Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Apr 05, 2006 05:49am | #1

   The only ways to eliminate dust specs is to eliminate the dust or cover the finished item to protect it from the dust.

   To minimize dust, finish your prep work, get out your finishing supplies, vacuum the item and your shop, turn on your air cleaner and get out of the shop for a couple of hours so the dust can settle.  Now change your clothes (one of the biggest sources of dust) and go gently back into the shop.  Wipe the project with a rag lightly dampened with mineral spirits.  Now apply your finish and get out to the area for another two hours.

   In addition, I will sometimes cobb together a panel to cover the finished item.  Plywood or fiberboard will work.  Just be sure it is dust free.  Put some jars, coffee cans, etc., around and set the panel on them covering the item being finished.

   Howie.........
2. 
   ring | Apr 05, 2006 02:16pm | #2

   I agree with everything Howard wrote. And one more thing - if it's a satin finish you can go over it lightly with some very fine paper when all's dry. I use an old worn piece of 1500 grit just for this. Makes all the difference.

   DR

3. 
   terrylee86 | Apr 05, 2006 04:24pm | #3

   You really can't unless you spray in a booth with an exhaust fan.  I agree with the other posting.  Don't worry about the flects because you have to rub out the finish anyway.  0000 steel wool , 1500 grit sandpaper whatever sheen you want. Some finishers use 3M polishing compounds.  Just wax the piece after your finished,Briwax.

1. 
   acodring | Apr 06, 2006 02:14am | #4

   Thanks all for the tips. All good stuff!I've got some 0000 steel wool lying around. I'll give it a try before I turn the workshop into an operating room and put another coat on!I've also got 'Blue Label' paste wax from Lee Valley once the urethane is ready to go.

1. 
   bleubassplyr | Apr 06, 2006 03:18am | #5

   You may want to use gloss poly as it's harder than satin and not cloudy looking. You can then rub it out with steel wool to achieve the sheen you prefer. You can also apply several coats of gloss, scuff sanding between coats, and apply satin for the last coat. Good luck with the dust nibs. I've never found a perfect way to avoid them without spraying. The orange box sells minwax poly in a can that has a good spray nozzle.There are more old drunkards than old doctors.  Ben Franklin

4. 
   user-126535 | Apr 06, 2006 10:54pm | #6

   I agree with all above especially Howie.  Before going to a HVLP sprayer I had the same problems...not to say that I still don't have specs from time to time.  Another tip to add is  using Zar Quick Dry Poly.  It dries a little faster than other poly's and by doing so it lessens the specs prob.   Almost all finishing product instructions read to apply in well ventilated area etc. etc. I've found that by leaving the windows and doors closed it helped as well.  The slightest air movement will bring the dust specs raining down....even after cleaning and dusting the shop.  As Howie mentioned, 'wait a couple of hours after you have done your dusting', the longer you wait the better.  It's surprising how much stuff is in the air that we don't see. Hope this helps.....

5. 
   Indigo | Apr 06, 2006 11:20pm | #7

   I've only used this technique on Lacquer, but you could try it..I use a brown paper bag (grocery issue) and soften it up a little by hand and gently wipe down the piece with it...it's weird I know, but it works well on lacquer.

   alison