[TheForge] Clear finish

[Andrew Vida]

James Binnion wrote:
> 
> On Jul 19, 2008, at 6:22 PM, Peter Fels & Phoebe Palmer wrote:
> 
>> Depending on the humidity and temperature, a good quality urethane 
>> will cover most finishing sins...pf
>>
>>
> 
> For a while. The problem with virtually all paints, lacquers, and other 
> synthetic finishes is they are damn picky about surface preparation and 
> cleanliness. If it is not clean, dry, bare metal the likelihood of 
> having areas that are not well bonded and prone to lifting is nearing 
> certainty. 

	I have to agree with Jim on this point.  Waxes/linseed oil is the only 
finish that I really like for ironwork.  Powder coating can be very good 
from the practicality standpoint, but I think it is pretty cheesy and 
don't like on that basis.  Beeswax with linseed oil, cut with some 
turpentine seems to be a really good interior finish for all the reasons 
Jim stated earlier.  One day I may try tung oil, which is a good wood 
finish but one that I have avoided because it is SO nasty on the hands. 
  When it starts polymerizing, and it does that rapidly, it becomes 
impossibly sticky and is difficult to get off... unless you don't mind 
bathing in thinner, which I suppose a blacksmith shouldn't. :)

	-Andy

You made them strong.
Bush Makes them Army dead.