Finish Product

[Gary Puckett]

I am thinking about trying a water base stain, top coat and hopfully a paint ( not latex).

I have been hearing alot about Becker, I would like to know your thoughts and choises on this subject.

Thanks
Gary

[Kerry Fullington]

Gary,

I tried waterborne stains and didn't like them. I may give them another shot sometime though. I have been using dyes a lot and a combination of dies and solvent based wiping stains. I use nothing but waterborne for my topcoats.
I use Oxford waterborne lacquer and sanding sealers as well as their polyurethanes. Their flat lacquer is great, it gives the look of hand rubbed finish.

They have a waterborne pre-catalyzed conversion varnish. I am going to give it a try. As well as a waterborne varnish that produces the same "ambering effect" as an old solvent based varnish.

This is truly great stuff but there is a learning curve. It sprays a little different to solvent based and you must get used to it.

HERE is a link to Target Coatings to get info on these products. They also have a great forum to ask questions on their finishes.

Kerry

[Gary Puckett]

Kerry,

Is the reason you didn't like the stains, is that on large pieces it was hard to avoid lap marks because it drys so fast?

Gary

[Peter Walsh]

Gary,
Since I live in the desert with a VERY dry climate I can testify that water based stains and glazes can be tough work to apply. You must move VERY quickly to get the shading you desire or it dries. I have only used water based glazes and frankly while it makes the next finishing step happen faster, it is way too much stress to apply for me.
I am with Kerry, I am sticking with solvent based stains and glazes, but in a more humid climate it may be suitable. I do use water based polyurethane with very nice results though.
regards,

[Kerry Fullington]

Gary,

Yes the overlaps were a problem with the waterborne stains. (even while spraying) You also don't seem to have as much control over the stain. I like to play with the solvent base. wiping more or less, dry brushing highlights etc. it seems harder to do with waterborne.

Kerry

[Gary Puckett]

Thanks for all your input.

Gary