Flatting

New Home

Hi folks,

Hope I'm in the right place.

I've recently used some water-based flatting on two different kinds of surfaces. One was untreated wood, the other was a plastic film (like this one). In both cases, I was looking for a clear, gloss, water/weatherproof finish (which is what it said on the tin, and no, it wasn't Ronseal), and something that wouldn't release toxic substances when in contact with food.

However, on both cases, even after days and weeks, the surfaces of both items are still incredibly tacky/sticky.

Any idea why, and what I can do to fix it or to stop it from happening again?

Would a non-water-based flatting work better?

listermint

Top tip.

The only method to insure food preparation is good is using aluminium sideboard.

Or

Using washable plastic cutting boards. Cleaned regularly.


Prepping a timber surface for such a purpose is a means to nothing. Use timber surfaces for storage and presentation. Not for food prep

New Home

One was the handle of a knife, the other an old kitchen table. It wasn't for food preparation, I just wanted to make sure I could leave a loaf of bread on top of it for a few minutes.

listermint

New Home wrote: »

One was the handle of a knife, the other an old kitchen table. It wasn't for food preparation, I just wanted to make sure I could leave a loaf of bread on top of it for a few minutes.

Ok well then you are being abnormally extreme.

Yes you can leave bread on it. All day if you like

GreeBo

https://nofima.no/en/nyhet/2010/09/the-use-of-wood-in-contact-with-food/

New Home

Yes, but not if it's tacky! That was my main problem after I varnished the surfaces.

EDIT: Also, I don't use any meat or fish, and I always wash fruit and vegetables very carefully before chopping them, so the contamination is much reduced.

listermint

If it's tacky after weeks you used to much varnish. Didn't thin it or its not dry yet

New Home

One thin layer. Weeeeeeeks later. It's dry, I'm positive.

listermint

New Home wrote: »

One thin layer. Weeeeeeeks later. It's dry, I'm positive.

Varnish requires about 3 layers.with sanding in between each. You need to complete it and prep surfaces in between

New Home

My use of the word "varnished" was probably incorrect, can that be applied to flatting as well? If it is, then I'd say it's out for the plastic film, if I were to sand it it'd scratch the plastic surface, defeating the purpose of the exercise. I can't use a primer, either, because they're usually white and/or opaque, and would hide the pattern of the plastic film.

Lumen

The sanding is to smooth the lower layers so that the top unsanded layer is smooth.