Hi all,
I’m using General Finishes (Semi-Gloss) Water Based Topcoat to refinish an oak desk. I understand that water based finishes have a much shorter open time before they begin to setup, however, this finish starts setting up in less than two minutes (even after adding 15% General Finishes Enduro Extender). I went with water based to avoid ambering.
– Can I add more extender to the finish to increase open time?
– If so, what is the maximum amount I can add?
As well, due to the extremely short open time, I have to drag the finish on with the pad pictured, and per the General Finishes video below. No way I can cover the large desktop with a brush without brush marks – I’ve tried.
I realize water based finishes are notorious for bubbling during application, and the finish dries so quickly the bubbles don’t level after popping. Also, using a pad with foam in it certainly isn’t helping with bubbles either.
– Any suggestions to address the bubbles?
As always, your advice is greatly appreciated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kexWXD9xF7A
Replies
I use General Finishes all the time and love it, but I also spray not brush. The one thing I would ask is the temperature and humidity of your shop, it's been my experience that waterborne finishes are more sensitive to these factors moreso than solvent based ones. I find the ideal conditions to be around 70° and <50% humidity.
I must have brushed 10 gallons of this same product over the last 8 years and never encountered this problem. I am used to apply spar varnish using the technique apply as thick a coat until it starts to run so I use a thick badger brush and flood varnish. You may be brushing thin coats, foam brushes are notorious for that. But yes, to get a even finish with varnish, you have to work fast, any brush stroke after a few minutes may leave marks.
I'm old-fashioned, after 30+ years I still use water to thin water-based finishes. Works for poly, except it extends drying time to forever.
That probably won't help you but you could try a small bit & see.
Mikaol
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