Gave up a long time ago using brushes , spray gun always , always gives a better finish with no "lines" or "swirls" ... just have to mask off well using brown paper instead (this stuff has no grittiness trapped in it) of newspaper inside around sensitive areas mate
As for the tins of varnish with bits in it , probably "skinning" in the tin and this can be eliminated by straining it through a pair of the missus's brand new stockings (do make sure to reward her for the pilfered stockings though life will be cactus if you don't)

Edit: you can get cheapish electric gun kits from hardware joints

GPA said...

G'day,

Currently doing a full patch 'n' paint whilst on Long Service Leave... When it comes to varnishing, despite best efforts I still seem to get little bits in it...

I am sanding to raw wood (Jarrah), leave till dust settles, damp sponge clean and wait till dry. The room window and door are closed.

Using brand new tin of quality oil based varnish (well stirred) and good $20 new brush, but still seem to get tiny bits in it - and because it's gloss you can see them when it has dried. Have given a light sand between coats, damp wiped and same thing on next coat.

I have tried different brands of varnish and brushes (currently and previous jobs). It's no biggy on the skirting boards, but is a pain the arse frustrating on the window sills etc.

Also wondering best way to clean the brush. I am currently giving vigorous clean in mineral turps - discard for clean turps, do again and wipe excess off on clean rag. Reshape brush bristles and leave in shade to dry. Next day brush is stiff and bristles not 'flowing' nicely when in use.

Thanks

You deserve a medal for your persistence

If you want achieve a DEEP gloss with oil based varnish, use Wattyl Instant Estapol Satin for the first four coats at least.

In good warm and dry painting weather it can be recoated after an hour but no more than 2 hours after painting.

This allows you to build up micron thickness fairly quickly not having to wait 24 hours between coats as with gloss. The satin finish also gives good bonding between coats, reducing delaminating of coats later on.

Allow the initial coats time to cure properly, at least 24 hours but I would go as far as a few days.

Then with wet and dry paper (1200 wet if circumstances allow), lightly sand to a smooth finish.

Select a NEW fine fibred brush (the new synthetic micro fibre blue or brown brushes are excellent) and apply 2 coats of gloss allowing 24 hours between coats.

Between coats, hang the brush in clean turps and flick excess turps out of it before re-using it.

If not re-using the brush soon, as said by others, clean with fresh turps and wash with HOT water and detergent.

If you keep the environment dust free the finish you get will look like it is half an inch DEEP.

I like to add 5-10% turps to the paint and an equal amount of linseed oil.

The linseed oil will cause the paint to take longer to cure but will improve the gloss and give a more abrasion resistant finish.

Happy lakkerin'.

cisco said...
If you want achieve a DEEP gloss with oil based varnish, use Wattyl Instant Estapol Satin for the first four coats at least.

...or...use a clear sanding sealer, 2 coats, sand back & the grain will be filled (in most cases) and will provide a good base for any gloss level. The dust is probably as mentioned coming from your brush or small air bubbles. Thin the lacquer down & apply reasonably thin coats, although it's tempting to put a heavy thick coat on and as mentioned above, spray pots are much easier!