Clear Finish Recommendations for Remodel Project

[Pnw painter]

I'm currently in the process of bidding the painting portion of a 2nd story addition and was looking for advice on what finishes to spec for this projects. At this point the client or architect hasn't provided spec's or images of what type of finish they'd like to achieve. The only guidance I've been given is that the following items require a clear finish, although I'm unsure if I'll need to stain or dye them as well.

Here are the items that will be finished: Slab Doors (9), window sills (10), stair handrail

If this was your project what product would you spec?
How would you apply the product? Spray or Brush?
What type of prep you'd do would you spec?

I rarely work with clear finish other than varnishing font doors or small projects that require clear finish. Also, I own a Titan 640 airless sprayer, but if you think I need a different sprayer just let me know.

 

[Scott B.]

Hey PNW

I prefer SW Wood Classics. The satin is my favorite sheen. It sprays and brushes well.

You can read my detailed thoughts on it here:http://topcoatreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/clear.pdf

I don't think I would spray it with the 640 though. I spray it with air assisted or HVLP for best results.

I would spray the doors and handrail, and brush the sills. Prep will depend on whether you are staining.

 

[Pnw painter]

Scott,

Thanks for the recommendation! As usual, your write up about Wood Classics is excellent! As I get more information I'll let you know if the project will involve stains or dye's.

I'm curious if you can offer any advice on Air Assisted Airless sprayers? At the moment I'm typically using SW Waterbased Alkyd Urethane Enamel or BreakThrough for trim packs and cabinets. I've been looking at the Graco Finish Pro II 395 and the Graco Merkur, but I'm not sure which unit makes more sense? Most painters I've been talking didn't recommend purchasing an HVLP for products such as these, not that it can't be done.

 

[tjbnwi]

Do you have a compressor to run the Merkur pump? If so get the 21:1. If not get the 395.

I'm looking at a 21:1.

Tom

 

[Scott B.]

Scott,

Thanks for the recommendation! As usual, your write up about Wood Classics is excellent! As I get more information I'll let you know if the project will involve stains or dye's.

I'm curious if you can offer any advice on Air Assisted Airless sprayers? At the moment I'm typically using SW Waterbased Alkyd Urethane Enamel or BreakThrough for trim packs and cabinets. I've been looking at the Graco Finish Pro II 395 and the Graco Merkur, but I'm not sure which unit makes more sense? Most painters I've been talking didn't recommend purchasing an HVLP for products such as these, not that it can't be done.

Thanks. Glad it is helpful.

I prefer the 395 Finish Pro II over the Merkur. It's just a more practical machine and able to operate at higher pressures if necessary, and also more portable and functional for a broader range of tasks.

You can also HVLP spray the Wood Classics just fine if you are doing smaller scale.

 

[Pnw painter]

@tibnwi and @Scott Burt thanks for the advice on sprayers. At the moment I only have a small compressor that wouldn't be up to the task of running a Merker.

Yesterday I saw craigslist ads for a Kremlin 10/14 with MVX120 gun for $1900 in like new condition for $1900. There was another add for a Merkur 15:1 with G15 gun in like new condition for $1950. Would either of these be worth the invest knowing that I'd also need to purchase a compressor or should I just get a 395?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[tjbnwi]

Get the 395 if you don't have the compressor to run the other units.

Tom