Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Apr 30, 2008 03:07pm | #1

   Ted,

   Personally, I am a firm believer in the KISS method. Keep It Simple!!

   Instead of mixing your own varnish, why not just use it out of the can? You know you will get a nice hard finish form the alkyd varnish that won't bleed. The only thing you may need to do is thin it a little.

   It seems that finishing appeals to the alchemist in us and somehow we have to improve what the chemists are producing.

   Just my opinion but make it easy on yourself. Take the guess work out of it.

   Good luck.

   Peter

2. 
   SLCLarry | May 01, 2008 02:24am | #2

   I would like to suggest you take a look at the article by Lon Schleining in the Jan-Feb 2002 issue of FW.  His method uses off-the-shelf varnish, but results in a look that makes fine wood beautiful, is not plastic looking or glossy, and is durable enough for bar tops, particularly if you fill any open grain, as this method does.

   I am building my second verson of the take-apart bookshelf  in FW #158, pg 32.  For the first iteration, I sprayed a catalyzed conversion varnish.  It is darn near bullet proof, but is an "on the wood" finish, not the "in the wood" finish often desired.  I am using LS's method, using off the shelf spar varnish, and the results are spectacular.  Another benefit of this method is you do not need a clean area for finishing.  You can continue working in one part of the shop, and use this method in another, as long as you ventilate properly.

   Larry 

1. 
   edp | May 01, 2008 05:52am | #3

   Thanks gentlemen. I'll take your collective advice and resist the temptation to play paint chemist.Ted