Using Epifanes Clear Varnish thinned 50/50 with mineral spirits, a lot of thin coats.
https://www.epifanes.com/page/clear-finishes
Here's a pic of my stain test board, sanded it after 9 thin coats of varnish and added a 10th coat today.
I'm after a glass smooth gloss finish, just about there, think 12 coats is likely to do the job.
.
No problem, ask away when ever you're ready.Very nice! If you dont mind I'd like to ask you a few questions about your finishing when I get home tomorrow. Can't right now because I dont want to ask using my phone.
Are you leveling each coat?Using Epifanes Clear Varnish thinned 50/50 with mineral spirits, a lot of thin coats.
https://www.epifanes.com/page/clear-finishes
Here's a pic of my stain test board, sanded it after 9 thin coats of varnish and added a 10th coat today.
I'm after a glass smooth gloss finish, just about there, think 12 coats is likely to do the job.
.
I always use 0000 steel wool before recoating, apply the 50/50 mix with a lint free cotton cloth, very thin coats.Are you leveling each coat?
Hah .... you answered half dozen questions I had. how long between last coat and sanding?I always use 0000 steel wool before recoating, apply the 50/50 mix with a lint free cotton cloth, very thin coats.
I didn't sand it until I had 5 coats built up, even then had to be real careful not to sand through the varnish.
The next 4 coats were a bit thicker, sanded again after them, that's what's pictured, 9 coats, sanded and a fresh coat applied. There were still just a few low spots to take care of, couple more coats should do it, then final sand and last coat.
Minimum of 24 hours, even then the Epifanes doesn't sand well to start with, wants to roll the sanding dust into little long pieces, have to keep wiping them off very often or they load the paper and you get a mess real fast.Hah .... you answered half dozen questions I had. how long between last coat and sanding?
Dave, thanks for the compliment, project is slow going but I'm very happy with results so far.Your project is looking good!
-Dave
Dave, thanks for the compliment, project is slow going but I'm very happy with results so far.
Thank you for the compliment Wardsweb, this is a newly developed "skill" for me. When it comes to woodworking and Epifanes application, I'd say I understand the process well and have the required patience. To be honest, metal working and paint is my SOP.Awesome job. You sir have skills.
Thanks for the compliment mgk, I put a lot of effort into my projects, it's nice when they're appreciated by others.Looks good Frosty, you do good work.
Thank you for the compliment, I turned 65 in Jan, how close are we?
a year plus 6 days between us, Jan 6th hereHah, I missed that one. I turn 65 on Jan 12th. How close are we?
a year plus 6 days between us, Jan 6th here
Oops ... I see the "ed" now. In my defense I work nights and got home at 3am. (smiling)
Soon I will be working on a turntable plinth and am vary interested in your method for applying a varnish. In as much as I want a smooth glass like finish I only want it thick enough to be smooth. I will be covering the plinth with a birds eye maple which can get quite expensive if I make a mistake. I've seen countless videos of various applications, but without witnessing it in person I have to admit it's difficult to decide what product and what technique is the best to achieve the results I'm looking for. So it's with that said I've been very interested in this part of your project. This is not forgetting to say that I also am very interested in the project itself. I've seen lots of DIY shelves and this is one of the best in terms if how your doing this, and what I predict it will look like when your finished.
The sanding with 4 ott Steel Wool is what really captured my attention as most vids I've seen use sand paper.