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Non-smelly varnish?

#1 2008-01-10 02:15:24

butterbee
Member
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: 2005-04-08
Posts: 208

Non-smelly varnish?

I'd like to varnish a piece that I just finished, but all I have is marine varnish. I do varnish in a completely different room with the windows open, but it  the smell is completely overwhelming that I have to leave the apartment

I know that marine varnish isn't really necessary for indoor use and that it turns things yellow in time - so is there a varnish that I can buy that is for indoor use, that will keep the piece looking good for a long period of time and isn't as overwhelming smell wise as the marine varnish is?

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#2 2008-01-10 13:42:02

Seeria
Member
From: Wisconsin
Registered: 2006-12-25
Posts: 81

Re: Non-smelly varnish?

Toxic fumes. Time for me to go searching for a green alternative *cackles*

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#3 2008-01-10 13:58:58

Moni
Member
From: Boise, ID USA
Registered: 2006-03-08
Posts: 44

Re: Non-smelly varnish?

Butterbee,
I use varathane outdoor polyurethane for my inside work, no outside work yet. It isn't too smelly (I use it in a sealed winter apartment, no brain damage yet, I think) and it is also safe for the polymer clay that I use for my eyes and noses, not all sealers are polymer clay compatible. Hope this helps.
Moni


My cat is my best friend!

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#4 2008-01-10 14:01:28

Seeria
Member
From: Wisconsin
Registered: 2006-12-25
Posts: 81

Re: Non-smelly varnish?

Mod Podge Gloss Lustre, Rightstep Water-Based Varnish or watered down white glue. While these might provide a bit of gloss and seal they probably couldn't last against cleaning (or outdoors weather).


These folks have some non-toxic, green varnishes though it's a toss up how well they work. They're in Europe.

http://www.ecospaints.com/products.htm  These folks in the UK claim to have organic varnish, I **think** that means it's non-toxic also. Best to check.

You might try emailing them, explain your project and ask for a sample for testing and you'll send them a written review and results of the testing. Most companies seem to like the idea they have a new market sector to sell to (artist, PM, etc).

Odd how I can't find these non-toxic, organic, green, eco-friendly companies in the US. hmmm

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#5 2008-01-10 18:38:27

CatPerson
Moderator
From: Washington State, U.S.A.
Registered: 2006-01-09
Posts: 1314

Re: Non-smelly varnish?

Shellac is alcohol-based, and is much less smelly. It comes in clear and a reddish-tint (which looks good on wood).

Sue

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#6 2008-01-10 19:52:35

julie tretakoff
Member
From: Tucson, Az
Registered: 2005-09-24
Posts: 17

Re: Non-smelly varnish?

I use a water based polyurathane product. No problems to date.

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#7 2008-01-10 20:23:57

butterbee
Member
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: 2005-04-08
Posts: 208

Re: Non-smelly varnish?

Thanks so much for your quick answer guys! I really appreciate it. <3

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#8 2008-01-11 00:53:17

sebrink
Member
From: Pennsylvania
Registered: 2006-02-10
Posts: 63
Website

Re: Non-smelly varnish?

Water-based polyurethane is all that I use.  It is relatively low odor.  Extremely quick drying, easy to clean-up, will not yellow over time, and dries hard.


smile

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