Question about Varnish...

[thelewisgang]

I have recently painted the fronts of my kitchen wall/base units with Ronseal Paint & Grain in Limed Oak. Although not essential, I decided to use a coat of Ronseal Quick Dry Varnish (the one suggested on the Paint & Grain tin). I have never used their varnish before & when I opened it & went to stir it before use, it was almost solid at the bottom (about an inch thick) with this glue like gunky stuff - I'm not talking about a little bit thick, it was almost impossible to stir it. I stirred it as much as I could and then coated the units with it. Today, to my horror, quite some days after doing them, some of them look discoloured, sort of yellowy but it clearly says on the varnish tin 'non yellowing'. Now I'm left wondering if varnish can 'go off' causing this really thick gunk at the bottom. I done everything right, preparing the units completely etc. I tried to ring Ronseal technical department today but they only open monday to friday so I will give them a call monday but just wondered if anyone knew more than I do about this. I am certainly not happy as it now seems I have no alternative but to start from scratch again. Please reply if you have any info. thanks so much.

[Cockle]

Its possible that the material you have used is thixiotropic. These kinds of products will eventually seperate if left to stand too long and as a result you will get this sticky toffee like substance in the bottom of the can. What you have effectively painted your units with is mainly solvent and that is why you have a yellow discolouration.

The only remedy is to buy a new can and start again. Key the cabinets with a piece of 320 paper and re apply. There is no point using whats left in the tin you have. Even if you manage to mix the contents together the composition of the material will now be incorrect.

Hope this helps,

Nick