Pencil Post Bed Finishing, from #282
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I made the bed described by Jeremy Zietz. I love the bed, but I’ve had real problems with the finish.
The aniline dye leaves a flat black surface. Zietz recommends a Poly Oil finish that is very viscous, and seals the wood. It’s supposed to be “satin,” but actually is high gloss. He then applies 2 coats of a THIN Poly Oil finish. This stuff is like water, and does not dry! It suggests wiping the “extra” off after 30 minutes.
I suspect he reversed the penetrating poly with the sealant.
Now, I’d have to remove the sealant, which would be very difficult due to the shape of the bed posts.
I think I’ll have to accept the finish the way it is.
Anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks!
Replies
Can you post a picture?
I'll take one.
My real complaint is I wanted a satin finish. I can't sand the posts because they're 16 sided, and they would end up round, which I don't want. I could take off all the finish with a chemical, and redoing the whole thing. A real pain!
Try a test piece for any changes...
Were this my bed, I'd wipe it thoroughly with whatever solvent is appropriate for the thin stuff that never dries, then apply a satin alkyd varnish over the top.
I have tried to take down shiny finishes with steel wool and beeswax, and though it does work, it only does so to an extent and it's extremely hard to get a good even look on large areas. Something like a tabletop where you can squint across it is not too bad, but anything with facets is tough.
Like I said, try a test piece first - that's a lot of work in that bed and you don't want to ruin the look for want of a few extra tests.
Rob,
That's the main lesson here. The pictures in FWW looked great, and I'd stuck with Zietz' instructions until the end.
My main objection is I don't want a glossy finish. I may have to just put up with it. The bed is for our spare BR anyway!Here's a shot of the two finishes (first on the L and 2nd on R)
I won't be using them again soon.
Also a shot of part of one of the bedposts.
I doubt I'll be able to get the glossy poly off without ruining the aniline stain underneath. Thanks for your interest!
Peter Areson
Gotta test. Whether it's the name of the product or a new formula, or just an old can... your lumber provides a major variable to top it off. Following the instructions in a set of plans for a build is ok I guess, following them for finishing is a huge risk.
mj,
That's my lesson in this effort. I did finish a block of the same wood, but I proceeded to use the first (thick) poly before trying the second!
Attached are shots of the finishes, the first on the L and 2nd on R.
I won't be using them again! Also one of the bedposts.
I think it may just be easier to learn to live with a glossy finish!
Once it cures you could try rubbing it out with wax and steel wool for a more satin end result.
Thanks! I was thinking the same . . .
Peter