High Gloss or Satin for mixing wipe-on varnish?

[Steven Valentine]

I'm making my own wipe-on varnish using Sherwin Williams WoodClassics FastDry Oil Varnish, for my kitchen cabinets. This is the only non-spar varnish that I can find within 30 miles. The end I want to achieve is satin, but if I'm diluting the stuff 50/50, should I use the gloss and rub it out on my last coat, or should I use the satin varnish? Thanks!

[Jim Becker]

Hmmm....best clarity will come from using the gloss for all but the last coat. Rubbing out a whole kitchen is "real work. If you can get both sheens, I'd do the majority of the work with gloss and finish off with the satin, even if mixing your own wiping varnish. (And mixing your own is more economical than buying it pre-mixed)

[Steven Valentine]

Thanks for the reply...I will try to go this route.

[Sal Giambruno]

Hmmm....best clarity will come from using the gloss for all but the last coat. Rubbing out a whole kitchen is "real work. If you can get both sheens, I'd do the majority of the work with gloss and finish off with the satin, even if mixing your own wiping varnish. (And mixing your own is more economical than buying it pre-mixed)

That's what Flexner recommends too. Using the satin in the buildup coats will tend to obscure and diffuse the figure, grain and color of the wood.