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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: snag on June 30, 2009, 04:43:00 PM

Title: PolyCoat or Conversion Varnish?
Post by: snag on June 30, 2009, 04:43:00 PM

I know a furniture refinisher who is extremely knowledgeable about finishes. He recommended these two finishes for my bow. He said the Polycoat is flexible, durable and will withstand all the elements. There is a catalyst with it...it is an epoxy urethane. He said the Conversion Varnish is tough stuff also. He refinished our kitchen cabinets with this and it is tough. You can set a glass of water on a window sill and no ring! Have you used either one of these finishes?

Title: Re: PolyCoat or Conversion Varnish?
Post by: bjhaug on June 30, 2009, 09:07:00 PM

Never heard of Polycoat.  We use all conversion varnish on our cabinets as well - good stuff.  Polycoat will probably be harder because conversion varnish, like all varnishes is considered to be a "soft" finish.

Title: Re: PolyCoat or Conversion Varnish?
Post by: snag on June 30, 2009, 11:27:00 PM

I think I'll try some test strips of wood and see how this PolyCoat does.

Title: Re: PolyCoat or Conversion Varnish?
Post by: Tom Leemans on July 09, 2009, 09:00:00 AM

Ask Wingnut about the conversion varnish. I believe he was using it, then stopped using it. I can't remember why.

Title: Re: PolyCoat or Conversion Varnish?
Post by: snag on July 09, 2009, 11:55:00 AM

Thanks Tom, will do.  We sprayed the first coat on last night and another one this morning. The conversion varnish with the catalyst is a good finish. Probably not the hardest finish out there. But it will cover over all exotic woods that are oily or difficult. I may go over it with Tru-Oil too.