Now we move into the realm of varnish. Just as it is with wall and trim paint Not All Varnish is the same. There are so many variations of this finish. The right product used for a given situation will produce a finish that has the wow factor and lasts a long time.
What wood are you working on and how would you like to show the grain? Do you want to keep the grain as is and merely protect the surface? Stain to enhance the grain or really darken to change the whole appearance? How to prep the surface before you stain or varnish? Where will the wood be interior or exterior?
Water Based or Oil Based? Both have their pros and cons. You have to decide the use for the piece you are working on. How comfortable are you with either finish process.
Oil based stain and varnish should only be thinned with 100% Mineral Spirits. Other thinners will cloud the finish. Varsol etc. should only be used in Oil paint.
Which works where?
Sheen: Matte, Satin or Gloss?
These are the questions to address before you begin the project.
Water based stain and varnish should only be used indoors. You need to prepare the surface first. Rub all surfaces down with scotch pad to remove “mill glaze”. The sawdust trapped in the grain after it was sanded at the mill or joinery. If you don’t remove this first the stain or varnish cannot penetrate the grain correctly. Use a fine mist spray bottle and go over the entire area and allow it to dry completely. This will raise the grain and you can sand it down before you apply any coats. Do not get the surface really wet. This is the extra step required with water based verses oil. Failing to do this will leave you with a rougher finish. If you want it smooth and classy, put in the extra work. There are surface prep products to even out the stain colour on soft woods like Pine, Alder, Birch and Maple. Without this step you will get a very uneven look of darker or lighter in areas.
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