Now, there's an educated reply. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Rick.
I just recently finished "varnishing" my empennage with Minwax's Spar
Urethane. I noticed that the can had a note indicating that the product was
"improved", and was now quicker drying. That obviously means that the
formulation has been changed. What it doesn't say is whether the newest
"improvement" results in a more durable finish (the sticker on the lid of
the can did not claim it to be more durable, so I doubt that it is). I
recall postings from a few years ago that implied that hardware store
urethanes are much less impervious to solvents if one attempts to cover soon
after sealing, as the finish has not fully cured. As I recall, it was
suggested that the urethane be allowed to cure for at least a month before
applying solvent-based adhesives (hope my memory is working).
I have recently been thinking that the Stewart's water-based adhesives sound
like a good idea, and may be the route I take when I get to that stage of
building, and I read recently that Kitplanes magazine is planning to publish
an in-depth review of the products. From what I have read, the Stewart's
products work as well as, if not better than the traditional systems. The
disadvantage, at this point, is the relative newness of the system, and the
lack of a long-term proven track record.
I have no doubt that, with the way things have been going, practically all
solvent-based products will become increasingly more rare, if not banned
outright. Some may say that the traditional finishes will never be replaced,
but I can recall just a few years ago, hearing many people say that they
would never be able to restrict cigarette smoking. Same story with leaded
gasoline. Change is coming, like it or not. The good thing is that someone
is working on solutions now.
Bill C.
_____
From: owner-pietenpol-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-pietenpol-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Richard
Schreiber
Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 11:33 AM
To: pietenpol-list
Subject: Varnishing Wood
I have been reading the posts recently on varnishing wood with interest and
would like to add my 2 cents to the discussion. First a little history. I
have worked in the coatings industry for over 35 years serving as a
Technical Director for various paint companies supplying coatings to the
international market. I now own my own paint company supplying high
performance coatings to the firearms industry.
The formulations ... .
Rick Schreiber
Valparaiso, IN
