Bubbles in my varnish

[wiggy]

Im using Internationals Goldspar Satin to varnish a windowsill in my Kitchen (well its like a boat ish) Why do I get really small bubbles in the varnish that don't vanish as it dries. I sand back, clean and re-coat for the same thing to re happen.At this rate I'll have a foot thick windowsill. Is it me?

 

[LittleShip]

Sand back, clean to remove any dust, final coat with a foam brush. If you have any OWATROL is a good additive for the final coat!

Join the Classic section for further varishing classes! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Tom

 

[sarabande]

previous thread

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/1976235/an/0/page/1

 

[sailorman]

do you stir it vigorously then not let it settle/ stand to let the bubbles out of the pot.
standing the pot in warm water helps to thin-out the varnish

 

[mikemonty]

Other than waiting for the bubbles to float out of the varnish:
I find (if I've got time to watch paint dry) that blowing vigorously on the fisheyes - even the little ones - as they appear pops them and you end up with a smooth surface - just don't spit by accident!

 

[Lakesailor]

[ QUOTE ]
just don't spit by accident!

[/ QUOTE ] and best not fart whilst you're at it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[mikemonty]

Nah, fartings fine - but if you're the kind of person who can't blow without following through then I don't hold out much hope for an orifice you've got even less control of, and SPECIALLY important you don't try to blow out fisheyes in varnish with your method.

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[wiggy]

I'm glad to see you've completely wandered off course to one of my favourite topics!!! I do stir but then let it settle, Ill try warming next time and see how it goes

 

[srp]

It's the sunlight heating up the window board causing air in the wood to expand as the varnish cures. Tape some newspaper on the outside of the window.

 

[PCUK]

Too much sun often does this. How did it happen this year?

 

[lw395]

The air in the wood should be sealed in by the first coat or two.
The bubbles could be comming from stirring- go slowly with a smooth metal rod or screwdriver, not the porous bits of wood that international sell, or by the action of the brush. Try a softer brush.
Also try varnishing at a lower temperature to give more time for the bubbles to pull out before it skins.
Maybe the varnish is a little old and drying too quickly?

 

[peterb]

You probably already know it, but just in case..............

Make sure that only one side of the brush comes into contact with the sill. You'll often find that bubbles are formed inside the brush, but then make their way out through the concave side of the bent bristles. Don't move the brush backwards and forwards while it is in contact with the sill; move the brush from left to right, lift it, take it back again, lower, and so on.

 

[LittleShip]

I refer my learned gentlemen to my previous post.............

OWATROL

Works for me............... oh never mind! I'll go back to my teak rails ect! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Tom /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[wiggy]

Loads of tips Ive never heard before ill try them all and report back.
Many thanks