Arm a seal question - removing sanding dust

I believe that the label is telling you how to clean up “wet” Arm-A-Seal.

It hasnt seemed to have an effects but i figured id toss it around and check it out.

-- "there aren’t many hand tools as awe-inspiring as the #8 jointer. I mean, it just reeks of cast iron heft and hubris" - Smitty

If it’s dry enough to sand, you did no harm. At least you’re getting something done.

Steve

-- Steve in KY. 44 years so far with my lovely bride. Think I'll keep her.

Thanks Steve, i kinda thought so but the brain must have been hungry for an answer. Movin full steam ahead on the project. Maybe another week of finish and itll be done.

-- "there aren’t many hand tools as awe-inspiring as the #8 jointer. I mean, it just reeks of cast iron heft and hubris" - Smitty

2 words – Tack Cloth. That is the only thing I ever use to clean a finish after I sand or steel wool. One word of caution, it’s basically cheese cloth soaked in poly. If you are using a finish that doesn’t get along with poly, I’m not sure I would use one.

-- http://www.etsy.com/shop/KandJWoodCrafts

Yea i got annoyed with tack cloths. Got all gummy, held slivers, and cost too much for me personally. I may try making my own though. I was more curious about applying a solvent to remove dust that is intended to clean up or thin the finish.

-- "there aren’t many hand tools as awe-inspiring as the #8 jointer. I mean, it just reeks of cast iron heft and hubris" - Smitty

I may try making them. I have a jar I keep them in. They stay fresh. And if you are getting slivers when it’s finishing time, you need to spend some more quality time with your sander :)

I’m sure it’s all in my head, but I don’t want to put something that I use to REMOVE the finish from my brushes on the piece I am trying to get the finish to stick on

-- http://www.etsy.com/shop/KandJWoodCrafts

Sounds like you could use an air compressa. Ah yet, thats what ya need, don’t ya know. Blow that sanding dust around a bit. (I’m over it now)

-- Dan I.G.N.

Also Arm-r-seal is a great product, but the last time I was in woodcraft the guy talked me into a 26$ can of waterlox. I used some on a piece my wife is refinishing. I am never buying anything else now.

-- http://www.etsy.com/shop/KandJWoodCrafts

Dan, thats funny that Maine accent will stick with ya for some reason. Im glad i could help ya get that outta your system. I typically use the shop vac to remove the dust first then wipe it down with a rag and mineral spirits, let it dry, wipe down again, then proceed with usual finish. It was one of those Ah Ha moments as i was waiting for the spirits to dry when i was reading the can of Arm-A-Seal. It just got the wheels turnin a little bit and made me wonder if i was doing any damage to the finish. I really didnt think so but just as food for thought i figured id pose the question around here.

Joe – i havent tried Waterlox yet but so far ive got one coat of Arm a seal on ambrosia maple and 2 coats on walnut and i like the stuff a lot. Finished pics of the coffee table arent too far out.

-- "there aren’t many hand tools as awe-inspiring as the #8 jointer. I mean, it just reeks of cast iron heft and hubris" - Smitty

Chris, I thought Arm-r-seal was the bees knees too – until I tried the waterlox. It’s so much easier to work with and get a nice finish, and to me, the finish looks a LOT nicer. Some people claim waterlox isn’t as durable of a finish, but I question that. It was originally intended FLOORS. I’m not sure where you would need a more durable finish than something you walk all over and drag furniture on.

Also, I’m not sure if CT has gone the environmental Nazi route that MA has taken, but my woodcraft guy said they may stop carrying the regular Waterlox soon in favor of the low VOC version. From what I understand (and can confirm with other stuff like paint) low VOC stuff SUCKS.

I can’t wait to see that table!

-- http://www.etsy.com/shop/KandJWoodCrafts

I just put on the last coat of finish last night. Tonight it will get a good coat of wax and final buffing. I should have it assembled and on display here rather shortly, probably this weekend. I ended up brushing on 2 coats and wiping on 2 more. Ill have to give the Waterlox a try sometime soon.

It shouldnt be long until CT bans all the good stuff too lol. Might be time to stock up on the high test.

-- "there aren’t many hand tools as awe-inspiring as the #8 jointer. I mean, it just reeks of cast iron heft and hubris" - Smitty