JCLP
Member
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2013
- Messages
- 955
I'm always thinking of new ways of applying paint and finishes by hand to achieve near spray quality without spraying. My latest experiment was with a piece of scrap hard maple that has some knicks where the knot was so it turned into scrap. Using all General Finishes products, here is what I did.
1) Applied General Finishes oil based Java stained then wipe off and waited 24 hours
2) Applied General Finishes water based Expresso then wipe off excess and waited 24 hours
3) Applied Arm-R-Seal satin with a lint free rag and waited 8 hours. Applied 2 coats. No sanding in between coats
Now for the finish coat. We all know that when we use a sponge brush we end up having streaks from the foam and pray that they will level out to a smooth finish. I have tried many ways of applying the finish coat and have never been happy with the results, until NOW.
I took a foam brush, I only use the Lee Valley ones as they immulate the stiffness of a good bristle brush, and cut off approx. 1/16" - 1/8" off the end to get a square end. I applied the 2 final coats with no sanding in between and voila, a smooth finish. When there are no streaks, the self-levelling of Arm-R Seal is near perfect.
Hopefully the photos below illustrate what I have done.
Thought I would share with you.
Cheers,
JC
1) Applied General Finishes oil based Java stained then wipe off and waited 24 hours
2) Applied General Finishes water based Expresso then wipe off excess and waited 24 hours
3) Applied Arm-R-Seal satin with a lint free rag and waited 8 hours. Applied 2 coats. No sanding in between coats
Now for the finish coat. We all know that when we use a sponge brush we end up having streaks from the foam and pray that they will level out to a smooth finish. I have tried many ways of applying the finish coat and have never been happy with the results, until NOW.
I took a foam brush, I only use the Lee Valley ones as they immulate the stiffness of a good bristle brush, and cut off approx. 1/16" - 1/8" off the end to get a square end. I applied the 2 final coats with no sanding in between and voila, a smooth finish. When there are no streaks, the self-levelling of Arm-R Seal is near perfect.
Hopefully the photos below illustrate what I have done.
Thought I would share with you.
Cheers,
JC
and it does make a difference. Now, I can lay down some varnish that looks like glass without too much effort, keeping dust out is my biggest problem, but not too bad.