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Coloring Finishing And Painting Wood
5. It is important that varnish be kept properly warmed during cold weather. Place the varnish pot on one or two hot bricks, or stand the pot in a vessel of hot water some minutes before the varnishing is started.
6. Do not try to thin or reduce quick-drying varnishes. They do not mix or thin well when cold.
7. "Wipe off all dust from the object to be varnished by the use of a " tack rag'' moistened in very thin varnish just before the varnishing is started.
8. Make sure that all undercoats are properly dried before varnishing.
9. The varnisher should wear dust-free and reasonably clean clothes, or dirt and lint may get into some newly varnished surface.
341. Brush Application of Quick-Drying Varnishes.— There has been a shift to dipping and spraying of varnishes in factories; but, in architectural work and in home shops, varnish is largely applied with a brush. "When fossil-gum varnishes of the old slow-drying type were used, varnishing with a brush was about the easiest of all of the wood-finishing operations. Fig. 26. Now, with synthetic resins incorporated into thinners and solvents somewliat like those used in lacquers, synthetic-resin varnishes of the rapid-drying type require a new and somewhat different technique in application. The new four-hour varnishes spread more like brushing-lacquer or shellac. There is apt to be something of a pull by the varnish instead of an easy, smooth, gliding of the brush. Formerly, cross brushing of large varnished surfaces was frequent; now it is not so common because the varnish often sets too quickly. Do not use cross brushing if the varnish sets or stiffens so quickly that brush marks are left. Fig. 27.
The following suggestions for the brush application of quick-drying varnishes may be of value:
1. Brushes for use in such varnishes should be selected from the soft and thick but chisel type of special varnish brushes. Either oval or flat brushes are satisfactory.
2. Put a new brush into varnish while dry and several minutes before use. Brushes that have been used, and which will be needed frequently, should be kept in a "brush keeper" which contains enough "brush-keeper varnish" to cover the bristles of the suspended brushes.
Linseed-oil and turpentine are not considered good for "keeping" brushes used in some kinds of quick-drying varnish. New brushes are improved by use, if given proper care. Old brushes which have split bristle points are not satisfactory for particular work. It is wise to work a brush into the varnish very thoroly before attempting any particular work.
