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Oils and Varnishes Over Deft??

FINISHING SECRETS… No. 8

I am often asked two questions,

"How can I use a varnish or oil finish without getting a blotchy

appearance, dark spots, and yellowing?"

"Why do you always use Deft® before applying a varnish finish?"

The simple answer is that the second question is the answer to the first.

About Oils and Varnish Finishes

I like the durability, ease of application, feel, and appearance of oil and varnish finishes.

But, there are many problems associated with oil finishes on turned wood -

uneven color

orange color

blotching, a  darker coloration of end grain and soft areas.

All of these problems are caused by the different amounts of finish that are absorbed into end-grain, flat-grain, and softer wood.

Many finishers advocate using a thin coat of shellac or commercial sanding sealers to prevent these problems. I prefer to use Deft® because it hardens and seals the wood and accents the grain without discoloring the wood or leaving it with the muddy appearance that we get from sealers containing fillers.

Any of the commercial or homebrew varnishes and oils can be used over Deft. The wiping varnish that I prefer is the home-brew blend that was described in the Secret No 7 of this series.

Applying the Deft® and varnish finish

How I do it

This similar to the Deft® finish described in Finishing Secrets No.5 , but modified to include an application of an oil or varnish finish. 

1Sand through 400-grit or finer.

2Apply a thick sloppy coat of Deft straight from the can. 

3Let it sit for no more than 30-seconds (less if it dries faster).

4Wipe it all off. Change towels frequently.

5Buff the surface with a paper towel until it is dry to the touch.

  Change towels frequently.

6Cut it back with 0000-steel wool.

7Immediately apply a coat of the wiping varnish.

8Wipe it dry after the varnish becomes tacky.

9Wait until the next day.

10    Cut the surface film back with 0000-steel wool.

Repeat Steps 7, 8, 9, and 10 several times until the surface develops a gloss.

Then repeat one more time, but omit step 10. It is finished.