I just built a Mahogany hall console table with 4 Birdseye maple drawers (http://www.simonmetz.com/console_table.jpg). I decided to use the hot rod varnish oil finish because of its ease of use and low build up.
The leg stock was cut from 8/4 and the body of the table from different 4/4 stock, Birdseye drawer fronts from 4/4, and a shelf using Mahogany plywood.
On all the different types of wood I have been having problems with some or all areas drying matte, even with extremely thin coats (wet sanded between coats 3 & 4) and at least 24 hours drying between coats. I am applying the finish in a dry basement workshop using a lint free cotton rag. I have tried less japan dryer thinking that the dryer might be causing the top of the finish to dry before the bottom causing clouding.
Any help in sorting this out would be greatly appreciated!
–Simon
Replies
A varnish oil finish will not be particularly protective. You will need a topcoat.
Whoa. This is an oil/varnish mixture, not a different form of varnish, despite being relatively high solids content since only 2-3 parts of thinner are added to 10 parts each of varnish and oil. It's not going to be a hard film finish and should be substantially wiped off the surface after giving each application a short time to penetrate. Satin is as glossy as you should shoot for and the finish should be basically "in-the-wood".
I don't know why this formula was published, and even made into a FWW video. It sure doesn't make much sense to me.
Steve,Thanks for the info. I do not want a glossy finish, and my concern is that the finish, even when wiped down after a very thin coat is drying very matte, not even a satin. As it is happening to the mahog carcass and birds eye maple drawer fronts I can only assume that it is not related to the species but to something that I am doing with the finish.
If you want a matte finish, try rubbing the finish with a gray Scotchbrite pad. Rub with the grain checking frequently to see if you have attained the degree of sheen (or non-sheen) that you want.Let me echo Steve's comments that the finish process you followed is one that does not make a lot of sense. There was a lot of discussion here about it shortly after the article was published.Howie.........
I am actually looking for a glossier surface (like a satin). Is there a way to rub out the surface and make it even and a bit glossier?
Not with an oil/varnish mix. If you have a film at all, it would be soft and not a good candidate to buff out to an even shine. If you want to build a film to achieve some sort of gloss use an alkyd or phenolic resin varnish, (or shellac or lacquer) don't try to misuse the oil/varnish concept. Varnishes are all plenty flexible for use on interior furniture, you don't need to experiment with messing with adding oil.
If you want a glossier finish you will have to add a film finish. First, let what you have dry for a couple of weeks. Then sand the surface with 180 or 220 grit sandpaper until you have an evenly scuff up and dulled surface. Vacuum and then wipe with a rag wetted with mineral spirits. Wipe the mineral spirits dry and let it further dry overnight. Now, you have to decide how much gloss you want. Satin might be what you are looking for. If so, get a can of satin gloss non-poly varnish and brush on a couple of coats following he directions on the can. That should do it.Howie.........
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