Re: Varnishing

Posted by Steve Miller on Nov 7, 2005

Pretty simple really. Don't put so much on. Runs are caused by applying too much varnish. Some guys use a roller to cover large areas quickly and thinly then tip with a foam brush. The white round end 4" rollers available at Home Depot or Lowes or most paint stores do work well for varnish. Add a few ounces of Penetrol to the can before you start. Note the the rollers have a grain to them so that they leave more bubbles going in one direction than the other.

Foam brushes tend to apply too much or too little in imho so if brushing is your preference then get a good Purdy natural bristle brush from your local paint store and go for it. Brush thin coats out well and you will not have runs.

You have 4 or 5 coats to practice since only the last one has to be "perfect". Knock any runs or boo boos off with scraper using a light touch.

In Response to: Varnishing by Parke on Nov 7, 2005

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