Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jul 15, 2004 07:08pm | #1

   "Conversion varnish" and other two part finishes are generally only sold "to the trade" or professional finishers. They are very dangerous and require instruction to use, full protective clothing, forced fresh air respirators and the fumes can not be discharged directly into the atmosphere in many places.

   Conversion varnish off gases formaldehyde which is toxic and a carcinogenic.

   Before you go into using these types of finishes, get the MSDS and be sure you understand what you are doing. Then don't use them in my neighborhood.

   Howie.........
1. 
   BArnold | Jul 16, 2004 12:33am | #2

   ...but how do you REALLY feel, Howie?

   Seriously, your points are well taken.  I've seen the results of items finished with conversion varnish in a shop where I worked.  It's a tough finish and the finishing guys said it was great to use because it dries so quickly.

   I have the usual issues presented by polyurethane that takes a couple of hours to dry sufficiently to ward off dust and bugs.  My 'finishing room' is, of course, my garage and, try as I might, I have to deal with a certain amount of dust, etc., even if I let things settle a while before spraying.  I use laquer on small items like keepsake boxes and, of course, have no problem with dust.

   Any suggestions you might have to head me in a faster, safer direction are welcome.  While I have become quite proficient at designing and building furniture now, I am still early on the learning curve in finishing techniques.

   Bill Arnold

   B&B Woodworking

   Edited 7/15/2004 5:34 pm ET by BArnold

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jul 16, 2004 01:38am | #5

   Bill, there is no question that conversion varnish is a superior product both in dry time and durability. That's the reason it is used so often on kitchen cabinets. Although, the newest finish of choice is polyester. It too, is a dangerous finish to apply but you can spill nail polish remover, lacquer thinner and just about anything else on it and it "keeps on shining". That's what was used on my new kitchen cabinets.

   There is a level of risk with any finish. Even waterborne finishes can be hazardous if you inhale the mist. They are safer as they are non-flammable, but they contain solvents and other chemicals that can cause harm.

   I mostly brush or wipe on varnish or poly varnish. But occasionally, I will spray waterborne varnish. It's not quite a durable as oil based in my experience but it is better than lacquer.Howie.........

2. 
   Floss | Jul 16, 2004 12:56am | #3

   Hello Bill, Try shellac. It's mixed with denatured alcohol which is flammable but won't give you cancer. Adds a tremendous of depth and clarity to the wood. It is easy to repair. You can also tint it or get different colors depending on the type you use. It is not as durable as conversion varnish, however it is much kinder to work with. I know this is not really answering your post, however, I'm just trying to offer an alternative to using a product that is very volatile and dangerous to your health.

   J.P.

1. 
   BArnold | Jul 16, 2004 01:19am | #4

   J.P., thanks for your input.

   I haven't used shellac on any of my projects yet.  My main concern is water contamination -- as in a glass being set on a bedside table or dresser without a coaster, etc.  That's why I've stuck with polyurethane so far.

   I've read the articles about de-waxed shellac, etc., as well as the simple logic of shellac beign the finish of choice on very old pieces that have held up 'til now.  Maybe I need to bite the bullet and go for it with shellac to solve my dilemma.

   Thanks again.Bill Arnold

   B&B Woodworking

1. 
   Floss | Jul 16, 2004 03:35am | #6

   Bill,

   I think it is a tough question to answer simply based on the premise that technology affords so many alternatives that seem to be so much better than the ideas or ways of the past.

   However, eventhough shellac is a relatively "soft" finish, it is also easily repaired, and can be manipulated in many different ways by adding tints or changing the type(ie. garnet, button, seedlac...)you are using. I like it also because it dries fast and can be built up rather quickly.

   I too use varnish for projects that require a better layer of protection, however for the money I don't think that you can beat shellac for its clarity and ease of application.

   My best advice is to give it a try and see what you think. I think you will be very pleased with the results.

   I tend to shy away from finishes that are extremely volatile since I only have one room to work in and no dedicated finishing room with a proper ventilation hood.

   J.P.

3. 
   TomT226 | Jul 16, 2004 01:44pm | #7

   There are many WB finishes that approach the durability of a "conversion varnish" and are much safer and easier to use.

   Check out the Target coatings at http://www.homesteadfinishing.com.