rubbing out water-based?

dovetaildreams | Posted in Finishing on December 21, 2007 03:40am

Hey all,

I’m about 4 coats of a high-performance water-based poly into a desk that I’m building for my husband for Christmas. It’s walnut with a very dark (espresso) stained finish. The poly is a satin, and I wanted to know about rubbing out a water-based finish. I’m about to show my ignorance, but . . is that even do-able? I’d like to rub out to a high satin that feels like . . . well, like glass! 🙂 Can anybody give me tips? What would I use? 0000? Wet-dry? Mineral oil?

Thanks so much!
Jordan

Replies

Ronaway | Dec 21, 2007 06:19am | #1
I just recently finished a roll top desk and the top coat I used was 2 coats of dark garnet shellac and 3 coats of Target coatings USL which is a waterborne lacquer. After a couple of days of curing I wet sanded it with 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper and then rubbed it down with 0000 steel wool. It has a really wonderful smooth feel to it and it has a satin sheen. By the way the wood is Cherry.

Ron

If you're too open minded your brains will fall out.
WillGeorge | Dec 21, 2007 05:39pm | #2
I'm about to show my ignorance,..

I have all my life and it never stopped me!

Use sand paper of many grades..., Steel wool.. Whatever.. When you 'think' it is the best 'shine' ever then follow with a Pumice stone followed by Rotten Stone. Use water rather than a oil lubrication. When that looks good, follow with dry Rotten stone.. May be finished by NEXT year after all that work.
EDIT:

Then I saw satin.. Not sure it would still be satin after the work.. But it would SHINE!

Edited 12/21/2007 9:41 am by WillGeorge
byhammerandhand | Dec 22, 2007 06:29am | #3
Yes, you can rub out w/b finish. But if you wanted a high gloss, why did you apply a satin?

I have a w/b rubbing lubricant and run through the grits starting with Abralon 1000 / 2000 / 4000, then rubbing compounds. If you don't want to look for something specialized, try the rubbing compounds that you can find at the local auto parts store. 3M's Finesse-It is good, but I can't say that I've ever used in on a w/b finish.

You also need to wait a couple or three weeks for the finish to fully cure for best results rubbing out.
Gittercritter | Dec 22, 2007 04:22pm | #4
Hi

I've had very good luck using the Micro Mesh abrasive kits with both satin and high gloss finish. This stuff can be used with water, oil, or just dry with little loading. I know it may seem counterintuitive to rub a satin finish to that extent but the "hand" of a work surface is very important. I always see the customer running their hand over the pieces I've used this abrasive on and you can see how their tactile senses are pleased. I stocked up heavily on a close out and have a pile of it, but, if you Google Micro Mesh you should have no trouble finding a good source. Hope your husband and you enjoy the desk for many years together.

Seasons Greetings to all and take a moment to consider the good in your life!

Thos S.