[jillsy]

Generally, I like to spray a matte finish on my carvings when I'm done. Lately, however, I've used a high gloss on my little ornaments, just for a change. Is it just my eyes playing tricks on me, or does the high gloss bring out the colors more than the matte? I'm liking how rich they look, but do prefer a more toned-down look.

Also, what is this Deft I keep reading about?

Thanking you in advance,

Jillsy

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Deft is a brand name....its a lacquer

[Nancy-ID]

A high gloss will make the colors seem brighter.

[Kenny_S]

Dave and Nancy answered yourquestions. I like using the Gloss on Christmas Ornaments as they , In My thinking, Look better on a Christmas Tree. I have several that have satin or semi gloss butthe colors don't seem to Pop like the gloss. Different stroks for different folfs.
I use Deft brand almost exculsively. I don't care for the cheaper priced Krylon. Just my Opinion from using them.

[Thomp]

Jillsy,

its not an optical illusion, its the same way with photos the Matt finish leaves your photos dull where glossy will really make the photos pop.. all seams brighter, because the ambient lighting isn't diffused 2 times going through the Matt finish then reflected..

[Ashbys]

Thomp , Right on!

The gloss finish acts as a mirror and reflects light giving enhancement to the underlying finish. The same as a chrome finish. Chome it'self is completly clear and has no color. When applied to an undercoating it reflects the colors through it and gives a harden finish resulting in the look of chrome. The gloss finish does the same same.

A matte finish is textured to cause disruption of light. So you do not get a direct reflection of the colors under the finish. The colors are the same it is simply the reflection of light to the human eye is distorted which removes colors brightness.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Stick with a "satin" finish. Whoever saw cloths that were shiney except when you ironed them too much.

Deft is the varnish preferred by the impatient carver as it dries quickly. Unfortunately, it dries so quick that it's in the process of drying while you're still brushing it on. For this reason most spray it but then spraying uneven surfaces ends with an uneven finish. Brushing is always best as you control the amount applied.

My advise is to stick with Polyurethane Satin applied with a high quality natural bristle brush. It will go on smooth and even and will give your piece a warm, rich appearance.

[jillsy]

Thanks for all the answers and advice. I have used a satin poluerathane finish one some pieces, but it took my paint off causing a crackled finish! Luckily, I liked the look, but don't know why this happened so I stopped using it. The paint was dry...maybe not cured??

[Thomp]

jillsy,
was the base color paint acrylic or enamel?

some enamel and other oil base sealers have that problem

enamel and lacquer definitely have non compatibility issues

[Sam]

Jillsy,

I have had that problem too. It is because the Polyurethene is water-based. Get the oil based-takes a little longer to dry though, but it doesn't remove the water based paint.