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How do I level out my final coat of varnish to get rid of rough spots and still maintain a smooth surface. I am using a gloss varnish and would like to burnish the sheen just a bit but I find that as I sand between coats, with 220, the sanded surface is cloudy and rougher than I am going to want for my final result. How do I level out the surface of my final coat without destroying the look of the varnish. I have thought about finer grades of paper but I am concerned that they may not take out imperfections as well.
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Replies
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Mark,
I usually follow Bob Flexnor's method of finishing the finish. I start with 600 grit wet/dry paper used with mineral spirits for a lubricant to smooth the surface. This will also dull the surface. Next I use 0000 steel wool and rub the surface until all the shiny spots are dull, being careful not to rub through the final coat. Then I use auto polishing compound (not rubbing compound) and polish the surface. This will also raise the sheen to a very nice soft glossy shine. After I've polished it to the sheen I want I put a coat of paste wax on it and it's done.
Regards Greg
*Mark, You need a good brush if you skimp on this you'll pay later. I use badger hair brushes for varnishing. Also make sure area is COMPLETLY dust free Youcan wipe dust off with a rag dampened with mineral spirits.
*A good article might be "Rubbing Out a Finish" in MORE FINISHES AND FINISHING TECHNIQUES; THE BEST OF FINE WOODWORKING, 1997. In essence, level with 600 grit (320 or 400 if brush marks, then 600); for satin finish then rub with 0000 steel wool or synthetic equivalent; for gloss finish skip above, sand with 800 grit, then 1200 grit, then polish with pumice stone, then rottenstone.
*Hi Mark, Just in case you ever have difficulty sanding routered profiles you may wish to try our profile sander. http://www.nireland.com/bobsjoinery/
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