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
What happens if you forget to denib and apply second coat of top oil straight to an oak table? !!!
Reply to Priscilla Mills:
Hello Priscilla,
Worry not, it is not the end of the world, if you have not denibbed. The purpose of doing this between coats is to smooth down any raised grain or imperfections that have occurred from the first application. There may be some benefit to adhesion, when you denib, but it will be limited and the second coat should be fine.
I hope that reassures you and feel free to let me know if you have any further questions.
Kind regards Sam.