Okay, I checked the archives, but no luck. I bought a quart can of exterior varnish in preparation for the brightwork refinishing and for the new companionway hatch boards that I am in the process of making. I have finished the coats on the tiller and the winch pads, but it may be a few weeks before I get to the handrails and the hatch boards (they are still a pile of pre-cut boards). Now my problem - I can't seem to get the can to seal back tightly (I don't have problems with paint cans, but this one just won't seal). I opened it up after a day, and a thin skin was forming on the top of the varnish. Anyway, I ended up mangling the lid, and had to transfer the varnish to an acrylic bottle, which I then covered with dark tape to block all light from entering. The lid makes a really tight seal, but I noticed a skin forming on the top again (not totally unexpected, since there is air in the bottle). How much will the varnish thicken over time with a decent air-tight seal? Or should I only buy 1/2 pint cans, unless I plan to do all my neighbors' brightwork as well? Is there a trick to getting the can lid to seal better (for next time)? Thanks, David
How to keep unused Varnish
- Thread starter David J.11350
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Re: How to keep old varnish
I have gone to a paint store and bought new paint cans, which are pretty cheap. Michael
I have gone to a paint store and bought new paint cans, which are pretty cheap. Michael
A couple of ideas
Any air in the can will cause the varnish to skin. You can get a new can from paint store but after you put the varnish in add marbles to bring the level up to the rim. The solution I use is to store the left over varnish in a commpressiable container made for photo chemicals. You can get them at any good camera store. There are also products made to sray into the can to block out the air but they are much more expensive. Good luck!
Any air in the can will cause the varnish to skin. You can get a new can from paint store but after you put the varnish in add marbles to bring the level up to the rim. The solution I use is to store the left over varnish in a commpressiable container made for photo chemicals. You can get them at any good camera store. There are also products made to sray into the can to block out the air but they are much more expensive. Good luck!
Paint cans
Making the assumption the lid is on tight, turn the can upside down to store. This limits any additional intrusion of air.
Making the assumption the lid is on tight, turn the can upside down to store. This limits any additional intrusion of air.
"Poly Purge"
I Have a can of Polytek brand dry gas blanket. Don't remember where I got it, works well on varnish and glue.
I Have a can of Polytek brand dry gas blanket. Don't remember where I got it, works well on varnish and glue.
prevent varnish or paint skinning
Some may not like my suggestion, but it works. Mr. Fisher is right, it's the air in the container that causes the skinning over. You can eliminate the air by shooting about 1-2 seconds worth of UNLIT propane into the top of the container from your common propane torch. The propane is heavier than air and will displace the air. Immediately seal the container (aluminum foil and a rubber band will work if you can't use the lid) and you should see little or no skinning of the varnish.
Some may not like my suggestion, but it works. Mr. Fisher is right, it's the air in the container that causes the skinning over. You can eliminate the air by shooting about 1-2 seconds worth of UNLIT propane into the top of the container from your common propane torch. The propane is heavier than air and will displace the air. Immediately seal the container (aluminum foil and a rubber band will work if you can't use the lid) and you should see little or no skinning of the varnish.
abe
try using plastic bag or plastic wrap cut to size of can, lay plastic gently on of varnish, paint. to remove just lift and let acess drip into can.
try using plastic bag or plastic wrap cut to size of can, lay plastic gently on of varnish, paint. to remove just lift and let acess drip into can.
Paint/varnish skin
If the paint or vanish is oil based, and you don't want them develope a skin, pour in a small amount of paint thinner (just enough to cover the paint/varnish) and you won't have a problem, simply mix in when you next use your varnish.
If the paint or vanish is oil based, and you don't want them develope a skin, pour in a small amount of paint thinner (just enough to cover the paint/varnish) and you won't have a problem, simply mix in when you next use your varnish.
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