Replies

1. 
   TJW | Nov 14, 2002 04:16pm | #1

   I've done it using Minwax fast dry poly, diluted with 25 - 50% mineral spirits.  It works just fine, especially for turnings.  Blue shop paper towels work well, as do softer regular paper towels.  You can use a new towel for each coat or store it in a plastic container between coats.  That makes it easier to quickly wipe on another coat from time to time.   I don't like wipe-on for table tops though because there is very little build.  For that I use a foam applicator or a brush.

   The wipe-on method will also work using a light cut of shellac.  I used it to tone one side of a highboy that I failed to put the second coat of stain on.  You have to do it more quickly with shellac to avoid dragging.

2. 
   Gretchen | Nov 15, 2002 04:00pm | #2

   fasry dry varnish, 3 coats in 1 day! Has anyone done any of this?

   This is the "50/50 wipe on varnish" technique.  You can make your own by diluting equal parts of varnish with mineral spirits or naphtha and wiping it on.  If you use a paper towel be sure to use one that is not patterned.
   Do not thin a varnish such as Minwax wiping varnish--it is already thinned (so you are paying more for a diluted product basically).
   The technique is excellent, pretty foolproof in that you don't have runs and drips. There have been many many discussions on the board about the process.

   Gretchen
3. 
   RW | Nov 16, 2002 01:56am | #3

   SW makes a fast dry alkyd varnish. It really does dry (to the touch) in about an hour. Wouldn't sand it that soon, nor recoat. Cut that with enough naptha and the wiping idea makes thin layers go on quick. But I get iffy on this - once it's dry, you gotta scuff sand it, so whats the advantage of multiple coats of real thin varnish. It works fine as a light finishing coat, but I guess I wouldn't use it for something other than that. Maybe I just need the proper level of enlightenment.

1. 
   cudavid | Nov 16, 2002 05:57am | #4

   Hi The thought is fast dry minimizes duste exposuer so I can end up w/ nicer finish? Thanks for all your thoughts, Dave

2. 
   Gretchen | Nov 16, 2002 03:39pm | #6

   But I get iffy on this - once it's dry, you gotta scuff sand it, so whats the advantage of multiple coats of real thin varnish

   Maybe I am misreading you but you do not need to scuff sand between coats of wiping varnish.  Gretchen

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Nov 16, 2002 08:34pm | #7

   Correct Gretchen. The beauty of wiping varnishes is that they can be recoated as soon as they are dry to the touch. Also, the can be recoated up to about 6-8 hours without needed to scuff sand. Over eight hours and it's best to wait 24 hours and then scuff.

4. 
   forestgirl | Nov 16, 2002 05:58am | #5

   Dave, any chance you could post the issue #??

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   cudavid | Nov 17, 2002 02:49am | #8

   Hi, It is issue # 143 Thanks, dave

1. 
   forestgirl | Nov 17, 2002 05:44am | #9

   Cool, I've got that one.  Thanks!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)