jello?

Re: jello?

bill Crommett in seneca

>Gary: An old sailors trick is to take a big breath, hold it for a while, then expell the air that has been unused in the mouth and trachea, then blow the stale (de-oxygenated) air into the can and quickly close the lid. This uses carbon dioxide to displace the oxygen that will cause the polymerization or gelling of the drying finishes. Anything else that will displace oxygen helps, including lots of marbles to take up space; Bloxygen; Propane, and other dangerous practices.

Re: jello?

Bob Way

>Watco seems to maintain itself pretty well. Then again, I use small amounts and usually purchase it in quart cans. I do have one can about 1/3 full that has been sitting on the shelf for about a year now, and it appears "normal."

Re: jello?

RevDoug

>You can also store the can upside down.

Turn 'em round,

RevDoug

Re: jello?

Carole in VA

>My Watco seems to hold up pretty well, but I can't say the same for Minwax Antique Oil. That stuff turns into a glob.

Re: jello?

Craig Daymon

>I agree with the others that Watco's tends to hold up pretty well. Can't say the same for Waterlox.

Another trick is to drop marbles in the can to raise the level and remove the oxygen that a not-full can would have.

-Craig

Re: jello?

Dick Hines

>Dn't try this with a gallon can. After a while you will not be able to lift the can to pore the Watco out.

My answer to the proublem is turn lost of things and cover every thing with Wacto.

Re: jello?

GaryG in MD

>I had to think about this one for a minute, but I get it -- the skin forms on the bottom. Smart. I'll do that in the future -- I've been known to punch through the skin in a can of paint with a screwdriver. Your simple approach avoids that.

My concern in this case, from what I've heard, is that some products don't just skin over; the whole can gels.

From what I'm hearing, Watco doesn't do that, which is good.

Thanks for the thought. ...Gary

Re: jello?

GaryG in MD

>I like it -- except you have to get the cap on before you black out! ;-)

People with nitrogen or argon wine savers can do double duty, too.

I knew I should have kept my marble collection.

Thanks for the input. ...Gary

Re: jello?

GaryG in MD

>This is good news. It's just the info I wanted to hear. Thanks. ...Gary

Re: jello?

GaryG in MD

>Yeah, I remember the same thing happening with the Minwax some years back. Thanks. ...Gary

Re: jello?

GaryG in MD

>It may be the Waterlox I heard about. (Turners around here use a lot of Watco & Waterlox.)

I got a can of Minwax Tung Oil Finish (MTOF) at HD to try out, and I like it (other than the stink). The degree of shine is easily controllable because it increases nicely with the number of coats.

Would anyone care to weigh in on the relative merits of Waterlox vs. MTOF?

Thanks. ...Gary

Re: jello?

Ed in No.VA

>I use mostly MTOF have used waterlox and like it. But there is the problem of short shelf life on open cans. I have used watco but it takes more time to dry and I can't wait.

Re: jello?

Duane C.Leach

>The finish I have been using is called Formbys. It can be found at many hardware and paint stores. It's is some kind of tung oil varnish blend. It comes in a plastic container. By squezzing all air out after each use then screw the cap on. it lasts manny times longer

Having fun in the shop sniffing fumes.

Duane

Re: jello?

GaryG in MD

>Now that's a great packaging idea. I'll have to check it out. Thanks. ...Gary

Re: jello?

GaryG in MD

>Hi Ed,

Thanks for the support re MTOF. I don't have much experience, and the fact that it seems to be working for me is a point in its favor. My can isn't getting low yet, but I haven't seen any signs of thickening.

I'd guess you're in CAW -- so am I. Maybe we can chat at the next meeting if you attend. As you probably know, people like Don Riggs use Waterlox on top of Watco and then Beale buff. It's a lot of work, but the proof is in the finish -- Don's bowls always stand out. My eyes are drawn to them like magnets. I think I'll post the question again because this link is pretty well buried now.

Hope to CU, Gary

Re: jello?

Russ Fairfield

>If it is an oil finish that cures by polymerization, either naturally or forced with drying agents, it will have a shelf life. The only difference is that some oils will last longer than others, and some oils are already older when you open the can for the first time. Opening the can and letting in the air (oxygen) will make it happen faster.

The naturally drying oils will always have a shorter shelf life than those that are forced through the use of drying agents. Watco is one of the later.