So I'm fairly new to this whole thing and my searches of the google
archives haven't turned up much. I'm sure I need some help with the
terminology more than anything, but I'll ask the question again (I'm
sure it's been asked before) anyway.

I have a couple of different cans of varnish that I opened and dispensed
into smaller containers for use. Now the varnish has hardened in all
the various conatiners, whether sealed or not. I know it has to do with
reaction to the air, but I don't know how to prevent it. I've seen a
couple threads that I think suggested adding some other chemical to the
can that wouldn't mix with the varnish but would displace the air.


So my first question is basically, how do you prevent your varnish from
kicking to a hard molasses substance. What should I do once I've
separated the actual amount I want to use from the main can?

My second question has to do with thinning. I've read somewhere to thin
with mineral spirits or something similar. What are the benefits of
doing this? I've used the varnish straight and love the finish and I
haven't had any real difficulty in application such as bubbling or
anything. Are there benefits to thinning that I'm not aware of?

My final question (for now) also has to do with thinning. Is it
possible to thing varnish after it has become the molasses substance I
described in my first problem?


Thanks for any and all pointers (especially links to places I can do
more research).

bkr