Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/13/2007

Question
QUESTION: Dear Eileen:

I am making a grandfather clock from a kit I bought at Emperor Clocks.  Yes, I am - - - for 12 years going on 13.  The first thing I did back then was sand and stain all the wood - it is Cherry and I stained it Cherry.  Then I assembled most of the wood parts and ran into something I didn't know what to do or how to do it.  I laid it down in the garage on a work table and covered it and took a lot of ribbing about it.



I finally got brave again and set myself a deadline to finish that darn clock by the end of August.  With a lot of determination I worked through the problem I had and several other problems along the way.  I'm quite proud of myself now.  I got as far a assembling the clock works in the case (whew!) and my wife chose this time to tell me she wants a high gloss or shine on the wood like you see on professionally made Grandfather clocks.  I'm 82, so I don't think I have another 12 years to set it aside and stew.



The stain I put on seems to have stood up pretty well and I thought all I would have to do is touch up.  But now I wonder if I have to remove the clock works and re-work the wood to give her what she wants.  I am next to positive that I will ruin something if I don't disassemble.  OK, I willing to do that but I don't know how to give her the gloss or shine.  



Yes, I love her and want to see her smile.  Can you help me put a smile on her face and an "atta-boy" from her lips?



Jack

ANSWER: Hello again Jack
Thank you for the nice ratings and comments.
It makes my job worthwhile.
And of course you are correct to want your clock made and finished 100% by you.
It sounds like you have used poly before but the only thing I advise folks on when they use it is a proper brush is a must. The wrong brush can ruin a finish.
I have also of late been having good success with the wipe on polys. Sometimes only for the first couple of coats.
They seem easier to apply and no worries about drips.
Just something else to think about.
I will close by saying I think your wife is a very lucky lady.
Kindest regards
Eileen

Hi Jack
This is one of the nicest letters I have ever received.
Hopefully taking things apart to put a finish on will not be too much of a chore, but I think its best to do so.
Personally I do not think you will need to do any more wood prep but touch up the stain if needed.
And I want you to think about this...have you considered sending the clock case out to have a professionally done high gloss lacquer finish applied?
This is the type of finish your wife admires on professionally made grandfather clocks and this lacquering cannot be done in the home.
The home alternative for this finish is high gloss polyurethane.
If someone asked me to do this for them I would have to refuse as it would be a painstaking process to achieve the look your wife wants on her clock.
If you do not feel you can make the deadline, please consider my suggestion.
Thank you for a wonderful question and making my day.
Kindest Regards
Eileen



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

QUESTION: Dear Eileen:

Um - - - what do you consider a "proper" brush?  

I have a 2 inch Linzer nylon polyester, a 2-1/2 inch Contractor nylon polyester and a 2 inch 200-B Chinese bristle thingy made in Guatemala for Colonial Brush Co.  I also have a sponge-like thing which I don't think will work.  

I obviously don't know what I'm buying or what I already have when I'm buying it.  I also have a comb-like metal device used for helping to clean the brushes.  I am told on one of the brushes that I should wash and rinse with paint thinner (however you do that) and then wash in warm soapy water.  They don't tell me how to get the smell off my hands.

I already over-bought the polyurethane because I forgot I already had 3 cans of it left over from when I bought the clock kit.  But, although they have never been opened, those cans are probably not the ones I should use because they are over 12 years old.  I bought about a pint of it the other day and may be fresher.  I would like to try those cloths you spoke of but I already have enough poly.

I am currently re-staining a board that will not easily be seen - it closes in the top of the clock -  and letting it dry.  I will complete the polyurethane on it before I try the rest of the clock.  And so, back to the original question - are any of my brushes any good?  Too big?  Too small?  Wrong make?

Thank you for your patience.  I am living proof that common sense is not common.

Jack
ANSWER: Hi again Jack
I am as confused as you are about brushes.
But its fairly easy to pick a good one.
You will want about a 2 or 3 inch one for the clock.
Of course look for the brush that clearly states oil base, then pick the expensive one...see how easy that is.
And they will be made from natural fibers
And they last a long time with care.
Here is everything you will ever need to know about choosing the right paint brush.

http://www.house-painting-info.com/paintbrush.html

I rinse my brush well with varsol, then wash with soap and water and hang with bristles pointing down.
The 12 year old poly is no good so discard it.
And the brushes you mention are no good either.
And never use the sponge type with oil paint or poly.
So you've struck out with your brushes and poly Jack LOL
But I know the clock will be beautiful
Keep me posted
Regards
Eileen


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

QUESTION: Dear Eileen:

I'm terribly sorry to keep bothering you.  I have tried every trick in the book on line and called paint stores, Wal Marts (plural), Home Depots (plural), Motorcycle stores but I cannot find Varsol.  I managed to get a picture of it here http://www.getpainting.com/english/clean_up.htm

But that's the closest I could come.

You do know what my question is, don't you - - - where do you get it?  I'm ready to buy a bathtub full.

Have to go before I talk more.  My wife, June, just came in after fixing herself up and said, "Are you ready, sweetheart?"  Which means, it's time to take her out to dinner.  We go out quite a lot to eat because she has had heart surgery and I'm trying to keep her around for as long as I can by trying to make her life easier.  It's what you do in your twilight years - and it is a pleasure, as you will find out some day.

Thank you,
Jack

Answer
Hi again Jack
Never think for a minute that you are bothering me.
And you know something...if you are in the States, you will know varsol by the name of "mineral spirits".
This is my mistake.
I am up in Canada and we call "mineral spirits"  varsol.
I'll bet you know what it is now.
Enjoy your dinner
Kindest Regards
Eileen
PS..I expect a picture of the clock.