Question about finishing.

[wombatie]

I know some of you use 50/50 BLO, so when it is dry, do you spray on the clear polyurethane or do you brush it on? Which do you prefer?  Thanks for your help.

Marg

[Toneman]

Marg, I spray mine on because it is so much easier, especially when you have a lot of fret work. I know it is more costly, but, saves clean up and I can get a more even coverage.

Tony,aka,Toneman

[BilltheDiver]

I use all kinds of clear finishes, but I never use brushes for anything but painting my house.  (I even spray most of that)

[Al W]

Depending on the fretwork, I will often apply the wipe-on poly using a clean dry cotton cloth - part of an old t-shirt works quite well for me. 

I also use the spray finishes, especially if I need to get in between the cuts.

Hope this adds another dimension to the answer.

Al

[Billy in Va]

I use spray also.  Small pieces I put on a lazy susan and spray a very light coat in all directions from the top, from the bottom and from the left and right.  The back is done the same way if it gets coated. Larger  pieces I do the same way but use paint points to raise the piece. I tried hanging some pieces to spray but it just didn't work for me.

[MOONIE]

I also spray, poly, shellac, etc.   I use a lazy susan in a large cardboard box as a paint booth.  Great results. 

[jrpeteo]

Spray for me too.
Pete

[wombatie]

Ok thanks guys.  My problem is when I see all of your work it all looks so smooth, when I spray I get some rough looking and feeling bits, some over sprayed bits, I just don't seem to get it right.  I have used 3 coats of (sorry I'm have a seniors moment  , not Tung) oil for years but decided to use the BLO and polyurethane and I'm feeling that down about it I may just go back to what I am used to, even though it means standing there for ages with a brush in my hand.  I know practice makes perfect but I hate to see a good piece of work ruined because I can't get the spray right.

Marg

[Al W]

Suggestion for using the spray would be to make sure you are holding the can the recommended distance from the project, and use multiple LIGHT coats.

There have been times I have sprayed an object four or five times, even more, but with really light coats.

Best of luck

Al

[julief]

Marg, spray a light coat and use some brown paper in between coats.  That will smooth out the inperfections and air bubbles.

[BilltheDiver]

Try spray Shellac.  It's very forgiving, you can apply another coat in about 10 minutes, the solvent is denatured alcohol (in case you get overspray on something).  If possible rub it out slightly with 0000 steel wool or a scotchbrite pad with paste wax on either and you get a very soft to the touch feel.

[Rapid Roger]

I use "wipe-on"polyurethane and a rag (piece of old "T" shirt) on most of my projects. I wipe on a coat, let it dry (4-8 hours) lightly sand with 600 grit paper and wipe on another coat. Yes, even wipe-on finishes get air bubbles and dust nibs.
After about three coats, I "sand" with brown paper bag and rub on a coat of Minwax paste wax.
I realize that this wont work on fret work very well but, then who handles fret work and few people even notice the finish on fret work anyway.
I use this method for boxes, bowls and vases mostly as people tend to want to pick them up for inspection.

Rog

[jrpeteo]

Me too with the brown paper from a grocery bag. Lay the paper on the table and slide the piece back and forth a few times. Takes off the little bumpies.
Pete

[wombatie]

Thanks guys I will put all of your suggestions together and give it a go.  BUT one question will normal brown paper do because we don't get our grocery in brown paper bags.

Marg

[Rapid Roger]

Thanks guys I will put all of your suggestions together and give it a go.  BUT one question will normal brown paper do because we don't get our grocery in brown paper bags.

Marg

Yes, any heavy paper will work. It can be white, brown or any color it just needs to have some texture. I would say that anything heavier than typing paper but, don't try a slick finish or wax covered types of paper.
We have our own grocery bags to grocery shop with but when I go to the hardware store and a few other places they will sometimes put a small purchase in paper a sack that works equally well.
Plastic is taking over the world even though some of it is biodegradable these days. 

Rog