How do i dull down super high gloss poly?

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columbia1spring
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How do i dull down super high gloss poly?

Post by columbia1spring »

I have a front mount horn machine that is beautiful with a very nice decal. Problem is, someone in the recent past gave it high gloss poly finish. I don't want to strip it and lose the decal, is there a way to dull this down to maybe a satin or waxed appearance?
Thank You!!!

Phonofreak
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Re: How do i dull down super high gloss poly?

Post by Phonofreak »

I use 0000 steel wool. Use rubber gloves. I carefully buff the shiny surface with the steel wool. I use length-wise strokes on it. Make sure you get into the moldings so everything is uniform. After that, I use Howard's restore a finish using a paper towel. The end result is a satin finish. What machine is this?
Harvey Kravitz

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Re: How do i dull down super high gloss poly?

Post by columbia1spring »

Harvey...
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EarlH
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Re: How do i dull down super high gloss poly?

Post by EarlH »

I have found when I dull a finish down with steel wool, I get a more even finish if I use paste wax as a lubricant while I'm rubbing it down.

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Mr Grumpy
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Re: How do i dull down super high gloss poly?

Post by Mr Grumpy »

EarlH wrote:I have found when I dull a finish down with steel wool, I get a more even finish if I use paste wax as a lubricant while I'm rubbing it down.
I do this as well.
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JerryVan
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Re: How do i dull down super high gloss poly?

Post by JerryVan »

One of the potential problems knocking the gloss down with steel wool is not being able to get in every little nook & corner. The trace of remaining gloss in those spots can look awful. Also, if the grain is not filled well, the pores that can't be got at with the steel wool may also still shine.

columbia1spring
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Re: How do i dull down super high gloss poly?

Post by columbia1spring »

I agree about not getting the steel wool into all the places.... if I bought flat poly and recoated it, would it dull it down?

Phonofreak
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Re: How do i dull down super high gloss poly?

Post by Phonofreak »

I see your point. When I use steel wool, I make sure that I get all the nooks and crannies. You may have to do this a few times to get the whole cabinet dull. I personally wouldn't use flat polyurethane to get the dull finish. To many coats of polyurethane even dull, will make the cabinet look like plastic, and look muddy, hiding details and grain.
Harvey Kravitz
JerryVan wrote:One of the potential problems knocking the gloss down with steel wool is not being able to get in every little nook & corner. The trace of remaining gloss in those spots can look awful. Also, if the grain is not filled well, the pores that can't be got at with the steel wool may also still shine.

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