Hi Pete,
It has been suggested in a Knots thread that the formation of film on the surface of a can of varnish sounds the death knell for that can.
Put another way, it has been proposed that either the circumstances that led to the film also contaminates all the remaining finish in the can, or, that the formation of the film itself uses some part of the overall finish material that is essential to the proper curing and hardening of the remainder of the varnish. (I hope I got that right).
In your opinion, is this (either hypothesis) true in either the the short or long term, i.e., like 2 months? or more of a year-old opened and closed can sort of thing? Or ????
The best solution, of course, is to prevent the formation of the film in the first place, and we (I) now know that Bloxygen (and Wine Preserver) used judiciously, totally blocks the effect. None the less……Inquiring minds want to know.
Mike D 🙂
P.S. and FYI… Since writing this query to you, a couple of us seem to see evidence that “something” screws up the finish left unprotected in the can, and that the degree of degradation seems to increase with time.
Edited 7/6/2008 4:45 pm ET by Mike_D
Edited 7/6/2008 4:50 pm ET by Mike_D
Replies
Mike,
When a varnish starts skinning over in a can it is in fact starting to cure. This will start the denigration of the product if left for an extended period.
A few ways I've dealt with this is to;
Open a can and pour out what I need and close it up.
Never work out of an open can.
Never under any circumstances pour any leftover varnish back into the can.
Sometimes I'll fold some saran wrap over a couple of times and lay that on the surface inside the can and make sure there are no air bubbles. It's a little messy pulling out but the surface is usually quite fresh.
If I know I won't use the varnish for a while, I'll just put it in a smaller container to decrease the air inside.
Sometimes I'll just turn a can upside down.
If the skin is very thin, you really won't have any problems with the varnish. If the skin turns thick, like a 14 inch or better, the varnish is getting past the point of usefulness.
I can't say I've used bloxygen etc for my varnishes. I just use some of the simple steps stated.
Common sense goes a long way here. If the varnish has skinned for an extended period, do yourself a big favor and get a new can. It's money very well spent.
Good luck.
Peter
Thanks, Pete,As always, your input is valued.Best Regards,Mike D
Mike,
You're welcome.
Another person you should say this to is Howard Acheson. I read the question you had in Knots and saw he responded to you.
Whenever he answers a question for someone, it's always well put, easy to understand, and obviously from experience.
IMO he is one of the best there is at making finishes and finishing understandable.
Guys like him are such a plus to everyone.
Take care.
Peter
Hi Pete,
Thanks, and I will thank him.
Best Regards
Mike D
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