Replies

1. 
   Jfrostjr | Jul 21, 2007 04:41pm | #1

   My choice is to finish with "Gloss" polycrylic and create the desired luster by sanding.

   By sanding I refer to the use of Abralon pads in/on my ROS. Available from Homestead Finishes, they go up to 4,000 grit. Stop anywhere for the desired luster.

   Frosty

   It's easy work too.

1. 
   mudman | Jul 22, 2007 09:56pm | #4

   Take extreme care to not sand through the last coat. The layers of Acrylics and Varnishes dont fuse the way evaporative finishes (Lacquer and Shellac) do. Though some are worse than others you can usually see the line between coats.Pardon my spelling,

   Mike

   Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.

1. 
   Jfrostjr | Jul 23, 2007 03:32pm | #5

   Thanks. I've never had the problem, (I normally brush on about 5 coats of the General Polycrylic0 but I'll be aware.Frosty

1. 
   mudman | Jul 23, 2007 09:00pm | #6

   Are you sanding and polishing the final finish, or do you get the finish off the brush?Pardon my spelling,

   Mike

   Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.

1. 
   Jfrostjr | Jul 23, 2007 11:55pm | #7

   I've tried about 10 different WB Polycrylics and IMHO General is the best - by far. I buy from Woodcraft. I always use undiluted.After the 1st coat, is smooth out the nibs with 220, then apply 2 more coats. Following that (the 3rd coat) I go to a quick pass with an Abralon pad, 500 grit, on my ROS. Then 2 more coats. Then I start at 1,000 grit Abralon on the ROS, 2,000 and finally 4,000 grit. If I want to go farther I go to Maguires auto finishing products. From nice sheen to high gloss is totally under your control - just a question of how much of the previous "scratches" you want to remove.Frosty

2. 
   mudman | Jul 24, 2007 01:01am | #8

   What is the Abralon product? Is it like the 3M synthetic steel wool pads? How much do they cost?Pardon my spelling,

   Mike

   Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.

3. 
   Jfrostjr | Jul 24, 2007 03:57pm | #9

   It is a sponge rubber pad with an abrasive face that sticks to the random orbit sander. It is manufactured by Mirka (try Google) and Homestead finishes sells them. (Jeff Jewett) They last a long time and can be reused - just use an airgun to blow them out, or a shop vac - or they can be washed but they take forever to dry. Considering this, I don't think they are expensive.Frosty

   Edited 7/24/2007 8:58 am ET by Jfrostjr

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jul 21, 2007 08:37pm | #2

   Let the waterborne fully cure for a couple of weeks. You can then "rub it out" just like any finish. Use mineral oil, mineral spirits or water as your lubricant.

   Howie.........
1. 
   Rooms | Jul 22, 2007 03:01pm | #3

   Thanks Howie & Frosty. I appreciate your replies.