Stephanius Posted February 18, 2011 Report Share Posted February 18, 2011 I've just enjoyed Marc's finishing video download, which answered a number of technique questions, but raised other questions. None of the DIY stores here in Belgium carry any of the products used - at least not under the names used in the US. They also tend to list virtues and marketing bla bla instead of ingredients or hard facts. To make matters worse, the product description tends to be in the local language - Flemish or French. I do speak enough Flemish to get around, but French eludes me. I've bought Sadolin Catat Quicktech, which is supposed to be a mat varnish. They do however say on the can not to dilute it and on the website they say to add 10% water. Can anyone here point me in the right direction? What would I buy as Belgian equivalent to Arm-R-Seal and Mineral Spirits? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhl.verona Posted February 18, 2011 Report Share Posted February 18, 2011 I share your problem... None of the DIY stores here in Belgium carry any of the products used - at least not under the names used in the US. They also tend to list virtues and marketing bla bla instead of ingredients or hard facts. Marc seems to have a preference for General Finishes products. They have a UK 'and Europe' website where the Brits can purchase on-line, and they promise European delivery 'soon'. I haven't personally, but if you send them an email, please ask for France and Italy too - there are other European members here who would be interested. To make matters worse, the product description tends to be in the local language - Flemish or French. I do speak enough Flemish to get around, but French eludes me. Ah, the elusive French. I studied the language at school for 10 years, and all I can remember is "my Aunt's pen is on the table". Ain't educashun wonerful? I've bought Sadolin Catat Quicktech, which is supposed to be a mat varnish. They do however say on the can not to dilute it and on the website they say to add 10% water. I think you can add 10% to a water based varnish without problems - though I haven't tried yet, it's on my 'to do' list. It's much thinner than poly anyway, so might wipe 'as is'. Doesn't flow too well though, I didn't tip out (brush again with the brush vertical and only the tip on the surface) so I got a lot of brush marks. I'll wipe next time using 10% distilled water. Mineral or white spirits should translate easily enough - it's acquaragia in Italian. Also in italy we have 'Colorificio' shops - specialising in paints - I usually ask them what and how. Though I usually ask two or three - funny they always promote their own products when they don't 'quite' have what I'm looking for. Prices vary wildly too. The stuff they sell in the italian BORGs has only one advantage - price, I have leaned to stay away from them. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackie Posted February 18, 2011 Report Share Posted February 18, 2011 Look here http://www.rutlands.co.uk/cgi-bin/psProdSrch.cgi?mode=user&transid=&search_text=Arm-R-Seal+&submit=Go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephanius Posted February 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2011 Thank you John, asking a local expert is good advice indeed. I should hit a specialist shop instead of a big box shop. That is awesome, thank you Jackie! Rutlands carries Arm-R-Seal and will deliver to Belgium! Thank you so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig1963 Posted February 19, 2011 Report Share Posted February 19, 2011 I share your problem as well although to a lesser extent. I live in Ireland and at least everything is in English, however Ireland still seems to lack their own suppliers of products like General Finishes. For General Finishes products I tend to find http://www.rutlands.co.uk/ are the best - they stock General Finish products (not the full range regretfully but they do stock Arm-R-Seal amongst others) and they deliver to Belgium and just about everywhere else in Europe. Comes at a cost however as delivery is about £12.50 so bear that in mind. Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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