Replies

1. 
   ribburg | Dec 09, 1999 02:40am | #1

   *
   Hi Chris,

   I'm by no mean a finishing expert; actually, I'm just a beginner and I have been having lots of troubles in that area. However, I read somewhere (several books and articles, actually) and the authors said using foam brush for the poly can cause lots of bubbles. Many woodworkers and finishing experts have said spending more money on a good quality brush pays off. I experienced that myself. I bought several cheap ones and foam brushes, but finally, bought a much more expensive brush and could see that there is a hope for me in this finishing path... :-)

   Good luck.

1. 
   Andy_Charron | Dec 10, 1999 10:21pm | #2

   *I agree that using foam brushes to apply water-based finishes is not the best idea. The foam traps air that leads to an excessive amount of bubbling. I would recommend that you spend some money on a good quality synthetic bristle brush. (Don't use a natural bristle brush--the bristles will absorb water and after a while will begin to splay and lose their shape.) I tell people to think of the brush as more of a squeegee (sp?). The idea is to lay down a smooth, even coat with out using a lot of brush strokes. The more you work, or "worry", the finish, the more bubbles you will have. Wet the brush first with ordinary water (to make it easier to clean) and then dip it about 1/3 to 1/2 into the finish. Flow the finish on the surface using a long, smooth, even stroke and really try to avoid the temptation to go back over the surface with extra strokes. Rather than making the finish better, you will end up making it worse. If the finish is flowed on in an even coating, it will flow out and level (assuming you have normal application conditions) and the majority of bubbles and brush marks will disappear. It is very difficult to get an absolutely perfect finish with a brush, but with some practice and patience you should be able to come pretty close. A well-brushed finish will still need to be sanded smooth between coats and the final coat may need to be buffed out.Hope this helps,Andy Charron

1. 
   C._Duffy | Jan 19, 2000 12:44am | #3

   *Yes, I second the fact that foam brushes are bad for applying water-based finishes. I agree with everything Andy says. A high quality synthetic brush like Purdy can almost eliminate all brush marks. One more suggestion for the beginners is to cut the first coating with water - not much - just enough to make the finish flow easier.

1. 
   wedgehead | Jun 25, 2000 02:01am | #4

   *I'm new to water based finishes, but I found that using flecto my first 2 or 3 coats look and feel like crap until you build up a bit of a film thickness. I think the water raises the grain for the first coat or two. I found that 4 or 5 coats turn out pretty nice.

1. 
   Don_Stephan | Jun 26, 2000 12:46am | #5

   *The "paint pads" with a nap of soft short bristles seems to lay on a very even coat of water based finish, even when rapidly applied.

2. 
   phil_sudberry | Jun 30, 2000 07:05pm | #6

   *my 2 cents worth: sanding sealers help but a very high quality brush is the best one item to help the process. load the brush consistently....don't go over surfaces repeatedly. Keep It Simple! good luck

3. 
   kelley_hamby | Dec 27, 2000 01:34am | #7

   *A couple of quick questions along this same vein. I am finishing some stained cherry cabinets and when I sand between coats I have errantly sanded down thru the stain (usually arond sharp edges. Also I have an upper that consists of a number of small cubbies. Any hints on how to brush finish something like that?I am lost as goose.