Return to the Woodworking Forum | Post a Follow-Up

o
Finishing Techniques

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings
Posted by sandymac1 (My Page) on
Mon, Sep 1, 08 at 5:33

Hello. I am restoring an old office desk, the top is a veneer. I've sanded all the previous varnish (or whatever was used) off, and am now back to the raw veneer. I tried to varnish it with an interior clear varnish, but if i use a paint brush, I can't get rid of the brush marks, a foam roller leaves lines, and a mohair roller leaves fine hairs. Can I just put oil on it? What other techniques can you suggest - I'm desperate:-(

Follow-Up Postings:

o
RE: Finishing Techniques

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Use masking tape to "de-fuzz" the roller.
There are really terrific finishes that can be wiped on. For a desktop, I'd use shellac, applied with a cloth pad, and a wipe-on poly for the final waterproof top wear layer. The shellac gives color and build, the poly ensures that the finish won't get water rings. Bartley's Gel Varnish is the best wipe-on varnish containing poly, IMO.
This will give a very smooth finish, providing any pores in the wood have been filled. If a more open-grained finish is desired (mission style, etc.) a different approach would be called for. You would dispense with the shellac, use a stain for color, and then directly into the wipe-on poly varnish.
Wipe-ons are closer to trouble-free because dust and lap marks are not an issue. Wiped-on shellac, especially good for high-dust conditions- it is dry immediately after the pad leaves the surface; there is nothing tacky to hold dust.
Casey

o
RE: Finishing Techniques

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Are you using a wiping varnish? The best rag for applying varnish is old bed sheets. No lint = no problems.

o
RE: Finishing Techniques

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

I don't disagree with either of the above responses. I'd be comfortable with either of them.

If you want to brush, here's what I teach in my finishing class for brushing oil-based varnishes:
1) A good, natural bristle brush. I am fond of the badger hair brushes that have a thick stack, chisel edge, and fine bristles.
2) A thinned finish. Most varnishes are too thick right out of the can. Thin at least 10% with mineral spirits
3) Sand between coats. This levels out the brush marks and removes the dust nibs. Wipe off dust with a lint-free cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Don't use steel wool for this, but good sandpaper such as Norton or 3M's sandblaster.
4) "Tip off" by taking a nearly dry brush, light pressure and hold almost vertical and stroke from one edge to the other to level and smooth a section after you've applied varnish to an area.
5) Put on as little finish as possible consistent with complete coverage. You cannot get too thin a coat, as long as you've covered everything.
6) Work with light behind the the work and view at a low angle. You can't fix a defect that you don't see.

Here is a link that might be useful: Finishing for First Timers

o Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

    If you are a member, please log in.

    If you aren't yet a member, join now!

Return to the Woodworking Forum

Instructions

  • You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
  • Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
  • After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
  • It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
  • HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
  • No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
  • If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
  • If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.



 
Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.