How long to wait?

[Rennie Heuer]

I just applied my last coat of Mohawk Rock Hard solvent based varnish to the two dining tables. I'm thinking a wet sand with either mineral spirits or water with some insanely high grit pads will be in order. Just wondering, how long should I wait prior to the sanding? I'm thinking 72 hours. Will the varnish be hard/cured enough at that time?

 

[larry merlau]

if its solvent based will mineral spirts cut the finish? i would use a light soapy solution to that you dont thin the top coat.

 

[Jim DeLaney]

if its solvent based will mineral spirts cut the finish? i would use a light soapy solution to that you dont thin the top coat.

Agree with Larry. Wait at least 72 hours before sanding.

 

[Mike Stafford]

Finish curing is also quite dependent on temperature. Finishes in my neck of the woods cure very quickly during the warmer months and take a long time when it is cool. And I am speaking of curing I am referring to the time when the finish is at its maximum hardness.

 

[Rennie Heuer]

I have used MS as a lube before, never noticed effect on a cured finish, but your point is well taken. Seems logical. My thought was once cured it would be resistant, if not impervious to the solvent, but, better safe than sorry.

 

[glenn bradley]

This is sort of hindsight info . When I am working with a finish I am not real used to I finish a test board at the same time I finish the piece. When the test board gives me nice powdery spoil when I test-sand I am pretty confident that the main piece is ready.

 

[Dave Hawksford]

Easier way to do would be to brush 1st coat on 50/50 2-3 coats , brush the finish out so there is no sagging. Then you can wet sand each coat. Then brush out full coats 2-3
Light wet sanding each day. Finial coat brush and buff the finish. We use a orbital sander with a fine white 3M pad & Comet and Turpentine to buff. Then apply a wax finish

 

[Dave Hawksford]

What did you end up doing Rennie ?

 

[Rennie Heuer]

What did you end up doing Rennie ?

I wet sanded with water with 2000 grit. Was not happy with the sheen and scratch pattern so I went to the auto parts store and picked up some super fine polishing compound. Using a slow speed buffer I applied that then buffed it out by hand. After a couple of coats of wax I had a beautiful, even glossy finish that I was very happy with.

 

[Dan Noren]

I just applied my last coat of Mohawk Rock Hard solvent based varnish to the two dining tables. I'm thinking a wet sand with either mineral spirits or water with some insanely high grit pads will be in order. Just wondering, how long should I wait prior to the sanding? I'm thinking 72 hours. Will the varnish be hard/cured enough at that time?

 

[Rennie Heuer]

View attachment 120240

Wrong you are.

 

[Dave Hawksford]

You basically went to a piano finishing process for gloss. Nice