PSA: Finish fumes used to guide my work, now I'm guessing

I knew dry time by the air in the shop. Now with finishes that don't smell strong, I keep checking and second-guessing myself.

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3 Comments

reesemurray6mo ago

Oh man, I totally get this. My brain was so wired to that chemical smell telling me when a coat was ready. Now with these newer water-based things, it's just guesswork and poking at it with my fingernail (which feels wrong). I've ruined a couple pieces by not waiting long enough because there was no smell left to guide me. It's like losing a sense you didn't know you needed.

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wyatt1486mo ago

Seriously, that smell was like a built-in idiot checker. Now I'm just out here poking at my projects like a caveman trying to figure out if the rock is dry. Progress feels like going backwards sometimes.

8

linda3355mo ago

Yeah, I started using a little digital timer. Set it for the can's dry time, then add like 20% just to be safe. Takes the stress out of it.

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