Catalyzed varnishes, any suggestions?

[Roothawg]

I am in the process of building a massive table for the wife. I was researching what the Amish are using for finishes and the Catalyzed Varnish or post-catalyst conversion varnish came up. I paint hot rods , so I am not intimidated by the hardener etc. I just don't know brands in this world.

None of it looks cheap, but is there a staple brand that garners respect for the woodworking community?

Thanks,

Root

 

[manwithtools]

It's been a long time since I had my cabinet shop, but I always used Sherwin Williams product. I'm sure there are others as well. Let's see what others offer up.

 

[Roothawg]

This guy sells a lot, but man it seems high. I pay just a little more for Urethane clears for cars.

Catalyzed Varnish Products - Woodwright Quality Wood Finishing Products

Catalyzed varnishes are the measuring stick in the wood coatings world. A two part system, catalyzed varnishes require a Catalyst to dry and function properly. Woodwright Brand Catalyzed varnishes are unlike anything else on the market. As a stand alone company and manufacturer of all of our own...

woodwrightfinish.com

 

[strutaeng]

I used this for my "temporary" kitchen cabinet countertops made out double 3/4" maple shop grade plywood...it actually turned really nice and everyone that sees them likes them, LOL.

Mohawk | Ultra® Clear Conversion Varnish 275 VOC M612-28107

Ultra® Clear Conversion Varnish 275 VOC

www.mohawk-finishing.com

It's been around 5 years and still look good. Pretty resilient stuff. I have a local hardware store and they have the entire lineup of products. The guys there don't know much about the product line, but they got me in touch with the local sales rep, and is really knowledgeable and responsive.

 

[Zeke]

I've used both SW and Mohawk and both good. Easy to work with. Lasts in the pot up to 8 hours but you can sand in an hour on what has been sprayed. You buy it in grades of sheen based on 50 to 100 with 100 being glass gloss. 6o is a nice hand rubbed finish. My favorite.

It costs and the shelf life isn't forever, but I've used 5 YO stuff successfully with 50% more catalyst. Laydown a tack coat and then lay it on each coat. Needs 2 double or triple coats and is self priming.

 

[billconner]

It's not catalyzed varnish, but I used Waterlox's H2OLOX on my walnut countertops and it's been fantastic and durable, and was super easy.

 

[like2wheel]

10ish years ago, my wife stripped & restained a kitchen table she found somewhere that she liked.
I sprayed on 3 coats of automotive 2k clear because that's what I'm familiar with, & I already had some around.
It still looks good today

 

[johninct]

Many years ago, I bought some at a boat supply place. That stuff could be used to build up stuff too because it could dry thick. I think it steamed when drying in the can I mixed it in.

 

[Roothawg]

Thanks guys. I have a Sherwin Williams store in my town. I am gonna go and see what they have to say.

 

[Donzi camino]

SW and Mohawk

 

[Roothawg]

Well, that was a bust. These little neighborhood SW paint stores are only equipped for folks painting their bedrooms I guess. They stared at me with a blank look when I told them I wanted a catalyzed varnish.

I guess I'll have to call around until I find someone that actually knows their product line.

 

[manwithtools]

Try the one at this address, they appear to offer the commercial line of finishes: 300 S Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73109-1028

(405) 236-8621

 

[jar944]

Well, that was a bust. These little neighborhood SW paint stores are only equipped for folks painting their bedrooms I guess. They stared at me with a blank look when I told them I wanted a catalyzed varnish.

I guess I'll have to call around until I find someone that actually knows their product line.

It's just called conversion varnish or CV. Unless you want post cat lacquer (you dont)

You need a sw that carries their industrial line.

 

[Roothawg]

Thanks guys. Sorry for the late response. It's been 110* here, so no work on the Viking table.

 

[Sumboodie]

Well, that was a bust. These little neighborhood SW paint stores are only equipped for folks painting their bedrooms I guess. They stared at me with a blank look when I told them I wanted a catalyzed varnish.

I guess I'll have to call around until I find someone that actually knows their product line.

I've run into that as well. No idea why they would have a Shermin Williams store and not carry most all of the products they have. And be able to get it all.

May as well just go to Lowes and buy Valspar for cheaper anytime from 6am to 10pm vs the 9-5 of the actual "paint store"

 

[jar944]

I've run into that as well. No idea why they would have a Shermin Williams store and not carry most all of the products they have. And be able to get it all.

May as well just go to Lowes and buy Valspar for cheaper anytime from 6am to 10pm vs the 9-5 of the actual "paint store"

Some locations can't (wont) carry high VOC products as its against local regulations to use them w/o a permitted spray booth. The other thing you will run into is available tint. Waterborne takes a different tint than lacquer/cv/oil-based. Even if a store can order the base, they can't necessarily tint it.