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Series editors' preface - Wood Tools

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Figure 12.13 Diagrammatic representation of a mouth<br />

diffuser or blow atomizer<br />

than those applied with a brush. Fast evaporating<br />

solvents (e.g. acetone) are not usually used<br />

for spraying varnishes. The spray gun atomizes<br />

the varnish into fine droplets and vastly<br />

increases the surface area to volume ratio. If an<br />

excessively fast evaporating solvent is used, the<br />

droplets will dry before they reach the surface<br />

and will produce a frosted appearance. In some<br />

cases this effect can be used deliberately.<br />

Mention (1995) describes the use of mastic in<br />

ethanol to create a frosted surface, followed by<br />

reforming these layers by the application of a<br />

thin mastic solution in the usual solvent to<br />

which a small amount of benzyl alcohol had<br />

been added. This allowed an even varnish layer<br />

to be applied to a pitted, dry and uneven paint<br />

surface. Some painting conservators recommend<br />

against spray application of varnish on<br />

panel paintings (Gordon, quoted in Samet,<br />

1997).<br />

Mouth diffuser/blow atomizer The mouth diffuser<br />

or blow atomizer may be used to apply<br />

varnish to small areas of a surface although it<br />

has a tendency to produce a somewhat irregular<br />

coating (Figure 12.13). Air is blown through<br />

the tube and creates an area of negative pressure,<br />

drawing varnish from the cup from where<br />

it is distributed as a fine mist onto the surface.<br />

Blowing must produce a forceful and steady air<br />

pressure in order to evenly atomize the varnish<br />

droplets. If pressure is inadequate, large and<br />

irregular droplets of varnish will mar the sur-<br />

Principles of consolidation, aesthetic reintegration and coatings 599<br />

(a)<br />

(b)<br />

Figure 12.14 Diagram (a) and simplified cutaway (b)<br />

of a typical suction cup spray gun showing the air<br />

spreader control valve, the fluid needle adjusting screw,<br />

and the air cap. The air spreader control valve is used<br />

to adjust the shape of the cone of mixed air and<br />

coating produced by the gun. The less air travelling<br />

through the gun, the more circular the discharged mix.<br />

Generally a circular fan shape is required. The size of<br />

the fan can be adjusted by either a knob on the body<br />

of the gun or a ring on the air cap. The fluid needle<br />

adjusting screw regulates the flow of coating. The<br />

further the adjusting screw is screwed in, the less<br />

coating is sprayed from the nozzle. Air horns on the air<br />

cap are positioned in the direction of the hand motion<br />

used when spraying<br />

face. The varnish should be thin enough to<br />

allow very fine droplets to form – a pebbled<br />

surface will result if the varnish is too thick.<br />

Varnishing horizontal surfaces is easier than<br />

vertical surfaces and avoids the formation of<br />

sags and drips. Adequate ventilation is necessary<br />

and a gentle airflow that moves from<br />

behind the person applying the varnish, across

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