Polyurethane Varnish for wipe on - Advice please

[Tetsuaiga]

I've decided to go with regular clear poly over satin now. I found when wiping the sediment/bead things tended to not get entirely evenly distributed. I believe you can get a satin look by just rubbing the regular stuff with 0000 steel wood and wax.

In theory yes, but in practise it's difficult to get a really even and consistent sheen. Furthermore unless you know what you're doing you'll get the reverse of how pieces naturally age, with abrasive matting you'll tend to mat down any arrises or proud sections more than the level areas. That's the exact opposite of how finishes normally mature, so if you fall into that trap then it'll look a bit odd.

Bottom line is that unless you've got some real world finishing experience under your belt don't rely on this method, life's a lot simpler if you use a finish in the first place that naturally delivers the sheen you want.

Have you tried wiping the satin type on before? Like I said I felt like I was getting a entirely uneven distribution of the microbead things, but perhaps my technique isn't right.

If i remember right, isn't it meant to be okay to use clear gloss and then go with satin for the just the last coat?

I find a finally coat of shellac improves the appearance in the same way as wax does. Not sure if there'd be any long term issues with shellac over an oil varnish though, keeping it a thin last coat might help in that regard.

Not heard of the magic erasers might be worth a try if i come across it.

 

[yetloh]

In theory yes, but in practise it's difficult to get a really even and consistent sheen.

I think it's the wax that causes this problem, getting an even coat of wax is never that easy. The technique I use is to just use the wire wool and than buff vigourously with a soft cloth. This produces the sort of sheen I like and also avoids the transience of wax.

Jim

 

[Tetsuaiga]

I thought you were always meant to buff wax after it was applied.

 

[yetloh]

Don't think I made myself completely clear - I'm saying don't bother with waxing, just aim for the level of sheen you like on the finish itself.

Jim