repairing runs on vertical surfaces

jeffbonta | Posted in Finishing on June 5, 2010 01:49am

Ok, I screwed up. I brushed on a layer of Sealcoat, but in a couple vertical surfaces I now have runs in the finish. What are the best techniques for removing these? If I sand the spots with say 320 grit paper, will those areas show up after the final finishing coats? My finishing coats will be Waterlox (satin finish). Will this fill the imperfections of the run? Any tried and true suggestions would be most helpful. Thanks. Jeff

Replies

finekiwi | Jun 06, 2010 03:40pm | #1
runs on vertical finish

From my experience use a razor blade to scrape down the run to level the finish. I think you will find you have more control. I have used Waterlox and I have found that when I have done a repair like this I haven't had the screw up noticed. This always takes practice. You may first want to put another coat of sealcoat just over the runs if you have gone through the finish and into the wood. Seal coats and Waterlox are very forgiveing.
SteveSchoene | Jun 06, 2010 08:56pm | #2
The razor blade or a utility knife blade is good for removing the run. But, if you have a film of shellac on the surface you should sand the full surface lightly with 320 grit before applying varnish. Yes, everything can stick to shellac, but varnishes do like a little tooth rather than glossy surfaces.