Varnishing

For you wood finishing experts.

I put together a furled leader jig based on the instructions that came with Kathy Scott dvd. To finish it off I decided to put a few coates of varnish (Man O War) on it. I am about to apply a third coat. Between each dried coat I rub with 00 grade steelwool and remove the remaining small dust particles with a tack rag. My second coat has a lot of bubbles in it. I gently stir the varnish with a wide piece of wood and then wait 15 minutes before applying the varish. The varnish is applied with a quality paint brush starting at the center and working out in long smooth strokes. Any suggestions why I am getting bubbles in the finish?

Are you using the varnish strait from the can or did you thin it? I believe your supposed to thin it with alcohol. perhaps its too thick

Eric

Yes, I have thinned the varnish. I even wait until mid morning before applying when the temperature is above 70 degrees.

Thinning should help-bubbles usually are from sturing. I quit using varnish years ago now use Deft if I want to finnish in one evening,dries in a few minutes for resanding and another coat. I also use Water Base Polyurethane Varnish. Its used in place of varnish on modern wood floor.

TyroneFly,

It sounds like you’re doing an excellent job. I’ll be dropping my jig off at your place for a proper finishing. :lol:

Tyronefly;
The finish on the board is not critical, mine is black to help me see clear threads. The pegs should be smooth to let the loops slide off. I polished my pegs with 0000 steel wool.
Unless you are making a peice of furniture don’t worry about the finish!
Keep up the good work and keep us posted on your success with furled leaders!

Jack,

Originally I was just going to sand the jig to a smooth finish and be done with it, but I got an idea about a can a varnish I had laying and around and … . :shock:

Thanks for the suggestion on smoothing out the pegs.

Bugsy,

Sure, stop by. :lol: