Varnishing Question.

[sailsmanship]

Do you have to sand between every coat.? I have done so but it seems to add alot of time in between coats. I have to sand, then clean, let dry, wait for at least a couple of hours to let the dust settle so I won't get airborne dust in the fresh varnish.

 

[ED21]

Re: Varnishing Question.

As far a I know. At some point switch to steel wool. A lot less dust, but it breaks the gloss for better adhesion. <br />What do you clean with? Sometimes I use mineral spirits, but I mostly use a tack cloth to clean off the dust. If possible don't sand where you varnish.<br />No matter how you varnish, it is labor & time intensive.

 

[sailsmanship]

Re: Varnishing Question.

I clean with acetone and a tack cloth. What grading of steel wool do you use?.

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: Varnishing Question.

I used #0000 very fime steel wool. I used Z-SPAR marine urythane on some mahogany Two coats, and used very fine steel wool after each coat. It also helps to use a good natural brisle brush. You can get the steel wool at home depot for about 4 bucks

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Varnishing Question.

Be very careful with steel wool, as if it is the kind that breaks down easily and leaves small steel slivers behind, those slivers can snag tiny imperfects and often avoid the final tacking. Down the road those steel bits absorb moisture and will leave a rust mark in your finish. <br /><br />I've used Scotchbrite pads with good results when prepping for the final couple of coats. Up to that point I sand with 180 or 220.<br /><br />I prefer mineral spirits for the wipe stage, followed by a tacking. Woodwork is just that - work, but it sure beats real work! The sanding stage is also a perfect part of the process to involve the missus or an interested son or daughter. It's not hard to get right with a little coaching and not hard to fix if they do it too hard or not hard enough.<br /><br />- Scott

 

[ED21]

Re: Varnishing Question.

I use whatever grade steel wool I have around, Not the finest grade though as it tends to falls apart too easily.<br />I love the smell of varnish in the morning

 

[2manyboats]

Re: Varnishing Question.

Bronze wool works great and doesn't rust. Varnish is a beautiful thing-especially on other people's boats. What happened to all the cheap deckhands???