Ignored the thermostat and paid for it with cracked varnish

Joseph Wilson · 2026-03-05T20:00:58.889553+00:00

Finished a dresser in my chilly garage, and the topcoat split overnight. Keep your space above 60 degrees to avoid this mess.

the_claire7mo ago

Watched a whole batch of coasters crack like ice last winter. My shed dipped below 50, and the polyurethane just gave up. It looked like a spiderweb on every piece. Now I check the forecast before I even open a can. Cost me a weekend and a lot of sandpaper.

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valellis6mo ago

Temperature is only half the problem. Humidity swings during curing will do that too. I keep a cheap thermometer and humidity gauge right on the workbench now. If the numbers aren't right, I just wait. Sanding that mess back is way worse than being patient.

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cora5187mo ago

Wait, how cold did it actually GET in there? I didn't know it could crack just from one night below 60! That's a serious wake-up call.

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wesley_jones7mo ago

Sounds like your garage was jealous of the house's heating bill!

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