Replies

1. 
   LeeGrindinger | Oct 20, 2005 04:52pm | #1

   Polyurethane levels very poorly when compared to some other finishes. Alkyd varnish levels much better as do brushing lacquers assuming they are high quality.

   Tricks to getting an even polyurethane brush coat would be to buy the best quality finish you can, think how that $10 saved will play out down the road for years and years and years. Lay on a full, even and wet coat, then drag it out evenly by tipping off with the brush using even pressure and working away from corners leaving the overlaps in the center.

   Another technique worth considering is to lay your build coats on with a brush, sand the last with 320, then wipe on a diluted last coat thinned about 50%. Wiped on applications are generally easier to get even since they are so thin.

   Lee

1. 
   Yogi | Oct 20, 2005 05:52pm | #2

   Lee-  Thanks for your reply-  Much obliged-

1. 
   LeeGrindinger | Oct 20, 2005 07:20pm | #3

   Oh yeah, I forgot the brush.Use a high quality China Bristle brush. some use Badger but it's really pricey. China Bristle is boar hair and the wicking action is very important. You'll never get a good surface with a cheap brush, plan on around $15 for a decent brush. Purdy is a name, Wooster is another.Lee

1. 
   Yogi | Oct 21, 2005 12:31am | #4

   Kay, and thanks again-  I've been rubbing (not wiping) it on in an attempt to avoid surface problems-  Works, but it takes about three times as many coats-  I've what I thought was a pretty good Chine bristle brush, but I'll try one of those you recommend-

2. 
   tap5055 | Oct 21, 2005 06:14pm | #6

   What types of brushing lacquer and alkyd varnish do you recommend?  I have done the polyurethane gig for years semi-happy with it, but if there are better means I would like to try them, but if I can avoid trying 10 different brands......

2. 
   Pondfish | Oct 21, 2005 03:03am | #5

   First option is to finish before assembly, avoiding this kind of problem.

   With poly, it's fine to wipe it on in thin coats instead of brushing.  Burnish the last coat using some crumpled up contractor's paper (or paper bags from the grocery), working hard to get it into the nooks and crannies.  Gives a higher gloss and avoids a lumpy finish.  I've had good luck doing this before the last coat is completely dry--that is, dry enough to burnish but not too wet that the paper soaks up the finish.

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
3. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 21, 2005 08:57pm | #7

   Hell, I can't finish worth a hoot but I use a China Bristle brush wetted with the solvent for the finish.. Squuuueeeezzzeee out in a rag and yse it in the recesses as a sort of mop.. Works Ok I 'think'?

1. 
   Yogi | Oct 21, 2005 10:00pm | #8

   Well, thank you, WillGeorge-  I'll do that, too-  Much obliged-