Bubbles are caused by three main factors:
- Overworking the finish. If the finish is
overworked, bubbles can become apparent. To avoid this, apply smooth
liberal coats of finish with a lamb’s wool applicator (floors) as shown
in the product application video or with a quality natural bristle brush
with the grain of the wood and let it dry for 24 hours. Be careful to
feather your starts and stops and try not to set the brush or applicator
down heavily while applying the finish.
- Not applying each coat at the recommended spread rate of 500 square feet per gallon per coat.
If less than the recommended spread rate is applied, bubbles can appear
in the finish because there is not enough wet film thickness. Applying
too thin a coat allows for the finish to set up quicker than normal,
hindering the flow and level properties of the finish.
- Weather related factors. When seasons and weather patterns change, so do the drying factors. As cooler temperatures arrive, which normally coincide with less humidity, coatings will dry/set up quicker. Sometimes the same application methods used in summer and winter will present different results due to humidity. Humidity tends to lengthen the dry time; whereby allowing any bubbles in the finish to flow and level; this process speeds up without the humidity.
