WOOD FINISHING TIPS

RUBBING

When rubbing a high gloss finish to remove over spray, orange peel, or as in repair to renew a gloss, I some times see scratch patterns through the shine. What causes this?

If you started the job with fine sand papers, and skip grades, you can leave sand paper scratch patterns behind that the compounds can't remove.

If you start with 400 grade, go next to 600 grade, and then to 1200 grade before moving on to the compounds.

If you're not familiar with "Micro Mesh" sand pads, check them out, as they are made for working up high gloss finishes in spot repair work. They are a must for polyester finish repair.

It's also possible, when working through a series of compounds, that you start with an aggressive grade and skip lesser aggressive grades before going to a polishing grade for the high gloss. That would be apparent if you see swirl patterns through your gloss.

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED WHEN USING AEROSOL SPRAYS

Aerosol won't spray.

1. For heavily pigmented products. Cause: Depressed spray tip before ingredients were properly agitated. Pigmented materials settle to the bottom and, if not thoroughly mixed, can plug the spray valve stem and tip preventing proper functioning. Thorough agitation before using is essential.

2. For general aerosol products. Cause: Propellant has leaked from can or valve stem has disconnected from valve when can was pressurized. Test for disconnect by inverting can - it will spray in this position if stem has disconnected.

Aerosol can sprays but spits.

Cause: Can was not thoroughly agitated before using. Hold can inverted and clear valve. Shake thoroughly and proceed. 

Or: 

Can is cold. A cold temperature reduces pressure inside can and prevents proper atomisation. Warm can to 18 degrees C minimum e.g. by partially placing can in warm water. Do not use direct heat! 

Or: 

Spraying can continuously for prolonged period cools ingredients inside causing a reduction of pressure. As you feel can surface becoming cold, stop and allow it to warm up.

Aerosol finish turns milky white.

Cause: Blushing (moisture entrapment in the film) occurs during warm rainy weather and hot and humid periods. If whiteness appears, spray over the finish with Blush Eraser to open the film and allow moisture to escape. 

Or: 

Oil, wax or other incompatible contaminant on the surface can lead to a cloudy appearance in the finish. This can appear quickly or may be a delayed reaction. Always thoroughly clean the surface to be sprayed with De-Waxer 741.

Aerosol fisheye's (craters) in the finish caused by silicone contamination.

If you suspect a finish may have contamination, thoroughly wash the area to be coated with Wood Stain Reducer. If problem persists, apply a light coat of Shellac.

PREPARATION

My stripper isn't working.

Not enough time is allowed for chemicals to work. 

Or: 

The stripper is not strong enough. 

Or: 

The stripper may not be the right one for the job. Allow more time for the stripper to work. Get a stronger stripper. Check to see if the stripper only removes certain finishes. Latex and waterbase finishes are not removed by all strippers, check the label/directions.

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