Replies

1. 
   GretchenTHE FIRST | Jan 23, 2011 12:54pm | #2

   I think Howard has THE answer. Stir it a LOT from the bottom--don't shake, of course. I have never had satin varnish be too shiny.

   I did have exactly that happen with a painter that was refinishing my floors, however. I wanted "matte" but it came out shiny--and I realized that was really what I DID want. We think he didn't stir enough )for the satin) or got the wrong can.

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jan 23, 2011 02:04pm | #3

   Are you thoroughly stirring the finish before use?  The flatters in a satin finish will fall out of suspension fairly rapidly.  Before use, stir the material 100 strokes in on direction and then 100 strokes in the other keeping your stirrer in contact with the bottom of the can.  Re-stir every 5-10 minutes during application.

   If there is still too much sheen, let the material fully dry for 3-4 weeks and then sand it with 400 grit Wet & Dry paper with mineral spirits as a lubricant.  Then move to 600 grit.  That will give you a low sheen finish.  You can also use 4/0 steel wool, or better yet, a gray scotchbrite pad.  Either will reduce the sheen.

   Test out each on a sample board from your project.  Finish just as you plan to for your real project.  No tears.

1. 
   jeffb | Jan 22, 2011 02:38pm | #1

   Probably not stirring enough

   Thanks for the reply.  I'll first try another coat stirring more.