Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Spraying varnish

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Clifton Springs New York
    Posts
    77

    Spraying varnish

    Hello all,
    Anyone ever use a regular automotive type spray gun to sray varnish?
    I'm just finishing up a sliegh bed i've been making for my nephew and would like to try something differant. I usually do the wipe on Poly thing which for what I do works OK, but is very hard on larger projects. Im putting a coat of BLO on first, let it dry, then spray a couple of coats of Varnish. Does this sound doable with a Sharp's auto type spray gun?

    Thanks,
    Jim Knauss, Sawmill Creek's poor cousin
    PS Here's a Pic of progress so far ( hopefully )
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Jim,

    I am "Finish Challenged" so I'll just wait to see everyone else's answers. But I love the bed!! Very cool.
    ~john
    "There's nothing wrong with Quiet" ` Jeremiah Johnson

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Houston, Texas
    Posts
    1,578
    I've never tried it but everything I have read on the subject says NO. I would recommend spraying a coat of shellac (blond dewaxed) over the BLO then several coats of laquer.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    SE PA - Central Bucks County
    Posts
    65,675
    Most folks do not recommend spraying varnish. Not because you'll get a bad finish because with a properly adjusted gun and good technique you can get a very nice finish. The problem is that varnish dries very slowly in the scope of things and you'll end up with a sticky mess ALL OVER from any and all overspray. The best finishes to spray are those that dry/cure quickly...NC lacquer (with proper environmentals and personal protection and not anywhere IN your house), water-bourne acrylic products, shellac, etc.

    If you want to use varnish on your project, stick with wiping or brushing. IMHO.
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Philadelphia, Pa
    Posts
    2,266
    While I am not certain, I think that the only varnish that is commonly sprayed is conversion varnish. This is a two part varnish that dries quickly and is among the most durable of finishes. I believe that it is typically the finish on a factory produced kitchen cabinet, including as a clear coat over paint. I do not spray it, but have had it done at a finishing shop for a job or two that seemed to require this durability. I think it has to be mixed quite carefully, and that clean up is a PITA.
    Alan Turner
    Philadelphia Furniture Workshop

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Clifton Springs New York
    Posts
    77

    Thanks for the replies.

    I'll try lacquer then, instead of varnish. Thanks again for the help, almost pulled a boo-boo

    Jim Knauss

Similar Threads

  1. To varnish or not to varnish.......
    By Josh Goldsmith in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 04-04-2005, 9:25 AM
  2. How do I eliminate varnish odor.
    By Ralph Barhorst in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 06-25-2004, 7:26 PM
  3. Spraying lacquer with an electric sprayer
    By Brian Knop in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 12-05-2003, 8:33 PM
  4. Question on tung oil/varnish finishing
    By Perry Schmidt in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 11-14-2003, 1:06 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •