Creative Woodworks & crafts 2000-10, страница 49

thinner for a long period of time a residue will form in the bottom

of the can which your brush will be free from contacting.

Once the first coat has dried completely (usually in 6 to 8 hours), sand with a fine grit sandpaper, removing all bumps and imperfections (see Fig. 5). Do not be afraid of scratching up the first coat of finish during this process, the next few applications will cover any scratches you create. After you have sanded the entire surface, dampen a cloth with paint thinner and wipe the sanded surface. This may leave a light film on the surface which will disappear with the second application.

Remove the brush from the thinner and shake it out a few times to remove any excess (see Fig. 6). The remaining thinner in the bristles will replace that which evaporates from the varnish can while open. Often when doing a large project, I find that my brush starts to stick as I am working. At this point, I immerse it again in the thinner, shake it out, and go back to work. This makes the brush work more easily. You will find that not all varnishes and polyurethane finishes work the same. Some are harder to spread than others and this often requires

some thinning. As long as you are using a solvent based product, I recommend using Penetrot. made by the Flood Company (see Fig. 7). If ever there was a "cure all" in the paint industry, this is it.

Begin tho second coat using the same method of application as you did on the first, followed by sanding, wiping, and then a third application. Allow this to dry for at least 8 hours.

At this point you should have a relatively smooth, attractive looking finish. To add a finishing touch, use No. 0000 steel wool dipped sparingly into a can of cabinetmaker's wax and wipe with even strokes along the grain (see Fig. 8). The steel wool will remove small imperfections left in the finish by dust particles and will also embed the wax into your finish. Be careful not to rub too hard, especially near the edges. The wax will also prevent tho steel wool from cutting too much into the finish. After several coats, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the surface (see Fig. 9).

You will find that after following these instructions your next project will achieve a beautiful hand-rubbed look.

October, 2000 49

even brush strokes.

a fine grit sandpaper.

exce&6 thinner.

Fig. 7. Sometimes it's a good idea to add a thinnerto hard-to-spread varnish.

an effective wood filler which will finish like the wood you are working with.

lot of dried bubbles on your finished piece.