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I am using GF Wipe On Arm-R-Seal. The guy at the store convinced me it was better than anything else I’ve used.
The directions indicate to wipe on, then wipe with the grain with the same moistened rag.
Doing this leaves lines, and uneven gloss. Although I am looking for a satin finish, he recommended gloss, and rub it out to avoid the cloudiness of satin. I have used a gray scotchbrite pad between coats.
Is the gloss uneven because there are only 2 coats on it?
Should I wipe the excess off more vigourously?
Does it matter rubbing out w/ scotchbrite pad vs. steel wool?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
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I do not know your finish personally but use a 50/50 varnish/mineral spirits all the time. My experience with finishing is that it takes at least 4 coats before it begins to look as if you will like the finish! Then a few more after that. Don't "sand" vigorously between coats--you have a VERY thin coat of finish at this point--you just want to give a scuff. You could use 0000 steel wool or 600 grit sandpaper (even worn out sandpaper). It is possible you have gone through the coat, but you can continue to build your finish. And after this,you can save yourself some money and make your own wiping varnish. I also use satin varnish (not poly, by the way), but I am refinishing antiques and find that it is fine for that purpose--not cloudy.
*Chris;Wiping varnishes are thinned down by the manufacturer to slow the time before they get tacky and start to set. You can get avoid putting lines in the finish by folding your cloth and keeping it smooth so that the cloth pressure is even (don't bunch up your cloth). Each coat will be very thin, so the wood will absorb the finish, especilly in the soft spots, for the first few coats. The sheen will even out after the wood has been completely sealed and the finish starts to build evenly across the entire surface.To get rid of the ridges/lines already in the finish use a sanding block and fine sandpaper to cut back the finish until it is even (no shiny spots). You can apply more coats first to avoid cutting through the finish and removing stain.To etch the surface between coats you can use very fine sandpaper, synthetic steel wool (scotchbrite), or steel wool. If the finish is water based, don't use steel wool. After you have applied as many coats as you wish, you can rub out the finish to a satin luster. Check out "www.amercianwoodworker.com/just_finishing/38jf/38just_finishing.htm" for an article on rubbing out a satin finish.
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