Is There Such a Thing as Water Based Varnish? Varnish – it’s word that has seen a lot of mileage over the centuries. It is perhaps the oldest type of coating chemistry man has kept in his artisan quiver of tools to protect a wide array of objects and surfaces. Varnish, a resinous film former, …
We covered good ground in our last topic: “The best spray equipment to use for water based finishes.” Your responses were excellent! Today, let’s answer the next obvious question: Can a water based finish be brush applied? Yes, they can! It’s true: many water based formulas are engineered strictly for spray application. But others, like …
If you’re a regular reader, you know I dispense advice based on the frequency of the questions being asked. Notes from the Emtech Lab has covered a lot of ground over the past six months, but we have not touched on perhaps the most important topic yet – what type of spray equipment to use …
The Best Spray Equipment for a Water Based Finish Read More »
You’ve heard me say the No. 1 rule of wood finishing is to “take your time.” It’s true — there are certain things you simply can’t rush. But being efficient is not the same as “rushing,” and there ARE ways you can get more done in less time. While visiting the shops of some of …
What Top Wood Finishers Do that Can Save You Tons of Time Read More »
Here it is… The last step of my wood finishing troubleshooting “cheat sheet.” Next week we’ll move on to brand new tips and topics. For now, let’s conclude this series with Step 5: Water and Chemical Resistance of the Finished Piece. Yes, this is related to last week’s tips on “drying and curing,” and falls …
My Wood Finishing Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet: Water and Chemical Resistance Read More »
We’ve reached the final two steps of my Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet (totally new tips/topics will follow, I promise). Thanks to Rob C. and Anthony D. for your blog comments on last week’s subject: “Compatibility of Primers and Pigmented Topcoats”. Today, let’s talk about Step 4: Managing the Drying and Curing of Finished Parts. As finishers …
Glad you are finding value in the wood finishing troubleshooting cheat sheet I’ve been sharing. Big thanks to Blair L., Dan L., Barry, and Russ for their blog comments last week about, “Step 2: Stain and Topcoat Compatibility,” including… “Keep the advice coming.” “This is timely.” And… “Seriously helped me.” I must admit, it feels …
Last week we covered Step 1 (surface preparation) of my troubleshooting “cheat sheet” to help you quickly identify and avoid most finishing problems. (Thank you to Vern W., Lawrence M., Joe K., Michael A., and Bill K. for your blog comments and kind words.) Today, we’ll move on to Step 2: Stain and Topcoat Compatibility. …
My Wood Finishing Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet: Stain and Topcoat Compatibility Read More »
A couple weeks ago, I shared tips on adjusting for seasonal weather changes to ensure your finishes come out the way you want. (A big thanks to Brian M., Mike L., Larry M., Chris D., Bob M., Jeff S., and Paul K., who shared their comments and kind words!) Of course, there are plenty other …
My Wood Finishing Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet: Surface Prep Read More »
Have you ever wondered why, despite following the same finishing procedures, one spray application comes out perfect…but the very next day the same procedure turns into a dogfight? Here’s a pro finishing tip: It could be the weather causing the problem. You see, most coatings perform predictably within a certain temperature/humidity range, but if you …
Pro Finishing Tip: 3 Ways to Outsmart the Coming Weather Changes Read More »
