Hi Jim,
Here's a link to a product called Crystalac that was recommended to me. I found it to be very impressive with the clearest, hardest finish I've ever seen. Since you're experimenting a bit, check it out.
Jim -
Thanks. But that is exactly what I am not trying to do - experiment. I need a system that is fast, extremely reliable and allows me to have consistantly superior results in the shortest possible time. I found it.
This system was recommended to me by two separate individuals. The first is a high-end custom furniture builder (want a $40,000 entertainment center or an $80,000 library unit?). The other is a projessional finisher who does work for scores of local cabinet builders.
The system, by ICA of Italy, featuers a wide range of finishing materials. I am using a high-build sealer that allows me to shoot coats every 45 mintues until the grain is completely filled. The next day it sands out like butter and allows me to apply any topcoat I desire. Plus, it is crstal clear, impervious to water, will not yellow and is extremely hard.
The top of their line is a polyester. This is undoubtedly the finest finishing material available today. You can rub it out to an incredible gloss (again and again if you want to re-new the finish), it is crystal clear and is one of the hardest finishes there is. But it is very dangerous to use. Mix the three components out of order and you may not live to tell about it - it explodes big time!
In short, I have been looking for a better finishing system for some time now (thought I had a pretty good one to begin with). But I can't see any reason to look further. This system has what I was looking for.
- Jim