: I remember a trick I heard of in a woodworking magazine years ago. As your
: can of varnish has less varnish and more air in it, the air starts to
: oxidize the varnish and that forms a the skin on the top. A way of slowing
: this process down is to exhale into the can right before you put the lid
: on. Supposedly, carbon dioxide is better to have in the can than oxygen. I
: have done this for years and I think I have better luck making my left
: over finishes last longer. I usually hold by breath for a while before
: exhaling.

: I know it sounds a little wierd and I have not done a side by side test, but
: what the heck, I'll share it anyway

: Steve
Fresh varnish is critical to producing a good finish.

Preventing oxidation of the varnish is the only way to keep it fresh.

You can blow into the can or use one of the commercial treatments.

I have a propane torch on hand so I blow propane into the jar , under
a cracked lid, before closing it up. Works great. I just don't recommend
you open the jar in front of a cigarette if you smoke.

I'm happy to share all my finishing tips. You can check the archives for
my past posts on the subject or if lot of you express the interest, I'll be
happy to post it again.

All the best,
Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.laughingloon.com