Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Jun 09, 2008 10:21pm | #1

   Gary,

   Concerning adding BLO; lots of people love to alter whatever comes out of a can. Different strokes I guess. I don't bother.

   To thin your varnish; put an amount of mineral spirits say 6 oz's into a container. I like to use those 16oz. containers you get with takeout food.

   Now mix an equal amount of varnish into it. Stir it well to incorporate and let it sit a while. A day is not too long. You can alter this to be 7525 thinner varnish mixture if you want something thinner.

   When you are ready to varnish, take out the amount you will need and close the can.

   Thin it with the pre-made mixture and stir it in slowly so not to create bubbles. You will find it incorporates very quickly with a minimum of effort.

   Good luck.

   Peter

    

1. 
   dovetail59 | Jun 10, 2008 06:23am | #2

   Thanks Peter , I am just in the expirimental stages of finishing , ( beginner ) over the weekend I mixed a 50/50 batch and have yet to use so its set for a couple days in a sealed container . I didn't want to use it until I heard some advice . Its very hard to re-do in all the small nooks & crannies . I have 2 coats of shellac on now and lightly took a scotch bright pad over , now ready to varnish . So if I understand correctly , pour a small amount of varnish then use the mix I have to thin the full strenght from can . I guess this way it won't be as thin as the 50/50 , more like you said of the 75/25 . I have watched your videos and you make it look so easy . I just want a nice thin coat of varnish , not the thick plastic look . Thanks Gary

1. 
   peter28 | Jun 10, 2008 04:58pm | #3

   Gary,

   Yes, use the pre thinned mixture to dilute the full strength varnish. It combines quickly with a minimum of stirring.

   How much to thin it is always the question. Start out with a 25% addition of the thinner mixture. It may be just enough.

   When you lay the varnish on, don't over brush it. If you notice something has landed after it has started to set, resist the urge to brush it out. You'll only drag the varnish.

   It, varnishing, is really not a hard skill to become proficient at. Just don't overdo the brushing. Once it's on let it take the time to level itself out.

   Have fun and keep me posted.

   Peter

1. 
   dovetail59 | Jun 11, 2008 07:09pm | #4

   Hello Peter , just to let you know that this mix worked great , by using a small artist brush I was able to cover the intricate details of the inside of the tray and so it covered very well and maybe only need one more coat . What do you suggest to use for a pad for the larger areas ? Thanks again . Gary

1. 
   peter28 | Jun 12, 2008 05:04pm | #5

   Try a foam brush. I use them a lot for varnishing.No brush strokes, no cleanup.

   Peter

2. 
   dovetail59 | Jun 12, 2008 08:07pm | #6

   Thanks Peter will try it . Gary

3. 
   4runner | Jun 26, 2008 02:32pm | #7

   I've been intrigued by the natural look of wood and hate all th shine I see on furniture. I'm putting this out and expect a lot of feed back. When you finish wood you get some kind of coating that obscures the wood and detracts from all the detail you build into a good design that incorporates highlights and shadows. Also when the piece is damaged you have to remove the finish, repair the damage and then try to match the finish. I started with a 30% 30% 30% mixture of boiled linseed oil, naptha (turps works well) and Varathane floor varnish. Varathane is an excellent hard floor varnish. I wipe this on and after a short rest period I wipe it off. No brush marks good coverage, etc. It takes  about 3 coats. I wanted something with a little faster build up so now I use 50% varnish, 25% boiled linseed oil, and 25% naptha. This can't sit long before you wipe it off so I'm going to add more oil. Also I get a nice build up with only 2 coats, 3 coats is a little to much shine but I hoping the additional oil will solve both problems. But the idea is that you have something to work with that does a great job. If you need to repair it go about your normal routine then simply wipe on another coat. Now I've heard about all the fuss of lacquer and how it melts into the previous layer and is simply great, but the last sentence in  any article is that it doesn't provide "enough" protection. Try the above and see for yourself.

   4Runner