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Subject: Re: TWL: (Not-so-) Bright Work
From: Bob Austin (thataway4@XXX.XXX)
Date: Sat Feb 02 2002 - 23:26:55 EST
Garrett,
I suspect your brush is the problem. We (since the Admiral often does
better varnish work than I do) On less critical work or when cruising I use
the foam brush--the badger gives a better finish.
When I use a bristle brush I use the highest quality badger brush--at
least $10.00 for a one inch brush. After use, I wash it three times with
paint thinner, using a brush spinner between. I save the first wrinse to be
used as the second wrinse later etc. The final wrinse is with fresh thinner.
Then I wash it with orange hand cleaner worked well into the base, then wash
with Dawn worked into the brush, and wrinse at least twice. Spin between
each wash and wrinse, plus at the end. The secret of good cleaning is the
brush spinner. I use this brush only for fine varnish--never for paint--I
flow the varnish on in one direction only (I may brush across the grain,
again in one direction when first putting on the varnish). I never brush
back and forth, I always keep a "wet edge". I avoid going back over an area
recently varnished--flow the varnish. I also try and keep a light handy so
its reflection will help highlight voids or light areas.
When doing teak, I sand with 100, then 150 and 220. I use a fresh tac
rag, frequently turned, after I have vaccumed the surface. I put the first
coat on thinned 50% with mineral spirits. I sand very lightly with 220
between coats and use the tac rag. .I put the varnish to be used into a
small can. I blow several breaths into the varnish can before I put on the
lid. I never return unused varnish to the can. If the varnish has formed a
skum on the surface I discard the varnish.
Regards,
Bob Austin
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