lot, Alex
Replies
Well Alex, you certainly seem to have stepped in it.
Pretty much everyone will tell you to experiment with your finish on a test piece, before going to the finished piece. Even though that horse has bolted, you might do well to remember it for the future.
Secondly, it really is important to sit down and carefully read the instructions so you know what the manufacturer intends. Were you being impatient and just wanted to get on with it?
It appears that you have applied incompatible finishes. You would do well to strip everything off and seal the finish with de-waxed shellac. This will give you a barrier coat and allow you to start again. Shellac sticks to nearly everything and nearly everything sticks to it.
It appears you are also new to spraying; didn't you practice before charging ahead on your finished piece? Spraying is not difficult, but it requires practice and some patience. The gun atomizes the finish - if yours is not, then it may be too viscous for the nozzle.
Hastings
Yes, you guys are right...I'm impatient...The story is that I was undecided until the last moment whether to go the Hydrocote path or the "Hot rod your varnish" published in the FWW. Then looking at the sheer amount of surface I decided for the Hydrocote without thinking that it might be incompatible with the oil stain.
I have two tips for my spray gun a 1.4mm and a 2mm...Used the 1.4mm maybe I should try the 2mm?? I added a bit of water to Hydrocote (they say about 2 oz for a quart, that's roughly 6%) so I don't know how to lower any more the viscosity...Thanks again, I appreciate you help, Alex
Alex,
I haven't used the finishing approach you desribe, but I would point out a few things:
1. You need to remove the present finish and sand back to wood (220 grit) before refinishing.
2. I would also favor padding on some dewaxed shellac (blond or super blond, or a compatible color to your wood). Do two applications about 2-3 hours apart. Sand with a 320 grit after the second and tack off the result.
3. Do the same to a test piece of wood, and then experiment with your spraying set up to test the settings and results.
Once you are happy with your settings, you should be good to go. Check the viscosity if your problems persist.
Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
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