Denibbing is a really important step in applying any finish. It helps with either the adhesion or absorption of further coats and can make a real difference to your projects.
Denibbing Video Transcript
Hi, I’m Ben O’Reilly from Wood Finishes Direct, and welcome to the Product Test and How-to Video Guide. In this video, I’m going to be discussing Manns Flexible Sanding Pads, Manns Finishing Pads and the act of denibbing. Denibbing is the removal of “nibs” and imperfections from your finish, and it should be performed between each coat of any finish applied.
Denibbing Varnishes, Paints and Surface Finishes
A few weeks ago, I put Manns Extra Tough Floor Varnish on these boards in our video Should You Use Oil or Varnish to Finish Your Flooring? When you apply a surface finish such as varnish or paint, it’s only natural that you’ll get imperfections such as brush strokes, bumps or areas that have slightly more finish than others.
To smooth out these areas, use a Manns Flexible Sanding Pad. I’ll be using a P180 pad. Work across your project with the grain, applying just enough pressure to smooth out the finish. Roughing up the surface will also improve the adhesion of any further coats. Once you’ve finished denibbing, give the area a wipe with a Manns Microfibre Cloth.
Denibbing Oils
I treated this piece of beech with Manns Top Oil in our Manns Top Oil product test, and I’m going to use it to show you how to denib oils. Wood is a naturally porous material. When you apply oil, it soaks in, giving excellent liquid repellency and protection while maintaining a natural look and feel.
When you apply an oil, you want to remove all excess as soon as you can. Then you want to help open some of those pores again by denibbing. Use a Manns Finishing Pad to do this. Denib just as I did with the varnish. Follow the grain as you work across the project, and try not to apply too much pressure.
Denibbing is all about the feel. Your project should feel smooth. If it doesn’t, more denibbing is required. If it still isn’t smooth after that, it probably hasn’t been sanded as well as it should have been. Of course, if you’ve been watching my videos, that won’t be the case.
A full list of the products used in this video is available in the description on YouTube. If you have any questions or would like some advice, feel free to get in touch using the phone number or email address shown on screen.
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12 comments
Osmo anti slip oil: do you de-nib in between coats
We are putting MAnns stain in dark oak on the stairs and finishing with Osmo.
Do we also use the cloth in between
Reply to Tia:
Hi Tia, The Anti Slip should not be denibbed – Just apply very thinly. The Mann’s stain does require denibbing to remove any loose pigment.
Hope that helps!!
I take it that you denibb after each coat dries? I’m wanting to install pine tongue and groove on the walls of my " man cave ". Should I use danish oil, polyurethane, varnish or a laquer? I’m leaning towards the danish oil , your thoughts?
Reply to Kip Gilliland:
Hi Kip,
Oils are generally much easier to patch repair if they are damaged. Localised damage can be patch sanded and more oil applied. You will need to denib between each coat but not after the final coat.
Please come back to me if required – Alison
Hi,
I saw that denibbing is recommended with fiddes hardwax oil, how do you do this for a large area such as a floor? I assume you don’t use handheld finishing pads? Can a Floor Sander Drum be used with a fine grain or would this be too heavy handed and strip the finish?
Thanks
N
Reply to Nicole:
Good Afternoon Nicole,
The denibbing is a quick and easy process, its not as intense as sanding and many people do just use a hand pads to go over the floor, or you can put it under a flat base mop to do also. Its really just a light going over the surface to remove any lose nibs or particles that managed to get in or under the first coat of oil. We have a video on our You Tube Channel about it >>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR10L68iU_E&t=2s with some hints and tips.
It can be done with any oil finish and will just improve and smooth the surface for a slight more superior finish, if you don’t do it is not the end of the world, but it is something that we recommend.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kind Regards Samantha.
Hi I applied Danish oil to my oak doors One door looked great but two of them the bottom panel was a lot lighter than the rest of the door. Will it help if I denib the lighter panel and reapply ?
Reply to Fiona J:
Good Afternoon Fiona,
Thank you for getting in touch with your enquiry. There is a chance that it will help but its difficult to say for sure with out seeing the doors and the variance that you have experienced. I would be happy to take a look at some photos if you would like to send some in to wfd.advice@wood-finishes-direct.com.
Kind Regards Samantha.
Are you supposed to denib after the final coat, or is it just between coats?
Reply to Chris:
Hello Chris,
We have a great video on our You Tube Channel all about Denibbing >>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR10L68iU_E&t=2s you only need to denib between coats to reduce the grain and give a smoother finish. You also need to wipe over the surface with a damp cloth to remove any sanding dust.
The video will give you some great hints and tips and if you need any further advice please feel free to call in and speak to one of our advisers on 01303 213838.
Many Thanks Samantha.