I've been reading over some old posts on this board, and have checked
out a couple of books from the library- one by Jeff Jewitt and the
other by Bob Flexner, and for my next project instead of using just a
straight boiled linseed oil finish I want to make my own wiping
varnish. The dilemma is that when I visit the hardware stores- HD,
Ace, etc., I can't find anything that I can identify as an alkyd
varnish. Lots of polyurethane, both oil and water based. Do I need to
go to a paint store or is this something that needs to be ordered from
a woodworking supplier? Are there any brands of alkyd varnish that are
distributed to the big retailers in the US? Thanks for any help.
On 11 Nov 2003 20:14:00 -0800, [email protected] (Dale)
wrote:
>I've been reading over some old posts on this board, and have checked
>out a couple of books from the library- one by Jeff Jewitt and the
>other by Bob Flexner, and for my next project instead of using just a
>straight boiled linseed oil finish I want to make my own wiping
>varnish. The dilemma is that when I visit the hardware stores- HD,
>Ace, etc., I can't find anything that I can identify as an alkyd
>varnish. Lots of polyurethane, both oil and water based. Do I need to
>go to a paint store or is this something that needs to be ordered from
>a woodworking supplier? Are there any brands of alkyd varnish that are
>distributed to the big retailers in the US? Thanks for any help.
I don't respond very often, as most beat me to the punch and are more
entertaining to boot, but this one I can help on.
First, you need to find a 'real' bonafied paint store. They can help
you. If you by chance find one that stocks Pratt and Lambert products,
pick up a can of #38 varnish. No other fancy names or designations,
just #38 varnish, says it right on the can. Comes in flat, medium and
gloss, although, I generally buy a gallon of gloss, and a quart of
flat. Build up the finish with the gloss, and mix the flat and gloss
50/50 for the last coat if you don't want full sheen. The stuff flows
on beautifully, dries clear and hard with a slightly reddish/amber
glow. Great finish. The 'hard' part is important to me. A little
effort with a gray scotch brite and a good paste wax make for a nice
soft finish. Some other products that I have tried dried a bit
'gummy', for lack of a better word.
BTW, also ask for a full-line Pratt and Lambert catalog while at the
'real' paint store. They have many interesting products that you won't
typically find in a BORG or hardware store.
Finally, I am in NO WAY connected with Pratt and Lambert, or any of
their distributors. That said, I have received lucid, helpful
information when I have called their support center, and have found
all of their products that I have used to be at or near top in their
class. Our local stocking paint store is also pretty darned helpful
too.
I'm sure Sherwin Williams, and Benjamin Moore also offer a similarly
fine alkyd varnish.
David Glos
On Wed, 12 Nov 2003 06:14:04 -0500, "Dennis Slabaugh, Hobbyist
Woodworker" <[email protected]> wrote:
>Dale,
>
>I have used a product from Behr ( " Super Lac")
I'll bet that's a lacquer product, especially from the "rubability"
you describe. Not a good idea to mix lacquer with oil and mineral
spirits.
Barry
Dale,
I have used a product from Behr ( " Super Lac") that I bout at the BORG
about 5 years ago. I have finished may projects with it. It is especially
receptive to a deep rub-out with ultra fine synthetic steel wool and wax.
The jewelry case pictured on my site is an example of the finish.
http://www.woodworkinghobby.com/html/projects_0.html
Good luck,
Dennis Slabaugh, Hobbyist Woodworker
www.woodworkinghobby.com
"Dale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've been reading over some old posts on this board, and have checked
> out a couple of books from the library- one by Jeff Jewitt and the
> other by Bob Flexner, and for my next project instead of using just a
> straight boiled linseed oil finish I want to make my own wiping
> varnish. The dilemma is that when I visit the hardware stores- HD,
> Ace, etc., I can't find anything that I can identify as an alkyd
> varnish. Lots of polyurethane, both oil and water based. Do I need to
> go to a paint store or is this something that needs to be ordered from
> a woodworking supplier? Are there any brands of alkyd varnish that are
> distributed to the big retailers in the US? Thanks for any help.
Dale,
If your local 'borg' can't satisfy your Varnish requirements, try any local
Marine supply outfit. West Marine is a NATIONAL chain and has numerous
outlets. Their 'house brand' is fairly decent stuff and I usually pick up a
quart or so whenever it is on sale.
'ZAR' brand is another one, usually available at Home Depot as well.
'Interlux' is another well-known brand. 'Epafanes' {spl?} is really
high-priced, and there are many others.
Regards & Good Luck,
Ron Magen
Backyard Boatshop
[PS: FWIW - I bought a quart of "Man-o-War" varnish at a local Home Depot at
the beginning of the this past Summer. Used it to finish a 'temporary'
hatch. Did a credible job and still looks excellent after the boat spent
months on a mooring; just hauled her last week. I also used the stuff to
finish a couple of Veterans Flag Cases. Used it for the initial 'wiping'
coats, and the final 'flow' coats. Excellent results.]
"Dale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
SNIP
Do I need to
> go to a paint store or is this something that needs to be ordered from
> a woodworking supplier? Are there any brands of alkyd varnish that are
> distributed to the big retailers in the US? Thanks for any help.
