Finishing Problems & Solutions

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Problem #1 - Hard and soft finish from same batch.
The leading cause of this is an improper mixture, either not mixed thoroughly enough, which gives you the problem of some finish being hard, and right next to it is sticky or soft. Mix the finish long and slow in a container such as a mixing cup. These finishes are so thick they do not mix easily, so again long and slow. Do not mix on a flat surface as you can have some unmixed finish around the edges of the mixture, and you may not be able to tell mixed from unmixed finish

Problem #2 - The finish is soft everywhere.
The main cause of this problem is an improper measurement of the 2 parts. The proportions of 2 part rod finishes is extremely critical, if the mixture is off ever so slightly you will have problems with a tacky surface. The main solution to this problem is to be ever so careful in your measuring of the 2 components. If using the syringes that come with some brands of finishes be extremely careful that the liquid come to the same exact point on both syringes, and that no air bubbles are present inside which can make the difference between a finish that sets up and one that doesn't. If using plastic measuring cups, fill one to the mark at the level you need with water and then pour this into a second cup. Refill the first cup with water to the same mark again and pour into the second cup, checking to see that the mark for double the amount is in the correct place. If it is not, you will need to adjust your measuring of the second component. The best way to measure is to use two measuring cups placed next to each other on a level surface and then filling each to the same level with the two parts. Pour the first cup into the second and mix thoroughly, then pour all of this mixture back into the first cup and continue mixing to get all of the unmixed first part blended into the batch. A final note, finish is relatively inexpensive compared to having to repair a problem, so always mix more finish than you need. The larger the batch of finish being mixed lessens the chance of the mixture being off, it is all a matter of percentages, a teaspoon off in a gallon doesn't make much difference, but a teaspoon in a tablespoon sure does. Speaking of spoons brings up another good way of measuring finish. Purchase a set of stainless steel measuring spoons, and measure out of one spoon into a mixing cup. Wipe the spoon clean with a paper towel, and refill with the second component, filling to the same rounded level as the first component, pour into the mixing cup and mix thoroughly.

Problem #3 - Not enough time to finish all the guides with one batch of finish.
These two part finishes cure by chemical reaction, this creates a tremendous amount of heat, especially when contained within the confines of a small mixing container, this heat causes the finish to set up much faster. The solution is to pour this out onto a flat surface which serves two purposes, it lets the finish spread out which will keep it cooler and give you a longer working time plus it lets the bubbles come to the surface more easily.