There are several products that would fall into the category of Special Finishes, I will discuss the ones most people will be using.

In using an oil based product it is usually for the finished effect, a nice smooth finish. These applications take a lot of time because they are slow working and require sanding in between coats. There is a product that can be added to an oil based product that will speed up the drying time, but by a couple of hours only. It is called Japan Dryer and can be added to oil enamels or varnishes.

To make a latex product flow out smoother you can use a product called Penitrol. This product slows the drying time and allows the product flow out or smooth out before it dries.

Varnishes and polyurethanes have their place, but for the most part I stay away from polyurethanes. These products are very difficult to 'touch up' if they become scratched where a varnish is much easier to 'touch up'. Varnishes are very good in outdoor applications. Wood doors that are subject to weather and sunlight are best covered with a spar varnish. The higher the gloss the better the resistance to sunlight.

Lacquers are not used by the 'do-it-yourself'-ers too often because they usually need to be sprayed on and for the best finish, should be sprayed on. There are aerosol cans of lacquer available for small jobs, but these are not practical for large application. Lacquers are fast applications. Can be multicoated in the same day, however the sealer coats should set for 8 hours before finish coat(s) are applied.

 

Roger Anghis, MKD Builders, Inc.

 

 

 

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