Expert: Greg Scholl - 8/10/2010

Question
QUESTION: The old oak front frame and drawer fronts have been sanded and I am interested
in a high gloss white finish...I have tried the gloss Rustoleum white spray
products with dull results and now with the Rustoleum white high gloss lacquer
spray..same results after numerous coats with a wet sand in between...what am I
missing???

ANSWER: Dull? If you're using a gloss product, shaking it well before and during use, you should end up with a gloss finish...it's likely your technique then....you need to apply a thick enough coat to allow for the finish to flow out properly...and there's a fine line between just enough and too much where you can have pooling, drips, sags.....what grit did you sand to?Did you use a primer?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I used a 600 vey fine wet sand paper and the wood was primed with a spray rustoleum primer product....I will try a thicker application???....thanks...would a oil based alykd paint brushed on produce a more predictable result??

Answer
No, spraying is the way to the best, smoothest, finish, but it does take some technique to do right.(of course you can get a decent finish with an oil, like Ben-Moore Impervo, but spraying is better)You have to make sure the primer coat is 'glass' smooth as well.When sanding down an old finish, it's important to not sand it too smooth, (say 324-400), to make sure you have good adhesion to the old finish, as well. In between topcoats, you can use 600 if needed. Let your hands be your guide....if it's smooth to the touch, then it's smooth....but yes, proper application is the key....as I said, you have to apply enough material to form an even, uniform, film of finish, to allow it to flow out properly and dry smooth....there's a fine line between not enough and too much of a wet film when spraying...the perfect wet film takes some time to perfect.....and I have done this hundreds of times with aerosol cans, so it's got to be your technique if you're not getting a smooth, professional result. Make sure also, to finish in a dust free, still environment, and as each component is sprayed, remove it from the area so as not to get any over spray from the next piece on it.Use a tack rag right before spraying to make absolutely sure you're spraying on a dust free, clean surface.Hope that helps- Greg