Question for Per Swenson

[Chuck Harris]

Per,

I read your post on using Behlen's Rockhard Varnish so I figured I give the stuff a try. Seems I've run into a few small issues. First I'm getting a lot of bubbles in the finish. Do you use the reducer and how much? Also how thick do you lay it on? Second the can says not to rub or sand for 96 hrs. Are you sanding between coats?

Temps here in Reno have been in the 100+ degree range for the last two weeks. But the humidity is about 15-25% (normal here). I'm using the old standby Minwax Poly (clear gloss) on another piece I'm working on with no problems so far. both peices have two coats of Sealcoat under the varnish.

Thanks for any help in advance.

[Per Swenson]

Chuck,

Humidity may be a factor but I am not so sure.

The major culprit for bubbles is that mini mighty nemesis,

Dust. When you get to your final coat, you really have to be dust free.

First coat right out of the can, wait 2 days and sand the whole top with 220.

Next coat thin about 10%. Make sure you only use their reducer.

Sand it again etc. We keep doing this until we get it just right.

Last coat is thinned about 20%. We do not believe that a 4 day wait is

enough, even in ideal conditions. 10 days to two weeks to cure.

The longer the better. Then polish.

Again, look for dust. With any slow drying brush on Varnish,

Clean is critical.

hope this helps.

Per.

You can also search this site for "shameless Festool sander plug"

[Per Swenson]

Sorry,

I thought about this some more.

Humidity will be a factor as the surface will not dry as fast.

Allowing dust to settle on the surface.

Per.

[Chuck Harris]

Thanks for the help.