Finishing Questions

Bristol finish Thinner is used to thin the Bristol Finish Traditional Amber line of products if desired. We recommend thinning no more than 10% by volume.

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Yes. As long as the other finish is intact, in good condition and fully cured according to the manufactures instructions. The only exceptions to this are applying over waxes and oil base finishes.

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Adding Tropical Reducer to the Bristol Finish Traditional Amber line of products lengthens the cure time of Bristol Finish allowing it more time to lay out.

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We recommend adding no more than 10% by volume of Tropical Reducer to your working pot.

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Accelerator speeds the cure time of the Bristol Finish Traditional Amber line of products. However, this also decreases the amount of time for the product to lay out to a smooth finish and bubbles to gas off. Accelerator is not recommended for use by inexperienced finishers and is meant for use colder climatic conditions.

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Add 1 cap full of accelerator to 32oz of Part A resin prior to adding catalyst. Stir well ensuring that the accelerator and resin are completely blended. Then add the appropriate amount of catalyst for desire pot size.

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Satin additive is used to reduce the gloss of the Bristol Finish Traditional Amber. Results will vary according to amount of additive used. (Refer to satin instructions.)

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A heat gun and scraper are the most efficient way to remove Bristol Finish, remember to use a scraper that will not gouge the wood. Chemical stripper works as well but you have to deal with the toxic byproduct that comes with using it.

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There are really only 2 ways for this to occur: 1 the catalyst is very old. 2 the catalyst has been exposed to the atmosphere. In either case the catalyst must be replaced. Catalyst has a shelf life.

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Putting the catalyst in the refrigerator has worked for some. The best solution we have found is to use a product Bloxygen that is sprayed into the catalyst before re-sealing the bottle. It is an inert gas that prevents contact with the atmosphere.

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3 – 4 Hours is our general recommended pot life but working conditions will vary based on conditions.

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We do not recommend applying Bristol Finish at temperatures below 45F (7C). The product will be too thick and will not lay out properly to a smooth finish.

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Yes, but we recommend only experienced finishers attempt this type of application.

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Touch the finish with the tip of a finger. It should feel dry but still stick just a little and not leave a fingerprint.

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The contents of a two part kit are flammable. Work in a well ventilated area. Keep away from high heat, sparks, open flames and possible sources of ignition. Wear appropriate safety gear; eye protection, respirator with VOC filters, and gloves.

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In both cases Bristol Finish should be removed. In the case of under mixing it is possible to re-coat with the proper mixture.

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Thin Bristol Finish using our thinner according to the guidelines.

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We recommend thinning Bristol Finish 15% by volume with Bristol Finish Thinner for a first coat on bare wood. A second coat at the same percentage may be applied as well.

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There are many possible reasons you may be getting bubbles. Check out the troubleshooting guide to find the reason.

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This is always a case of contamination either on the surface or in the product. Allow coat to fully cure, sand surface until smooth, clean surface with acetone to remove contamination and re-coat.

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We recommend our Bristol Finish Thinner to clean up of brushes. Acetone is an acceptable alternative to our thinner.

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Other than using a stain, the only method we have heard of, but not yet tried, is to use a slightly more abrasive sandpaper instead of 220. This apparently has the effect of somewhat darkening the finish.

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Yes it can. Make sure the stain has properly cured before applying and always try a test piece to make sure there are no compatibility issues.

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For the Traditional Amber use Bristol Finish Thinner, or acetone.

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We recommend minimum of 72 hours in a good working environment. Working conditions will create variations in the recommended time.

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Yes, you can use a high quality marine or auto wax as a final step.

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First let the sun shine on it. It may dry out and come back. If it does not, let it cure, re-prep and add another coat.

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