Replies

1. 
   Bill_Fenton | Dec 11, 2000 03:59am | #1

   *
   To answer future ?'s...Yes, I like my Poly stirred, not shaken.
   Thanks again,
   Bill

1. 
   Bob_Berner | Dec 11, 2000 03:57pm | #2

   *Hi Bill, Just an idea for you, no difinitive answer. 55° or 65°F seems a little cold to be applying poly, I would try to work in a warmer environment. The viscosity of the poly is going to be dependent on the temperature at which it is applied. Any bubbles that are formed in application have to be able to move through the finish to the surface to pop. If the viscosity is too high the bubbles don't have enough "energy" to move to the surface. Temperatures this cool are also going to increase the drying time so you are more prone to get dust and other nasty thing settling on the surface. I would try two things, work in a warmer environment and warm or thin the poly before using. You only need to warm the poly slightly and you need to do this carefully. I suggest that you take your working container of poly and place it in a larger container of warm or nearly hot water. Do not place the poly on a heat source and of course don't use an open flame. You can also warm up the wood with a hair dryer or electric blanket before applying the finish. Another way to go is to thin the poly about 30% to 50% and wipe it on rather than brushing it on. This will apply a thinner coating and therefore require more coats to build the same thickness as a brushed coating but some like wiping over brushing. It also will dry a little quicker since you are applying a thinner coating. I hope this helps, good luck and let us know if this works. Bob

1. 
   Rod_Cole | Dec 13, 2000 06:39pm | #3

   *Bob has the right ideas I think.But, for wiping I like to thin more like half and half with thinner, but that is a personal taste sort of thing. Given the temp I'd thin with naphtha rather than mineral spirits as it dries faster. My basement shop is that temp, and I don't warm the poly as such, but do store it in the main house so it is "room" temp and that really helps.I also use a space heater to blow warm air toward the project.- Rod Cole

1. 
   Bill_Fenton | Dec 20, 2000 12:17am | #4

   *To Bob/All, Sorry so late for responding. Thanks for the info./help. I am currently looking at a new source for heat in the shop. I have had many responses on thinning the poly w/ either m/s or naphtha on this site and others. I'll try the new heater and thinning the poly first and go from there.Side note, I found a great deal on a heater at H/D (I think) and I'm excited to install it and get back to work. Yikes it's been cold in Nebraska lately this morn's temp was -1*F & -36*F wind chill:-(Thanks again,Bill