Replies

1. 
   davamoore | Aug 09, 2002 05:15pm | #1

   Forest, I've used Bartley's gel varnish several times in the past, and although I generally prefer shellac, oil/varnish blends and/or paste wax as finishes, I do use a polyurethane varnish once in a while for high-contact surfaces (table and bench tops, for example).

   From my experience -- somewhat limited -- I've found that the final properties (e.g. sheen, durability, etc.) of gel varnish are indistinguishable from "regular" varnish.  I have found that gel varnish seems to dry slower and stink longer than non-gels, maybe because the "gel" slows down the curing process.  On the other hand, because it doesn't get tacky right away, it's easier to go back and correct spots where I messed up the application.

   In terms of application, it's fairly easy and not unlike a wiping varnish or a thinned varnish applied with a cloth.  You do need to glop more on the rag, in order to get it to spread, which seems to lead to a lot more waste when it comes time to wiping off the excess.  I go through a can of gel a heck of a lot faster than non-gel (maybe the gel is sold as "easier to use," but actually causes the buyer to purchase more product -- smart manufacturers/marketers!)

   Also, the gel varnish doesn't have the "self-leveling" properties that many non-gel varnishes advertise.  You have to be careful, during the wipe-off part of the application (an oxymoron?), to not leave streaks or you'll need to do extra sanding.  Also, as with all wiping varnishes, the resulting film is much thinner and therefore requires more applications if you want to build a thicker protective finish.

   All that said, if I needed/wanted to use a polyurethane varnish, I'd probably go with a "regular," non-gel varnish for flat surfaces (easier to get the finish flat and smooth) and use the gel varnish for high-contact areas with a lot of surface detail, or vertical areas, where I want to avoid drips and need a little time to make sure I've applied the finish properly.

   David

   Hmmm... the garden or the workshop today?

   
   

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   Edited 8/9/2002 10:19:16 AM ET by davamoore

1. 
   forestgirl | Aug 09, 2002 06:59pm | #2

   Thank you David for your well-stated and comprehensive reply!  (Oxymoron's notwithstanding, LOL).  I'm thinking about using it in a situation that involves some verticality and a somewhat dusty environment, sounded like it might be good for such a sit.  Relatively small surfaces.  I'll try some of the Bartley's.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   davamoore | Aug 09, 2002 07:22pm | #3

   You're welcome... and let me know, once you've tried it, if I've led you completely astray!

   DavidHmmm... the garden or the workshop today?

2. 
   Azeddie | Aug 09, 2002 10:14pm | #4

   I used  6 coats of bartley's clear varnish gel on my cherry coffee table (10yrs ago)

   still holding up with a coat of wax once in awhilemakinsawdust