I've tried Pettit High Build, Epifanes, and Schooner 96 (by Interlux) lately and I can't seem to keep the bubbles out of the Pettit and Epifanes. It's been sort of a "taste test" using one product and then the other, and sort of fun to compare notes.
The High Build puts down a marvelous thick coat, but for some reason, perhaps it's the heat and/or humidity, it won't gas out well enough to get rid of all the bubbles. It takes a while longer to cure out. If you have a run, GOOD LUCK, becuase that will cost you lots of time. The Schooner seems to be a lighter grade of varnish, and as a result it won't put down the same thick coat but it darn sure finishes out nicely! The Epifanes seems to be nice and easy, but it (also) appeared to cure out too fast to allow a gas-out. All work has been done in a reasonably cool basement, with pretty dry humidity.
Since I have an aversion to adding thinner to varnish, I think the secret is to do the build coats with whatever works best, sand them down properly, and do the finish coat with a lighter weight product intended to punch up the final finish. I noticed the Schooner 96 did not fill some of the sanding marks as well as the other two, and that's one reason I think it's a thinner build coat. That final coat, however is stunning.
Hmmm, maybe I'm onto something here.
Anyone else have any experience with these brands? Tips, cash donations, moral support, all appreciated (just joking about the cash donations)
As you may know, previous wisdom of the day" "If you are going for the best varnish job, you must use a single hair badger brush, under a full moon, nude, while the dogs are barking". I haven't exactly followed that to the letter, ha. Maybe that's my problem?
Regards,
Paul