So how thick or when do you call it quits for a finish build?
Great question and many don’t think about this. I’ve never used Waterlox but I have seen a walnut slab counter top finished with it at a near DIY level. I do remember it being a very hard finish and too much sheen for my liking. The higher sheen worked against the finisher in this case.
Check the can or online info for a wet or dry thickness guide. If you apply pre cat lacquer too thick, you’re more at risk for cracking with wood movement—and that’s a mess. That said, wood movement is different per species. The cheap nitro lacquer was applied too thick on my hard maple cabinets and cracking was occurring in some areas. That’s pretty thick given nitro lacquer isn’t a very hard finish. Flatsawn hard maple isn’t chosen for its stability and a QS wood may not have cracked.
For me, I want enough build or volume for the finish to do it’s job and reflect the desired sheen but I tend to like a close to the wood finish. A traditional wipe on poly could take six coats to reach a desirable thickness. I have a tendency to apply or shoot 1-2 sealer coats and 2 finish coats with almost everything I spray. Some woods are thirstier than others. The idea of one more coat will be even better is not always the best thing. Lots of variables in this equation. A good rule of thumb is to following your gut instinct. Worse case scenario, you can always add another coat later on if needed. Most people aren’t teetering the line towards an encased in plastic bar-top-look anymore. More build doesn’t necessarily equate to more durability. On the other hand, I think everyone has seen or came up one coat short of some type of finish—even wall paint.
Another misconception is “one more coat will make it smoother”. The finish will not be any smoother than it is before you apply the next coat if it’s already been sealed and sanded.
Check with the manufacturer application guidelines. Wet thickness gauges are also available and cheap to buy. Some paint retailers most likely sell or even give them away…..And if all else fails, do a practice finish on scrap.
Hopefully there was at least one take away with all my rambling
I get it! As I said, it's a big mindset change for me moving from hobbyist to professional but I'm working on it. For instance, I'm buying $100+ sheets of paint-grade plywood with minimal stress. 6 months ago I would have probably hyperventilated at the idea!