Dennis Slabaugh, Hobbyist Woodworker wrote:
> I have used a product from Behr ( " Super Lac") that I bout at the BORG
> about 5 years ago. I have finished may projects with it. It is especially
> receptive to a deep rub-out with ultra fine synthetic steel wool and wax.
Interesting. I could not find "Super Lac" on the Behr website, but
I did find "Clear-Lac". Based on the name and this description on the
Behr website:
No. 601 Clear-Lac Sanding Sealer & Finish
A fast drying, dual purpose sanding sealer and clear finish. It
protects wood and resists alcohol stains. BEHR CLEAR LAC will not
water-spot or turn yellow and is easy to apply.
<snip>
As a topcoat, BEHR CLEAR LAC produces a rich, velvety, hand-rubbed,
semi-gloss finish formulated for normal wearing surfaces.
I would guess that it is shellac...not varnish. Just a guess, though.
************************************
Chris Merrill
[email protected]
(remove the ZZZ to contact me)
************************************
Thanks for the replies. I'm lucky enough to have both Sherwin Williams
and Benjamin Moore suppliers in the area. I'll have to check them out.
Dale
DLGlos <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> On 11 Nov 2003 20:14:00 -0800, [email protected] (Dale)
> wrote:
>
> >I've been reading over some old posts on this board, and have checked
> >out a couple of books from the library- one by Jeff Jewitt and the
> >other by Bob Flexner, and for my next project instead of using just a
> >straight boiled linseed oil finish I want to make my own wiping
> >varnish. The dilemma is that when I visit the hardware stores- HD,
> >Ace, etc., I can't find anything that I can identify as an alkyd
> >varnish. Lots of polyurethane, both oil and water based. Do I need to
> >go to a paint store or is this something that needs to be ordered from
> >a woodworking supplier? Are there any brands of alkyd varnish that are
> >distributed to the big retailers in the US? Thanks for any help.
>
>
> I don't respond very often, as most beat me to the punch and are more
> entertaining to boot, but this one I can help on.
>
> First, you need to find a 'real' bonafied paint store. They can help
> you. If you by chance find one that stocks Pratt and Lambert products,
> pick up a can of #38 varnish. No other fancy names or designations,
> just #38 varnish, says it right on the can. Comes in flat, medium and
> gloss, although, I generally buy a gallon of gloss, and a quart of
> flat. Build up the finish with the gloss, and mix the flat and gloss
> 50/50 for the last coat if you don't want full sheen. The stuff flows
> on beautifully, dries clear and hard with a slightly reddish/amber
> glow. Great finish. The 'hard' part is important to me. A little
> effort with a gray scotch brite and a good paste wax make for a nice
> soft finish. Some other products that I have tried dried a bit
> 'gummy', for lack of a better word.
>
> BTW, also ask for a full-line Pratt and Lambert catalog while at the
> 'real' paint store. They have many interesting products that you won't
> typically find in a BORG or hardware store.
>
> Finally, I am in NO WAY connected with Pratt and Lambert, or any of
> their distributors. That said, I have received lucid, helpful
> information when I have called their support center, and have found
> all of their products that I have used to be at or near top in their
> class. Our local stocking paint store is also pretty darned helpful
> too.
>
> I'm sure Sherwin Williams, and Benjamin Moore also offer a similarly
> fine alkyd varnish.
>
> David Glos
On 11 Nov 2003 20:14:00 -0800, [email protected] (Dale)
wrote:
> Do I need to
>go to a paint store or is this something that needs to be ordered from
>a woodworking supplier? Are there any brands of alkyd varnish that are
>distributed to the big retailers in the US?
I've found GOOD paint stores (rarer and rarer), woodworking stores,
and pro finish supply shops all carry what you need. If the local pro
finish shops won't sell direct to you, see if you can work a sideways
deal through a local cabinet or millwork shop.
Aside from the odd can of Seal Coat, I'm done buying fine woodworking
finishing supplies from big box stores and hardware stores. I've
thinned Minwax polys for wiping on trim, which worked fine. For
furniture, I spend the extra money for high-end products.
I prefer Mohawk/Behlens products most often. I've also had good
results with Waterlox Urethane varnish, which is different from
Waterlox "Original".
The last time I made a BLO/MS/V wiping varnish, I used a Sherwin
Williams oil base varnish in a pinch and it worked out well.
FWIW, for compatibility reasons, a local pro finisher talked me into
sticking with one brand of product (except for Seal Coat) when
finishing a piece. I'm starting to see the wisdom of his advice.
Barry
On Wed, 12 Nov 2003 13:50:49 GMT, Chris Merrill
<[email protected]> wrote:
> protects wood and resists alcohol stains. BEHR CLEAR LAC will not
> water-spot or turn yellow and is easy to apply.
> <snip>
> As a topcoat, BEHR CLEAR LAC produces a rich, velvety, hand-rubbed,
> semi-gloss finish formulated for normal wearing surfaces.
>
>I would guess that it is shellac...not varnish. Just a guess, though.
Shellac WILL water spot. <G>
Barry