This is my first post in Knots. I had this posted in const. tech. and it was suggestedIi move it to here. I was unaware of this forum, but am glad I found it.
I’m refinishing an antique wooden bedframe. It is being spray coated 2 coats oil primer, 2 coats of oil paint and 2 coats of clear finish. It’s prepped and ready for coating
My question is in regard to the clear coat.
Can someone reccomend a clear finish product that would work well with the oil primer and Benjamin Moore oil paint (semi gloss)?
I’m not sure about the correct choice between poly, varnish, shellac etc…over paint. I’ve never clear coated over a painted finish before, so this is a learning experience.
Protection of the paint is an obvious reason for the clear coat, but just as important I want to acheive a quality look to the finish and not have it look like a cheesy DIY project.
I’ve heard different types (the different mediums) of clear coat result in various looks to the finished piece. So I would like a clear finish that would lend itself well to an old world bedframe such as the one I have. If clear is clear, then I would just appreciate a recomendation from someone who has experience in this area.
Mick
Replies
Clear coat won't add protection, it's choice is strictly an aesthetic question. I'll also ask why such a modern appearing finish for an antique bed frame? What style is the bed, and what is the wood?
What color is the paint to be? Many top coat materials will impact the color of light shades. Oil based varnishes--will impart an amber tone, and will yellow more over time than others.
Oil based enamels in light colors will yellow a bit over time as well.
It may very well be that there are better products all around--for example, it is generally much easier to achieve good spray results with acrylic paint designed specifically to be sprayed. Oil based products dry slowly, making a mess on all the surrounding area and requiring good airflow over the piece to remove bounce and overspray before it can settle on the surface.
Finally got back to the computer to respond to post.
To answer your question about "why such a modern finish". The store owner is selling alot of these, and it seems the trend lately is the painted finish. I'm not exactly sure what type of wood it is, other than its a hardwood.
I was under the impression from the little bit of research I have done on the matter that the clear coat was for protection of the painted finish to help keep the paint when getting nicked etc...while also lending a more pleasant apearance? So your saying it's just for looks? If so, that's fine....what would be a good choice of clear coat to enhance the look?
The color is going to be a off white, ivory type color. Do you think an acrylic is the way to go as far as the paint? Any specific type/brand?
I was asked for a simple paint and clear coat, they aren't looking for a "Michelangelo" finish, nothing fancy just a nicely coated piece. I know they have more that need to be done so I am trying to establish the "material" I will use for all the rest.
Appreciate you taking time to respond
If the customer can sell the clear coated look, then go with that--it's not an error.
Bed's don't have terribly challenging needs for protection. I suspect you could speed the process by shifting to a good waterborne acyrlic paint and top coat finish system. The particular advantage of the acyrlic clear top coat is that water clear and non-yellowing versions are readily available.
The key is to find acyrlic's that are specifically designed for sspraying, with rapid recoat times, and viscosities well adapted to HVLP spraying. Target gets good comments, but that's not the only brand around.
Thanks Steve.
Will look around at local paint suppliers for the acrylic and see what i can find locally.
For local suppliers check woodworking stores like Woodcraft, or more commercial/industrial stores like Sherwin Wiliams (though not the consumer S-W stores, they can't get the full product line. Also M.L. Campbell distributors.
Clear Coat over paint
Consider testing first on scrap. Gloss oil finish may pose adhering problems for any additional finish, don't know about semi gloss. Some clear coats yellow over time, which may become a problem.
Water borne finishes will dry much faster than oil, saving time and the number of times the spray equipment has to be cleaned. Often the finish can be used without separate primer or sealer, saving material cost, inventory cost, and another round of cleaning spray equipment.
You could make up two samples, one with clear coat and one without, to see if there is a difference to justify the additional time and materials.
Thanks. helpful info guys.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled