Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | May 15, 2008 11:31pm | #1

   The answer it that "it depends". It is somewhat dependent on each manufacturers product and on the film thickness of either or both. The only way to tell how it will work in your case is to try it on some scrap.

   Howie.........
2. 
   integrity_woodworks | May 26, 2008 06:23am | #2

   Ed you would end up with about a 45 to 60sheen with some depth from the hard flatter finish under the gloss. Generally speaking gloss finish of any kind is less durable because the have less hardener in them,this why I like to us japan hardeners in high gloss applacations.  In fact if you only have satin finish but wish gloss ,simply poor out the can leaving the hardener in the can ,now take about half the hardener out of the can and stir it back in with its finish ,and bag you have gloss. if you wish to have a bit more shine add some smothie or other flow addative they all add some shine. Oh us finishers  (most,me anyhow)hate the ol rub it with sand paper trick ! becuse it is cheating and weakins the finish / and if anyone ever polishs it ,all your non lazyness is gone and your back to gloss.        Dan thewoodbug

1. 
   Gretchen | May 26, 2008 06:17pm | #3

   I will admit that I don't know the chemical makeup of gloss varnish--and satin has some flattening agents in it that need to be kept in suspension, I do know.

   But with all due respect to you, I can think of few ways to more compromise the possibility of a good finish than follow your directions to pour this or that out and add this or that drier.

   I prefer to make my own wiping varnish from good quality oil base non-poly varnish by mixing it with mineral spirits. It dries just fine, and is a beautiful in the wood finish. I prefer satin, and have managed to keep the agents in suspension. Gretchen

1. 
   integrity_woodworks | May 26, 2008 07:50pm | #4

   Gretchen ,I did'nt say one should do this ,Iwould buy the finish required but once I had a costumer who was very impatient ,they change there mind from satin to gloss last minute so I was forced to use this trick. I was simple giving  an option for so one who has been given free low sheen finish ,but preffer gloss.

2. 
   terrylee86 | May 27, 2008 04:20am | #5

   Dan,Back up the bus. I think you meant to say gloss finishes are harder not softer then satin or dull. The sheen loss in satin or dull is caused by adding microfine silica as a flattening agent to refract and scatter the light to make it appear duller. Adding the silica also will make the finish somewhat softer because of the silica , but not that much different. You can make satin finish glossy by letting the silica settle to the bottom and pour off the varnish or poly without allowing the flattening agent to pour off. The hardest finish is to apply all of your coats of finish as gloss and the last coat as a satin if that is the sheen you desire. The easiest is your rub a gloss finish with grey Scotchbrite or 0000 steel wool.Terry

1. 
   EdHarrow | May 27, 2008 05:02am | #6

   Of course, what a turkey, I should have thought of that.  All that 'bad' stuff will be at the bottom of the can, especialy considering these have sat, unopened, for 'awhile'.  I usually dip the contents out, so it should work just fine, especially if I limit the use to low visibility areas.

   Thank you!

2. 
   HowardAcheson | May 27, 2008 05:30pm | #7

   Terry, you are correct. The fatteners put into a clear finish to produce less gloss are a softer material that will result in a softer finish once cured.This is not to say that you can't decant the material on top of the flatteners. This material will be almost identical to a gloss finish in all respects. Flatteners rather quickly fall out of suspension which is why it is recommended to frequently re-stir during application or gray, cloudy streaks can appear or the overall appearance of the sheen will change. The decanted liquid will include all the driers contained in the original formulation. Manufacturers will put in the necessary driers that they feel are optimized for their product. Adding more driers is risky and can lead to unpredictable results. It's not a good idea. Howie.........

   Edited 5/27/2008 10:33 am ET by HowardAcheson

1. 
   saschafer | May 27, 2008 06:17pm | #8

   "The fatteners put into a clear finish to produce less gloss..."

   So you're saying that glossy finishes are less fattening? No trans fats, I hope....

   -Steve

    

1. 
   HowardAcheson | May 27, 2008 06:20pm | #9

   Geez, and I haven't even started on my martinis.Wish I can get some of that skinny paint.......Howie.........

3. 
   integrity_woodworks | May 27, 2008 07:40pm | #10

   Terry thanx for catching my being backward on that ! I meant to say retardent(silica) not harder and had the soft /hard thing back a::ward. sorry for the tempary brain fart.   Dan