Replies

1. 
   FrankDrackman | Jan 28, 2009 07:23am | #1

   Do you wet the floor before using the poly?

1. 
   joinerswork | Jan 29, 2009 02:19am | #6

   Frank,

   "Do you wet the floor ..."

   Geez, I didn't think he sounded that anxious.

   Ray

1. 
   user-83153 | Jan 29, 2009 02:48am | #7

   ROFL

2. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jan 29, 2009 05:10am | #9

   RAYMOND!Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

2. 
   ring | Jan 28, 2009 08:33am | #2

   You must realize that your attempts at cleaning the shop prior to finishing actually raise more dust into the air. When I had a small shop I would clean the shop at the end of the day, then let it settle overnight. First thing in the morning, sprinkle some water on the floor and start to paint.

   The biggest single improvement you might make is to improvise a finishing area that can be closed off only when you need it with sheet plastic curtains. Add a small exhaust fan in that area and you'll upgrade all your finishing considerably.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

1. 
   Blkbrk | Jan 28, 2009 03:12pm | #3

   After I posted, I went back out into the shop and was thinking exactly what you said.  I do wet the floor, but I agree that my desire to get one project out so I can start another won out over common sense.

   At this point I am only dealing with minor dust, so all is not lost.  I have already set the brush aside and started to wipe the poly on, which seems to be working better because of it's faster tack-up time.

   Thanks.

1. 
   Gretchen | Jan 28, 2009 03:48pm | #4

   Go to wipe on finishes. Fast drying, no dust nibs.Gretchen

3. 
   HowardAcheson | Jan 28, 2009 11:01pm | #5

   Here are a couple of ideas to fight the dust.

   First, finish your sanding, vacuum off the project and everything else in the area. Get out your finish supplies, keeping covers on and brushes covered. Now get out of the room after turning on your air filter if you have one. Wait a couple of hours and change clothes (dust falling of your clothing is one of the biggest contributors to dust on a project). Go back into the area gently so as not to stir up the dust. Wipe all surfaces to be finish with a rag slightly dampened with mineral spirits (assuming you are using oil based finishes). DO NOT USE A STORE BOUGHT TACK CLOTH. Apply your finish and again get out of the area for a three or four hours.

   You only have to take the above precautions for your final coat.

   Another trick is to "build" a cover over the newly finished item. Use plywood that you have vacuumed and wiped with your mineral spirits rag. Place some supports to keep it above the item and place it gently so as not to stir up dust. This "cover" should catch almost all dust remaining in the air.

   Howie.........
4. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 29, 2009 04:44am | #8

   Lots of good ideas for fighting dust.  But with varnish, there is always some that sneaks through.  So, for me except on very casual projects, there is almost always a need for "finishing the finish" after it has cured.  It can be as simple as buffing with a crumpled brown paper bag or as complex as a full scale rub out, with sanding to level, and then buffing with progressively finer grit to achieve any desired sheen from satin to high gloss (well almost high gloss on varnish.)

1. 
   Blkbrk | Jan 29, 2009 02:37pm | #10

   Thanks all.  Project came out 99% dust free.  What is left I will "finish the finish".

   Lots of good advice.  By the way, it's so freakin' cold up here that I have to "wet" the floor inside because it turns to ice before it hits the 2 feet of snow.  Winter--gotta love it.