Trying to get smooth finish on final coat of varnish on wood floor

[RK_London]

Using a Bona microfibre roller to apply the final coat of Bona Mega Lacquer on wooden floor. Keep getting the orange peel finish. Wood sanded smooth before coat, cutting works well with paint brush but can't get a good result with the roller. Any advice on what I should be using/doing with the lacquer

 

[JohnD]

You might be working the roller too much and getting air bubbles. I use a brush, which I admit is slower, for a fine finish.

 

[RK_London]

I think you are right. Second time I have tried and each time get air bubbles. I am tempted to use a brush which produces the finish I am after. Only thing I am not sure about with brush is keeping a wet edge as the varnish tries quickly.

 

[opps]

Which micro fiber roller are you using?

Some have foam backings which might increase air bubbles.

Wet edges can be extended if you add flowtrol. A cheaper alternative would be propylene glycol.

Both work. I am a decorator. I pay the premium for the Floetrol, but a friend once baulked at the price, I recommended the propylene glycol. He said that it helped him to extend the wet edge sufficiently.

 

[RK_London]

I'm using the Bona micro fibre roller. Can Flowtrol be used with varnish?

 

[opps]

I'm using the Bona micro fibre roller. Can Flowtrol be used with varnish?

Sorry, I have discovered that you should not use Floetrol.

Bona have a dedicated product though

Bona Retarder

Additive that improves levelling and prolongs the open time of Bona waterborne finishes.

www.bona.com

As @JohnD suggested, you might be applying too much pressure or not loading the varnish on to the roller frequently enough.

Again, apologies for recommending Floetrol, it is great for acrylic paints though. I didn't realise that Bona is a waterbased polyurethane resin.

Best of luck, Opps

 

[RK_London]

I've ordered some Bona Retarder - see what happens but I think you are right - I am applying too much pressure with the roller and creating bubbles. Will use a brush with the Retarder - any recommendations for quality varnish brushes for wood floors.

 

[opps]

I've ordered some Bona Retarder - see what happens but I think you are right - I am applying too much pressure with the roller and creating bubbles. Will use a brush with the Retarder - any recommendations for quality varnish brushes for wood floors.

My go to brushes for paint finishes are either Purdy or Wooster.

If you are north of the Thames, it will be Purdy, south of the Thames, you are more likely to find Wooster brushes. Both firms make brushes to suit each price bracket, however, in the UK, they don't push their lower quality brushes.

To be honest, you don't need to pay their £20 for a 2.5 inch brush to paint a floor though.

From memory, the likes of Osmo sell floor brushes which can be attached to an extension pole. Anza, also sell them. I haven't used either though