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Epifanes PP Varnish Extra
Hi Dan, what is the pot life of mixed PP varnish extra? Do you mix a new batch for each coat or can you continue to use mixed PP for further coats within say an 8 hour period? Am I correct in saying you cannot use PP varnish extra over a 1 part varnish?
I would say it is best to aim to mix the correct amount for each coat (make a note of how much you use for each coat and get this closer as you progress). For very small items I will often mix PP and then apply consecutive coats every hour from the same mix, you can generally do this over a 5-6 hour period but I wouldn't aim to do this for anything other than small items i.e. less than 100ml total mixed.
PP is not advised over single part varnishes.
Does it need to be Sellotape/masking tape tacky between each coat?
I notice that the PP stops becoming this after only a very quick amount of time (about half an hour in UK temps).
No it doesn't need to be tacky, at anything up to 48hrs you will still get a chemical bond between coats.
Super, thank you.
Also, for external solid teak, would it be better to use this underneath Woodfinish Gloss, or would it actually be better not to use this underneath so that the wood can breathe?
Although on one video, you mention that you can only have a maximum of 5 coats if you want the wood to breathe, but need over 7 for UV protection.
I kind of want both...I think. 🤔
It is certainly useable for teak, just bear in mind that you are going to lose that breathability though. If that's the case there is little point in finishing off with woodfinish, I'd just go with the traditional clear gloss from there on.
Well the teak will be outside, so I'm going to need sufficient coats to protect against UV, which sounds like I will lose breathability anyway.
I suppose this leads on to another question; when do I need breathability, and when do I not?
I suppose the advantage of Woodfinish Gloss is the ability to recoat without sanding, which I will need to do with the Clear Gloss.
Thanks again.
I wouldn't worry too much about maintaining breathability. I'd say to aim for this only in an application where the wood is working quite a lot; heavy traffic, and big fluctuations in environment etc. Scenarios where you'd generally be expecting to re varnish it every 6 months to a year anyway. The sort of scenario where oil would generally be used instead but you'd pick this if you wanted a gloss finish as an alternative.
Yes woodfinish does have the benefit of more flexible application 👍
Perfect, thanks!
All being well I'll see you at Southampton!