Varnishing a counter

[Newapprentice]

I've been asked to varnish the counter in a local shop.

It's a very light colour, maybe just a clear varnish was applied years ago.

What is the best way to bring this back to life please?

 

[TheDec]

Advice is difficult to give based only on a may'be, so i'm going to assume that you speak of a light timber {perhaps beech} that has had a clear varnish applied and consequently has worn after time.

If the coating seems to be in good health abrade lightly with 240 grit, dust and damp wipe off and re-varnish.

If however there is an apparent breakdown, you will need to lower your grit to achieve uniformity reverting back to 240 before finishing. slightly easing the first coat with either spirit or water depending on whether your product is oil/solvent borne or waterbased.

Dec.

 

[Newapprentice]

Untitled

• Newapprentice
• 22 Aug 2010
• 1

Thanks TheDec.

Here's a picture, would you say this is Beach that was treated with a clear varnish?

Is there a certain brand I should chose, should I use Polyurathane, or solvent based or whatever?

Many thanks.

 

[TheDec]

I am going to keep an open mind regarding the timber, i'm no carpenter.
The coating could be the result of numerous coats of clear varnish as each coat will slightly darken the timber.

Or perhaps an antique pine, difficult to say. You should sand off the existing varnish and start from scratch, polyurethane would be ok just thin your first coat a little to give better penetration. In these situations it is often a good idea to do a test area to determine the finish.

Dec.

 

[Newapprentice]

Thanks TheDec.

How much should I thin the first coat; 10%? and with what?

I think I'll go with clear varnish, how many coats would be normal; 3 , 4, 5?

 

[TheDec]

You will find the advice with regard to thinning on your product, 3 coats should be fine.

Dec.