The walking stick world of
finishing....
So which is a good finish for walking
sticks, is it Shellac, or Lacquer, or Varnish—Polyurethane.
So
which do you choose how do you go about the process of finish, well
let me explain, these in some detail..
Let's
start first with Shellac will it hold up the answer is no it is to
brittle, it will most likely scuff and scratch real easy, and does
not have long lasting life, and will eventually flake off so that is
out of the question...
What
about Lacquer once again the answer is no to brittle, it will not
hold up to outside weather, and it will easily scuff and scratch.
Although it does have a natural look, just not so good on strength.
What
about Varnish or Polyurethane these are good but they better be
interior—exterior
or they will scuff and scratch real easily.
The
varnish can get confusing real fast, let me help you out with this:
First
of all the most the stuff you find on the shelf is not the greatest
for varnishing a walking stick, because it is so mass produced, this
is my opinion stay away from Minwax Polyurethane, Helmans Spar
Urethane, they look real plasticy looking...
Now
when finishing a walking stick the best one to go with is a good
varnish, I like Arm Seal finish it looks like a Lacquer, but has the
strength of Polyurethane... I Haven't tried the exterior finish yet
but hope to soon...
Now
I hope to soon try a varnish that is called Epifanes, which is more
spendy but well worth the money because it is a high quality varnish
which is for interior—exterior which means it will hold up to
outside weather.
Now
that I have an idea of what kind of finish to put on my wood how do I
do it brush it on or wipe it on the debate can get hot real fast. You
would do well to brush it on.
Did
you know you can thin any varnish with mineral spirits, this is the
secret to making a nice looking walking stick..
How
much do I thin it; at least 60 percent, how many coats do I put on
the walking stick at least 7-9 coats and sand between coats and buff
the last coat.
But
you say my brush is going to get hard, no it won't if you get some
diesel pour some of it into a jar stick a pencil through the hole in
the brush tape it down to two empty juice bottles I will show a
picture of how it is done...
So
now that I have covered the basics oil
based finishes, I will
now talk a little about water based finishes.
Water
based finishes do
not like to be brushed much you have to do long even strokes and
don't take many small strokes...
Some
water based finishes on the market are good I will share some of
them..
Enduro-Var
uses a colored urethane resin which imparts a warm glow to wood that
darkens or ages over time because it's an air oxidizing, air
facilitates the cure. Once cured Enduro-Var produces an incredibly
tough finish that is suitable for any interior application, including
floors. A tough finished combined the ease of water based application
makes this the finish of choice.
Another
is General Finishes Polyurethane& Acrylic Blend are
formulated to resist foaming and prevent sags so they do not run like
ordinary water-based finishes. Tack free dry time is only 15 minutes.
Dry time between coats is 2-4 hours. Polyurethane & Acrylic
blend, PA, is the standard top-coat and is available in a convenient
aerosol can. High Performance Polyurethane, HPP, contains all the
characteristics of the Poly/Acrylic blend, but also has a UV
stabilizer to prevent it from breaking down in sunlight..
It
comes in Flat, Satin, Semi-gloss, and Gloss...
So
I hope this helps you no one finish fits all walking sticks for a
bunch of people this just gives you some options...
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