Replies

1. 
   Ron | Feb 02, 1999 04:39am | #1

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   id just wipe them down with denatured alcohol. Should do the job just fine.

2. 
   Tim_Goble | Feb 02, 1999 05:23am | #2

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   Rick,
   First, I would wash the windows with a solvent (mineral spirits) in order to remove any excess dust or dirt and let dry. Next, I would sand them with 400-600 grit sand paper on some kind of finish sander (orbital) in order to get a consistent finish on the wood( this should not affect the color of the wood). Next, tack with a clean cloth and coat with a sanding sealer - this will close the pores in the wood and allow the poly to adhere better. Next, sand with 400-600 grit sand paper and tack. Now begin coating with the minwax poly (sanding between coats with 400-600 grit sand paper then tacking with a clean cloth) until you have achieved the finish that you desire. I like to spray the final coat in order to achieve a "furniture like" finish ( Minwax Spar Poly comes in a spray also). Remember, dust is your enemy. A flashlight shined across the surface will expose the little critters. The cleaner the surface, applicator and air the better your finish will turn out. Good Luck!

3. 
   Guest_ | Feb 02, 1999 06:42am | #3

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   WASHING wood prior to finishing.

   It is time to finish my wood windows (interior). The casings are clear pine. The plan is to apply NO stain and 2 to 3 coats of 'Helmsman Spar Urethane', made by Minwax. I have applied this to some scrap boards and we like the looks of it best with no stain.

   Question--- the windows have been up for 3 years or so and the wood is no longer clean. What do you recommend to wash them with? They do not really need much sanding, only a washing to remove dust, dead bugs, sheetrock dust. I really don't want to sand too much because they have darkened (to our liking) and sanding affect this darkening.

   Thanks very much,

   Rick

4. 
   Guest_ | Feb 02, 1999 06:42am | #4

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   A good Shop Vac, Tact cloths and denatured alcohol should do the trick. There are also some surface pred products that may be helpful but read the lables.