Loonworks finish?

[pklonowski]

I have a Loonworks canoe in my shop for minor scratches on the gunnels. I'm pretty sure Tom MacKenzie used Epiphanes varnish, and it's a satin finish, but I'm wondering about the specific product he used? Seems there are more than one variety of Epiphanes Satin/Matte. Or, how much does it matter?

Many thanks ahead of time!

 

[MGC]

I am not aware of more than one type? If I use matte I always start with multiple coats of Epifanes gloss and then finish with matte.

 

[pklonowski]

That process sounds familiar.

As for the different products, I think what I'm looking at is all the same product, in different languages. That's not something I've seen before.

Thank you!

 

[MGC]

Loonworks canoes are beautifully finished. You are properly focusing on getting the details right..

 

[pklonowski]

Okay, after several coats of Epifanes Gloss, we put a coat of Epifanes Matte on it. The matte varnish gummed up, lumpy as can be. Is this due to old finishes, or the gloss wasn't dried enough, or other?

We put some matte directly on a piece of ash, and it dried nicely.

 

[MGC]

I've never had a problem like that.
I usually apply 4 or more coats of gloss and finish with matte. I sand between all coats, lightly to give tooth. I usually wait at least a day between coats.

 

[chris pearson]

Did you use their brushing additive?

 

[pklonowski]

No, I wasn't aware of a brushing additive... do you mean the thinner?

 

[MGC]

I'm pretty sure that's what he means..
I have not always used it. I use whatever I have on hand.

 

[pklonowski]

In any case, both the gloss and the matte go onto bare wood very nicely... even the 4 coats of gloss looked nice.

Will let the gloss get good & dry before applying the matte, see what happens.

 

[MGC]

Do you filter/strain your varnish before using it?

 

[chris pearson]

It truly makes a difference to use Epifanes brushing additive to slow the dry time.

 

[Dave Osborn]

I’ve noticed that Epifanes Matte finish sets up rather quickly. Not a lot of time to brush it out or go back for a touch up.

 

[chris pearson]

Yes, brushing thinner. Sorry.

 

[pklonowski]

Okay, we'll get this...