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I'd like to varnish a piece that I just finished, but all I have is marine varnish. I do varnish in a completely different room with the windows open, but it the smell is completely overwhelming that I have to leave the apartment
I know that marine varnish isn't really necessary for indoor use and that it turns things yellow in time - so is there a varnish that I can buy that is for indoor use, that will keep the piece looking good for a long period of time and isn't as overwhelming smell wise as the marine varnish is?
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Toxic fumes. Time for me to go searching for a green alternative *cackles*
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Butterbee,
I use varathane outdoor polyurethane for my inside work, no outside work yet. It isn't too smelly (I use it in a sealed winter apartment, no brain damage yet, I think) and it is also safe for the polymer clay that I use for my eyes and noses, not all sealers are polymer clay compatible. Hope this helps.
Moni
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Mod Podge Gloss Lustre, Rightstep Water-Based Varnish or watered down white glue. While these might provide a bit of gloss and seal they probably couldn't last against cleaning (or outdoors weather).
These folks have some non-toxic, green varnishes though it's a toss up how well they work. They're in Europe.
http://www.ecospaints.com/products.htm These folks in the UK claim to have organic varnish, I **think** that means it's non-toxic also. Best to check.
You might try emailing them, explain your project and ask for a sample for testing and you'll send them a written review and results of the testing. Most companies seem to like the idea they have a new market sector to sell to (artist, PM, etc).
Odd how I can't find these non-toxic, organic, green, eco-friendly companies in the US. hmmm
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Shellac is alcohol-based, and is much less smelly. It comes in clear and a reddish-tint (which looks good on wood).
Sue
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I use a water based polyurathane product. No problems to date.
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Thanks so much for your quick answer guys! I really appreciate it. <3
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