Replies

1. 
   RSRose | Nov 05, 2002 09:40pm | #1

   Lee,

   The semi-gloss appearance of the finish you applied is the result of dulling agents in the varnish, as opposed to dulling a gloss finish down by abrasion of just the surface. The dulling action is throughout the varnish film. The surface is as smooth as a high gloss surface, but light is partially difUssed as it passes through the finish, giving the semi-gloss look.

   Polishing the existing surface won't help much, but it may abrade away some of the film thickness, and in so doing, reduce the difussion effect.

   You can always dull a gloss varnish by abrasion, but a hardened semi-gloss or matte finish can't be made to be less so.

   R

1. 
   LeeTree | Nov 05, 2002 10:48pm | #2

   Rich,

   Perhaps I mis-stated what I wanted to do. The finish apears to my eye, just fine. What I want to do is somehow, without damaging, or dulling down the finish, is to remove the surface imperfections (i.e. the nubs I referred to. I guess this is the dust settling into the finish). I just want the surface smooth to the touch. There are not many nubs, but my wife is piiiiicky.

   Thanks.

   - lee -

1. 
   RSRose | Nov 05, 2002 10:56pm | #3

   Lee,

   OK. I misunderstood. Poly is harder to rub out well than alkyd varnish. In fact some say it can't be rubbed out at all. I'd wait several weeks for it to properly harden. Several months would not be excessive. You can knock of the nibs gently with 600 grit wet-or-dry abrasive on a sanding block. Barely use the weight of the block and keep it gently flat on the surface. Follow with either 0000 steel wool, or higher grits of wet-or-dry, using mineral spirits as a lubricant. At about 1200-1500 you should have a surface which is perfectly smooth and about the same semi-gloss as the present nib-infested one.

   An alternative is to take down the nibs with 600 grit, then get your finishing environment super clean. Mist the air down and let it settle overnight. Then apply a thinned final coat. Thin the varnish with Naphtha so that it dries faster.

   Rich

   Edited 11/5/2002 2:58:28 PM ET by Rich Rose