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Expert: - 12/23/2008


Question
Hello Greg,
I have made a game board as a gift. First I spray-painted the surface with alkyd enamel, then painted the game board and decorative designs with latex and acrylic paints.
I want to protect the surface, but don't know what to use, and I'm wondering if I've created a problem by using both alkyd and water-based paints.
Thanks in advance -
Cynthia

Answer
Hi Cynthia, mixing paints like this is not a great idea, the general rule is to stick with the same paint throughout. I worry mostly about the Latex. Enamels are the right choice, but mixing a soft paint like Latex into the project isn't the best idea. It will probably last ok, but for it to make it to tomorrows Antiques....it's not likely. You could use an Acrylic Urethane to seal your project. These waterborne clears are easy to apply and will not yellow the appearance of your project on application, or over time. Many of the more professional Urethanes are catalyzable, which is a crosslinker that can be added to the finish to increase it's hardness and durability substantially. I like the Absolute coatings Last 'n last line....these do have an available catalyst, and they are easy to apply, and perform well. If you're doing projects like this, even occasionally, it's a good product to know about and have in your arsenal. Even without the added catalyst they are durable, water clear, and a good product. On the site there is a dealer locator, they may have to be told about the catalyst additive, but they should be able to get it for you in a quart can with the little bottle of HC4 catalyst. A little trick I use is to apply these type of finishes with a small pad painter, not the disposable styrofoam ones, as those tend to lose their tiny bristles into your project, but the decent ones that mount to a plastic holder. You can also call Absolute to inquire about their products. Hope that helps- regards- Greg

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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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