Need help with finish question

[Kip]

I wanted to remodel a riser so I took the rasp to it.I was going to use Minwax helmsman Spar Urethane in semi gloss for the finish.I tried it on a sample object and it came out way too much shine.They sell a satin also.Question can I put some coats of the semi gloss then some satin on top of the same product to dull it or should start with all satin.Thanks Kip

[shaft slinger]

Kip, the gloss is harder than the satin, so a lot of boyers ( me included } do the gloss and finish with satin on the last 2 coats, I use a high gloss, it really don't matter simi or gloss.
   You should not have a problem if you stay with the same brand of product

[Whip]

Yep, should be no problem Kip.  Just don't put too many coats on - it can build up too thick and end up cracking, especially on the limbs.  Thin coats, and finish with the satin should be fine.

[Kip]

Thanks Harold and Joe.Joe it is the riser only so it should be fine.Kip

[quickink]

There are two products that come in a spray can... Matte Finish & Dulling Spray, that you can pick up at an art store (one's permanent, the other's temporary - can't remember which is which). You can dial in your "shine" without having to add coats of paint.

[Longbowz]

Another option in spar varnish is McClosky's Man O War.  It's a little thinner then most and leaves a really nice finish.  I read about it in a gun magazines for refinishing stocks.  I've used it on a woodworking project and it works well.

[d. ward]

Kip one of the best and easiest finishes to use on repairs and or complete jobs is Birchwood & Casey tru oil gun stock finish.
Thier name tells the story they've been around for over 50 years and if it was good enough for our Fathers gun stocks it surely would work great on our archery tackle(I use it for arrow finish all the time).
B&C works super good on both wood and or fiberglass and can be applied with anything from your bare fingers spounge brush paper towel paper coffee filter spray can rubber glove whatever.B&C is a little thin and you may need to apply several coats over several days letting each coat dry from 4-24 hours pending on temps.
B&C is a great finish easy to use easy to make repair on and protects for years.B&C can be applied and then 24 hours later you can rub it down with one of those green scotch-brite pads for a satin finish or polished to a high gloss bd