Silking or Enameling of Varnish

¶ Silking or Enameling of Varnish. When varnish in drying takes on a texture of a grainy and fibrous appearance it is called by some "silky" because it has a textile fibre appearance. It is called "enameling" by others because it looks like the grain of enameled leather. The cause is usually the spreading of varnish in an unheated room,cold surface and cold varnish. One cannot brush such varnish enough to keep it in place before it sets in the condition described. The temperature of a room in which varnish is being spread should be kept between 70 and 80 degrees and both the surface coated and the varnish should be of the same temperature.

¶ When varnish is spread over tinder coats of varnish or paint which are not completely dry silking is likely to occur. Cold drafts may cause silking. Mixing turpentine with some varnishes will cause silking and if a varnish is brushed too long brush marks may remain which give the same appearance.

Next Page: Seedy, Sandy or Specky Varnish.