socoj2 Posted July 13, 2015 Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 I recently polyed 6 pieces 5 of them had drips runs and a bad case of bubbles. I have to be doing something wrong. i have watched youtube after youtube and cant come up with anything. I want to up my game. Though if i drop $500 on an hvlp system and end up with the same thing i would be pissed. Anybody around Atlanta want to play Teach Jay how to not be a finishing n00b? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted July 13, 2015 Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 Don't shake poly. Stir it in the can. That helps with bubbles. Brush slowly and do not overbrush. The more you brush the same spot, the more air you introduce. This also helps eliminate bubbles. Plan for very thin coats. Do not try to get your desired thickness of finish in one coat. This will help with runs. Grab a scrap and try that much and see where it gets you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatworks Today Posted July 13, 2015 Report Share Posted July 13, 2015 Another consideration in addition to the above suggestions is to maintain a consistent temperature during the dry times. What I mean by this is don't set wet pieces out in the sun thinking that it will make the finish dry faster . What happens is that the wood warms up and gasses off creating bubbles that can get trapped in the finish. This is specific to the initial 1 or 2 coats. After the wood is sealed then it's not as much of a concern. Also, thin coats are key. I typically use a foam brush rather than a bristle as it does a better job of laying down a thin uniform coat. Spraying is great providing the setup and cleaning time is worth it. On small pieces I personally don't bother Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattSC Posted July 16, 2015 Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 A technique i employ is to get it close (meaning shiney but theres still small bubbles) then sand lightly (wet sand preferably) the bubbles out then use a spray on finish. If your looking to up your GAME then just remember small coats then sand with your highest grit... theres nothing wrong with sanding bubblles or runs out... at least ive been there . *Edit: never buy a $600.00 gun if your afraid of getting ripped. The guns can still run. There is still some technique envolved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodger. Posted July 16, 2015 Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 I never brush poly. If you can't spray, try wipe on variety. Much better results. Check out startwoodworking.com - in season three (final episode) pekovitch shows a great, simple, effective way to apply a wipe on poly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted July 16, 2015 Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 Pug, did you mean "startwoodworking.com" ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodger. Posted July 16, 2015 Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 Pug, did you mean "startwoodworking.com" ? Stupid phone - yes. I fixed it - thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted July 16, 2015 Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 I feel your pain. Thumbs and tiny keyboards don't mix well. I have to edit almost every post I make. Hey! I made it through this one without any tupis...Doh! typos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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