O.K. By now you have all figured out that I’m building and finishing a large case. (my first in years – finally retired)
I’m varnishing the larger panels before assembling, so I get to wait a day between coats. The question of the day is – how thoroughly should one sand between coats of varnish?
a) just knock off the dust nibs (lightly with hard block and 200 grit)?
b) level it (hard block and 200 grit until there are no shiny spots)?
c) just knock off the dust nibs and then remove all the remaining shine with 000 or 0000 steel wool for adhesion?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Thanks!
Mike D
Replies
There was a good article on this in FWW#168:
http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/FWNPDF/011168039.pdf
Basically:
1) Apply two coats.
2) Level with 220-grit paper, either until the surface is level (unlikely) or you're at risk of breaking through.
3) Apply two more coats.
4) Level with 400-grit wet-or-dry paper, lubricated with water and a bit of dishwashing detergent.
5) If you've managed to remove all of the shiny spots, go on to the next step, otherwise repeat steps 3 and 4 as required.
6) Apply one more coat.
7) Rub out with 600-grit until most of the surface (80-90%) is matte, then switch to 1000- and finally 2000-grit to complete the rubbing-out.
8) If you want a high-gloss finish, continue rubbing out with pumice and rottenstone or automotive polishing compound.
-Steve
That's a good description. If you have sanded to 2000 grit I don't think you really need the pumice step, unless you want to stop at satin. If you are going to gloss, you can go directly to the rottenstone. Might take a tad longer to eliminate all the haze, but less cut through risk.
One other point. The rubbing out will be more even if you wait for the varnish to be well cured before doing the final rubbing stages. A month is about ideal.
Edited 2/10/2008 10:33 am ET by SteveSchoene
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