Beginners Poly Application/Tack Cloth question

Bill · 2012-07-30T00:26:04+00:00

I just tried poly (Minwax wipe-on) for the first time. I used the tack cloth to remove dust before applying it (I never used a tack rag before either).The tack rag left my fingers sticky enough that I was concerned that it's adhesive may have stuck to the wood and interfered with my finish (as I had to use soap to get it off my hands), but the finish seemed to go on nice enoughQuestion: Can I use the tack rag after sanding between coats without worry of it interferring with my finish?BTW, Mike Marlow: I used a wire as you suggested (and an eye-screw) slung around the end of a 2by4 to keep my project off the ground.For anyone following my "big project", I've got the new switchbox, EMT, AlFLEX, and the drywall replaced. Now I just need to "pretty up" my new drywall on 3 walls. Yesterday I swept-up everything, first time in a long time--it really did made me feel better. Then I bought a roll of 28" wide "contractors paper" to put along the walls (65'). I figured I could mark it off in 20 squares or so (yes, like in Monopoly), number them, and I expect that it would be helpful for QA. Without this, or some other system, I would find the compexity of keeping track of every blemish a bit overwhelming. I myself don't find the process as uniform as what they show in the books! ; ) I guess that comes with time and practice!I'm the kind of person who is not afraid to rip out and re-tape a joint, and when you're like that, the "uniformity in the process" breaks down! ; )Yesterday, my first day with a drywall knife in my hands for almost a year, I quickly re-learned what I regard as the KEY IDEA concerning the application of drywall mud. Know that "good enough" is good enough, especially in the early stages! : ) I remembered the key idea, but I just had to challenge it, which of course just reinforced why it's the key idea! : )Have fun!Bill

Jul 30, 2012 44 Replies

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Michael Joel 13 years ago

That would be silicon oil.

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Larry Jaques 13 years ago

Yes, probably.

-- Another belief of mine: that everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise. -- Margaret Atwood

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Larry Jaques 13 years ago

Possibly oversanded or merely wiped off with rubber glove.

Right, no big.

Precisely. Another wipe-on coat should have hidden it immediately. If not, he might have a contaminant in the finish IF it wasn't there before (and after) the -first- coat.

-- Another belief of mine: that everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise. -- Margaret Atwood

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Bill 13 years ago

No, I tried two further coats (which didn't hide the small "crater"). Very minimal sanding with 1200-grit sanded the blemish perfectly smoothe.

I'm sure I will find the technique" very helpful again.

Jeff Jewitt's book, "Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing" is on my list of books to watch for.

Bill

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Larry Jaques 13 years ago

His _Hand Applied Finishes_ is my bible.

-- Another belief of mine: that everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise. -- Margaret Atwood

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