*
I know this is probably an old topic, but when applying Varathane to stained birch, can I just use small amounts and rub it on with a cloth? I tend to have a hell of time eliminating brush marks, so I thought that this might be a better way.
Thanks for any replies.
Everett
Replies
*
Everett,
If you thin it down, about 50/50, you can wipe it on. Figure on twice as many coats to get the same thickness as brushed on.
Are you using a China bristle brush and sanding between coats.?
Dano
*Everett, did you ever try spraying it on. I thin it down, spray a dust coat let set for about 10 minutes till it gets tacky then spray another lite coat.
*I'm not sure what kind of brush I was using, exactly. I was sanding, but it seemed like I really had to sand a lot to get rid of the brush strokes. Maybe that's normal, and I'm just lazy, but it seemed excessive to me.
*I dont have spraying equipment. I've thought about getting some Varathane in the aerosol cans, but that's only gonna be economical for a small project like a small box or something. I'm getting ready to apply this to a somewhat largeish shoe rack. I dunno, maybe the aerosol is still worth considering. Anyone tried that?Everett
*I have never used Varathane, but varnish is varnish, and I have used Behlen’s varnish countless times. From my experience there is no way to lay down a coat of varnish that won’t require some sanding, and this includes coats that are wiped on. I use high quality brushes, made by Omega or the badger hair ones sold by Lee Valley and Woodworkers Supply. I don’t thin the coats; because varnish does not “burn in” that is to say it remains in distinct layers. When you go to sand the finish, anywhere you cut into a pervious layer, this will show up as the dreaded witness lines, which are impossible to remove, and require you to coat the entire piece again. Thinned coats only make it more likely that you will sand through the last coat. You may hear that wiped on coats won’t require a rub out, but if you’re after the best looking and feeling finish, that’s not the case.Also, spraying is not the utopia it’s cracked up to be, especially where varnish is concerned. Due to the work involved with a proper varnish finish, I reserve it only for tabletops, or surfaces that will have something sat on them. For everything else I use shellac. My schedule for varnish is, first coat brushed on and allowed to dry for 36 hours, this is then sanded with 220 grit paper. Then one coat brushed on each day until I reach 4-5 coats total. Sanding in between each coat is not necessary (but I still do it) but a complete sanding is essential before the final coat goes on, in order to minimize the sanding necessary to achieve a uniform surface on the last coat, there by insuring you don’t get any witness lines. The sanding will go much faster if you use a lubricant like water or paint thinner. It is okay to use soapy water on the last coat. I once (repeat once) used soapy water for sanding in between coats, only to discover they wouldn’t bond to one another, I never thought about how the soap would contaminate the surface, since then I avoid soap altogether.You need to allow the final coat to cure at least 10 days before you can rub it out.
*I have used varathane with good results. Can't say if it's any better than others, but I've found it levels well. Just finished a large piece with it about a week ago, and after swearing I would never do it again, used a foam brush. Have to say I was quite surprised at the results.BTW they have a good tech line as well. Had to call them after a blunder using sanding sealer prior to varathane and the guy was really helpful.
*Dano, suprised you didn't jump in with the Wipe on Poly idea. Is there that much difference in the end result? Oh, by the way your right, it's six coats not four like someone who contradicted you in another post says.
*Steve,Well, since I have no idea what the piece is and hei is using Varathane, I thought I would keep my answer simple and direct....general questions result in general answers....Dano
*Dano... Gotcha, good sense prevails once again.Steve
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled