I'm dealing with really high humidity outside (around 94%) and I need to finish a jewelry box with a high VOC finish. My plan is to apply the finish in my garage, but then move it into my basement, where the humidity is lower, to let it dry. I'm wondering if the high humidity during application will affect how the finish sets, even if I'm moving it to a less humid area afterward. Any advice on this?
3 Answers
If you're looking for a fast-drying option, consider a spray lacquer. It tends to dry quickly, but be careful—using it in high humidity can lead to cloudiness right away! I've seen that happen before, so maybe not the best call if you're in a humid space.
It really depends on the type of finish you're using. I recommend checking the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for your product. Some lacquers can get cloudy if moisture gets trapped in them. You might want to try using a slower drying retarder to help with that, as it gives moisture a chance to escape as the solvent evaporates. Also, testing a small piece first could help!
That makes sense! I'm using a mix of danish oil, mineral spirits, and poly. It probably would help to have extra spirits in the mix, but I'm also a bit unsure since I haven't done this too much.
It’s true that the finish is offgassing while it’s curing, not just during application, so moving it indoors might not significantly reduce your VOC exposure overall. However, you might still minimize the fumes during the application itself by using good ventilation in the garage. Just keep in mind that some finishes can struggle in high humidity beyond application.
I get that, but I thought that if I could at least escape the worst of the application fumes for that short time, it'd be worth it.
Yikes, sounds risky! I'll steer clear of that option then.