Hi

It’s funny, some of us end up on mailing lists from companies that we’ve emailed once (and not even bought from). They send us endless emails and try as we might we simply can’t get them to unsubscribe us. We never do that, no-one is automatically added to our list, readers have to actively subscribe to be included. Sometimes readers unsubscribe accidentally, and it’s difficult (thank you GDPR) to get them back on the list. I’m really flattered that one reader has been trying for a couple of months to get resubscribed, and pleased that we’ve finally managed to get it done. Great to have you back Glyn!
Now on to some questions!

I’ll start off with a funny one this week, caused by a surprisingly common misunderstanding…
A caller asked about our Food Safe Finish; was there a danger of it setting off a nut allergy? We were confused at first, until the caller went on to suggest that the chestnut in it might trigger the allergy. It’s the first time we’ve had this question in this format, although it has been known for visitors to our stand to ask if we produce any finishs in any other colour than chestnut. As always, we gently clarify the situation that Chestnut Products is the brand name, and then everyone’s happy.

There was another common question in a different format this week. Why don’t we supply our Cellulose Sanding Sealer already pre-thinned? ‘Simple’ we said. ‘It works better undiluted, it’s a myth that it has to be thinned to make it work better. You wouldn’t thin a primer before use, you don’t dilute an adhesive, so why thin sealer? Sealer contains a carefully measured ratio of fillers to resin to give the optimum result. Thinning it reduces the amount of the ‘good stuff’ applied, so the sealer isn’t allowed to do its job properly. It works, to a point, but could work better. Rather like tying one hand behind your back. You can still do most things, just not as efficiently.’ It occurred to me later (when someone mentioned it!!) that this would also take away the element of choice. You can’t easily make a pre-thinned sealer thick again. And whilst there are occasions when it’s useful to be able to thin the sealer to your desired level, the choice should be yours.

Our small range of acrylic paints are proving to be very popular. We have the Iridescent Paints and we added the Metallic Paint range. We were asked if they could be intermixed and the answer is yes they can. This is particularly useful as the Metallic Paint range has a very good white in it which can be used to alter the colour (and, to a lesser extent, the effect) of the Iridescent Paint. Being slightly translucent they can also be used in a layering effect to allow the colour below to show through the colour above.

That’s your three questions for this week, as always I hope you found one or more of them interesting and helpful.
Although more and more things are opening up now, there’s still a lot that is staying online and I’ve mentioned a few YouTube channels recently that I think are worth looking at. I’d like to bring another one to your attention this week, Turn and Burn UK featuring the collaborative talents of our good friends Bee and Andy Matthews. Andy does the turning and covers some of the basics that others take for granted. Bee decorates the wood that Andy prepares using pyrography, stains and paints, creating some absolutely stunning work. This is a new channel, this is your chance to be in at the start!
I’ll be along again with more questions and answers next week. See you then!

Best regards

Terry