Putting Varnish in the fridge?

[Jamesuk]

Hi,

I have picked up the habit of putting varnish in the fridge before I use it? Is this something you should do or is it just for opened containers?

The varnish coat went on today and was perfect. Done outside too no dust which surprised me but at 6am the boat was still damp from my wash down from the night before 13 knots of breeze so I was pleasantly surprised with the smooth result (Dust free)

cheers

 

[VicS]

Hi,

I have picked up the habit of putting varnish in the fridge before I use it? Is this something you should do or is it just for opened containers?

The varnish coat went on today and was perfect. Done outside too no dust which surprised me but at 6am the boat was still damp from my wash down from the night before 13 knots of breeze so I was pleasantly surprised with the smooth result (Dust free)

cheers

I thought people warmed it before use, not cooled it !

I see a minimum product temperatures of 10 or 15C specified for the International varnishes I've looked at. What does the manufacturers data sheet say for the varnish you are using?

You certainly should not cool it it down too close to the ambient dewpoint.

 

[Jamesuk]

It says 8 degrees. Now of course as soon as the varnish leaves the brush it would have gone through a number of steps for the temperature to have increased for varnishing in hot countries like the one im in.....

Oh I just found the Answer

Answer: We have about the same number of calls from finishers that chill their varnish prior to use and those that warm the varnish prior to use. Both claim that the varnish works better. Go figure. When varnish is heated, it thins out. Generally, a warmer, thinner varnish will flow out better, particularly in a colder temperature. However, keep in mind that the solvent evaporates as the varnish is heated, therefore it may accelerate the drying time to the point of working against you. There is a danger in applying too thick a coat. This could result in wrinkling. This is less likely in a spray application where the coats are normally thinner. Solvent is added so that you can brush it comfortably. Take that away and it may be harder to brush. On the other hand, cooling the varnish may stiffen it to the point of not flowing out well enough but it may give you an edge in hotter climates. We are firm believers in “whatever works”. Everyone has heard how varnish should be “laid on” and not brushed. There is much truth to this. The more that you wave a brush full of varnish around, the more solvent is evaporated and the stiffer the product will become. Varnish is most successful if applied then ignored. Just let the varnish do its thing. As for quantity, on horizontal surfaces, don’t be shy. You can be quite generous without applying too much. Keep the brush wet and reload when it starts to drag. On vertical surfaces there is a fine line between just right and too much. Practice until you get it right. One last point to ponder. Each manufacturer creates a formulation that is just right for whatever they are trying to achieve. Varnishing is 95% technique. Changing the formulation beyond the manufacturers specs. will only weaken the finish ultimately. Spend more time on technique and less on additives, heating or chilling.