Stuart Noble wrote:
Gib Bogle wrote:
When a polyurethaned floor (for example) has a small mark that needs
touching up, what's the recommended procedure? I've sanded the spot
with 1000 grit wet&dry, and tried applying a dab of poly with a small
brush. The flaw in that approach was immediately obvious, since the
newly applied poly surface was raised and clearly not going to blend
in. I wiped it off with turps, back to the drawing board. It seems
that it might be necessary to thin the poly in order to be able to
feather the edges. If so, in what proportion, and if not, what else?

Apply the varnish with a rag or sponge?

Yes, I replied with this approach about repairing some emulsion paint to
a wall some time ago. I would recommend a scrap piece of foam. Not too
much varnish on it and work out from the centre in a circular pattern,
dabbing until the foam runs out of varnish. Hence, only use a tiny
amount to load the foam each time and increase the area you are dabbing
by a small amount each time by adding a very little more varnish each
time. Do not try to use the foam as a paint pad, but just dab it against
the wood.

Be very careful that you do not try to spread the varnish out too far,
as you may end up with a mat or cloudy finish. Try it on a scrap piece
of wood that has been brushed with the varnish and allowed to dry first.

Let us know how you got on please. As I have never tried this with
varnish, only with paint of all types.

Dave