Searching for a foolproof finish

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Originally Posted by cadeuceus

at the risk of being the butt of many jokes - has anyone used cabots gel clear for varnishing pine? it is a thick gel consistency and is brushed on or wiped on and because of the consistency does not run extensively. it is clear but gives a slight yellow tinge that darkens with repeated applications. Care must be taken to not lather it on or the wood appears too plastic, but it seems to be easy to apply covers the wood nicely for kids toys. Any thoughts?

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For large surfaces I would not recommend it as it does not flow as well as the liquid form and produces an inconsistent thickness of coating.

Zelk

Thanks Zelk, i agree with the use on large items, but i make toys for kids and so the maximum size is still small.

Hey Wongo,
A few quick questions mate as your recipe interets me greatly!
i)Do I repeat the sealing process 2-3 times? Or just the poly and oil mix?
ii) Are you using 2 pack Polyurethane?
iii)And this may be a silly questions, but do you have any problems mixing the oils and polyurethane together?

Thanks!!

i) 1 coat of sealer then 5-6 coats of oil/poly mix
ii) No. I always use Estapol oil based poly. To get a semi gloss finish, I use the estapol gloss. To get a low sheen finish, I use the estapol satin.
iii) Never


Good luck


http://www.wattyl.com.au/NR/rdonlyre...olGloss_1L.jpg

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Originally Posted by Wongo

i) 1 coat of sealer then 5-6 coats of oil/poly mix
ii) No. I always use Estapol oil based poly. To get a semi gloss finish, I use the estapol gloss. To get a low sheen finish, I use the estapol satin.
iii) Never


Good luck


http://www.wattyl.com.au/NR/rdonlyre...olGloss_1L.jpg

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Cheers!

I have been using this mix your own wipe on finish and am loving it. I still have a few queries through as to what is poly and what isn't and what the oil does.

I have a drum of Becker Acroma left over from spraying my timber ceiling and tried making the mix using it. A waxy layer separates out when using it as can bee seen. I have used it and it still seems to work although the finish seems more like an oil finish, it dries quickly and looks good. The product is suppose to be thinned using thinners and I have tried making up the wipe on finish using both turps and thinners and I get the same result with both. I used linseed oil as the oil component. Anyone have any idea of what is happening or why?

Next question, I was chatting to another member today about the turps/poly wipe on finish and was lucky to see the result he was getting using it, it was fantastic. What is the big difference between adding the oil or not adding it?

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Originally Posted by Burnsy

I have been using this mix your own wipe on finish and am loving it. I still have a few queries through as to what is poly and what isn't and what the oil does.

I have a drum of Becker Acroma left over from spraying my timber ceiling and tried making the mix using it. A waxy layer separates out when using it as can bee seen. I have used it and it still seems to work although the finish seems more like an oil finish, it dries quickly and looks good. The product is suppose to be thinned using thinners and I have tried making up the wipe on finish using both turps and thinners and I get the same result with both. I used linseed oil as the oil component. Anyone have any idea of what is happening or why?

Next question, I was chatting to another member today about the turps/poly wipe on finish and was lucky to see the result he was getting using it, it was fantastic. What is the big difference between adding the oil or not adding it?

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Where are all the experts, two days and no reply:C

For goodness’ sake Burnsy, how are we supposed to know? We are no experts here. :smack: :D:D:D

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Originally Posted by Burnsy

Next question, I was chatting to another member today about the turps/poly wipe on finish and was lucky to see the result he was getting using it, it was fantastic. What is the big difference between adding the oil or not adding it?

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I don’t see it as adding oil to the poly. I see it as adding poly to oil. The poly adds strength to the finish and it still allows you to apply it like an oil finish.

Don't think too hard bro, just do it.

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Originally Posted by Wongo

Don't think too hard bro, just do it.

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Totally agree - a week or so back I tried this 1/3 mix finish just as Wongo outlayed it, including the wax. Turned out an absolute treat! Will definitely become a regular in the finishing arsenal.

Cheers,

Will

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Originally Posted by Wongo

For goodness’ sake Burnsy, how are we supposed to know? We are no experts here. :smack: :D:D:D

I don’t see it as adding oil to the poly. I see it as adding poly to oil. The poly adds strength to the finish and it still allows you to apply it like an oil finish.

Don't think too hard bro, just do it.

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That makes sense about the adding oil to poly, then it is stonger and you can wipe it on, but how does adding mineral turps to poly allow you to wipe it one, isn't that just thinning it down?

Someonemust know about the Beckers,is it poly? I am asuming it is the Beckers that has caused the stuff I made up to separate.

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Originally Posted by Burnsy

but how does adding mineral turps to poly allow you to wipe it one, isn't that just thinning it down?

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Can you wipe it off completely like you do with an oil/poly finish? If no then I suspect it is just like the minwax wipe-on poly and it is hard to get a smooth finish.

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Originally Posted by Wongo

Can you wipe it off completely like you do with an oil/poly finish? If no then I suspect it is just like the minwax wipe-on poly and it is hard to get a smooth finish.

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Can't answer that one as I have not tried it.

Think I found the problem with my mix. I believe that the Becker Acroma stuff I have is a laquer and not a poly, happy to be corrected though as I am really none the wiser when it comes to laquers and polys. Bummer if it is laquer and is not suitable as I have about 18 litres of the stuff oo:

This is wipe on poly-minwax I vary the mix with turps.No extra on a cool day,to adding about 25% on a hot day.Use small wad off T shirt material.Soak it then squeeze it and wipe on wet.Dont go over it and it will flatten out within a min or two.Need a lot of coats and micro mesh to get it like glass.
I havent had time to read this thread.If I am out of turn,very sorry
Aussie