* To Use Rubbing Varnish *

Using a good quality brush, first coat should be thinned approximately 1 part paint thinner to 10 parts rubbing varnish. Second and third coats, if desired, are not thinned.

Three-Stroke Method:

1st: Start frorn the edge and brush just past the center, going with the grain. Then starting from opposite edge, brush varnish and overlap previous stroke.

2nd: Remove excess varnish from brush using stroke wire or edge of varnish container. Then LIGHTLY brush against the grain, overlapping strokes over area where varnish was just applied. Remove excess varnish from brush as you go

3rd: Once again, remove eEcess varnish from brush. Going from end to end, with the grain, VERY lightly stroke over the work.

This step is called "tipping", and as suggested, brush should barely make contact.

Tips and Hints for Rubbing Varnish Application:

* When doing larqe projects,try to do small sections at a time.

* Use 1, 2, or 3 coats of varnish. 3 coats give more opportunity to level the grain.

* Never water-sand first coat.

* If applying 1 coat only, just a light pumice-rub is necessary.

* If applying 2 coats only, you may water-sand lightly with 600 wet/dry sandpaper, then purnice-rub, followed by rottenstone-rub.

* If applying 3 coats, we prefer not to do any sanding or rubbing between coats 1 and 2. We build up a reasonable amount of varnish to allow more sanding before running the risk of break-through. Between coats 2 and 3 we water-sand, starting with 320 w/d sandpaper, and finishing with 400 or 600. The 2nd coat need not be polished free of all scuffs. Then we apply 3rd coat and polish with medium to fine pumice-rub, then ultra-fine rottenstone-rub.

* When sanding, use heavy felt block to back paper. (block-sanding)

* If you use coarse-grit sandpaper or coarse pumice on your final coat, you will require a great deal more rubbing as you proceed to finer grade materials.

* Heavy coats of varnish greatly increases the chance of unsightly runs. Inspect work frequently within the first 1/2 hour of application to cheek for runs. The sooner you catch the run, the better you can "tip it out".

Application of decal: When cabinet finish is complete, before any wax or oil is introduced to the surface, apply decal. Then on that panel only, we repeat the last coat of varnish.

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