Help - Keeping Gel Varnish Usable?

[cwilkins45]

I was wondering if anyone could help me with a minor but very annoying problem.

I buy the smallest size possible of my gel varnish but still have to throw away 1/3 or more of the can due to it hardening. I've tried covering the surface with saran and closing the lid down on top of another piece of saran. I then store the entire thing in a zip baggie with all the air squeezed out. I still have hardening and have to peel off a layer of semi-solid gell each time I use it.

Is there a plastic tube arrangement out there where I can squeeze the gel as I need it and keep the rest away from all air? Any other ideas or suggestions? All help will be greatly appreciated.

[Haggard3230]

This may sound silly, but before you close the lid, blow into the can and close the lid quickly and seal it. Also make a mark on the can and lid before opening to re-align it again. There is a product available in a spray can to spray into the can before closing. I use the previous method all the time for my 50/50 BLO and mineral spirits mixture.

[joez71]

Never tried it myself, but i've been told to put marbles in the can to increase the volume and reduce the air.....


joez71

[Janette]

The new Bartley's doesn't do that like the old stuff did. It doesn't even form any kind of skin at all and is good till the last drop. Hard to get over the purple color tho...but it doesn't change the wood colors.

[Bill Wilson]

I've never used gel varnish, but presume it cures the same as regular varnish. Which means it's a reactive finish. Curing begins when it comes in contact with oxygen. Unfortunately in most cases, as soon as you open the can, you introduce oxygen and the curing will begin. It's best to minimize the amount of time that varnish is exposed to oxygen in the can. With regular varnish, this is accomplished by decanting the required amount from the can into another container to use on the project. The original can then then be closed as soon as possible after opening. I've sometimes shot a little propane into the can, just before closing the lid. Propane is heavier than oxygen and theoretically this is supposed to displace the oxygen in the can, preventing the curing reaction from begining. Conventional wisdom is that regardless of what method you use, the shelf life of an opened can of varnish is between 6 months and a year, so after a year, it's best to throw it out to avoid potential problems. Old finishes that have started to cure in the can may not cure properly on the project.