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Project Difficulty:
Moderate
Estimated
Project Time: Varies with size and drying time
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| Tools and Materials: |
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Water-based finish
Tack cloth
Work gloves
Synthetic bristle brush
Clean cloths
220-grit sandpaper or #0000 steel wool
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Nowadays, you can find water-based finishes that are as easy to apply as their solvent-based counterparts. Part of the charm of these finishes is that they are environmentally friendly, nonflammable, easy to clean up with water, and don't have a strong solvent odor. Plus, they dry faster than most oil-based finishes and they also don't yellow with age as do oil-based types.
However, water-based finishes have a few disadvantages, depending on the brand and type of finish, the temperature and humidity, and the type of wood you are applying them to and how it is prepared. Water-based finishes may raise wood grain and are likely to show pronounced brush marks. They are less resistant to heat, less durable, and more prone to bubbling than solvent-based finishes. And if your goal is to give a project a "warm" look, water-based finishes are not a good choice because, unlike oil-based finishes, they are virtually colorless.
If you do choose a water-based finish, keep in mind that weather conditions are critical to achieving good results. Work in conditions as close as possible to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 percent humidity. Use a synthetic bristle brush and don't over-brush the surface or you'll just make more bubbles. The best procedure is to apply a level coat of finish in as few passes as possible. It also helps to keep each coat as thin as possible because thinner bubbles will pop more easily than thicker ones. Other than this, brushing a water-based finish is similar to brushing shellac. Brush in the direction of the wood grain because you won't have much time to tip off your brush strokes once they've been applied. Apply each stroke rapidly, overlapping the previous stroke while it is still wet.
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1.
Prepare Wood
Before applying, prepare and stain wood as necessary. Then, using a tack cloth, wipe the surfaces, removing all traces of dust.
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2.
Apply First Coat
Using a synthetic bristle brush, lay down a thin, level coat in as few passes as possible, and in the direction of the wood grain. Work quickly, overlapping strokes before the previous one dries.
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3.
Wipe Off Excess
Allow the finish to soak in and penetrate the wood for the amount of time noted on package label, and then use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess.
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4.
Smooth Surface
Allow the surface to dry. When dry, lightly sand or steel wool the surface, using 220-grit sandpaper or #0000 steel wool, and then use a tack cloth (Fig. 1) to remove all dust before applying the next coat.
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5.
Repeat Steps
Repeat Steps 2 through 4, applying as many coats as necessary to achieve the desired finish. Sand each coat except the last one.
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