Wednesday 22 March 2017

VARNISHING YOUR BOAT

Most popular GRP versions from the last century have some ornamental exterior timber such as rubbing strips, hand rails, hatch covers etc. and if well maintained these will include a real charm to your boat. Nevertheless, when neglected they soon end up being flaky as well as discoloured and it is remarkable how much this detracts from a watercraft cosmetically. The primary reasons for flaking varnish in addition to discolouration to wood made trims is UV damage compromising the varnish as well as enabling water to pass through right into the wood. The most effective way to prevent this is to touch up any kind of scrapes or cracks in the varnish immediately after they appear stopping water from soaking into the timber. To keep varnished wood looking its greatest it really requires re-doing every 1-2 years.

PICKING A VARNISH

Possibly one of the most overwhelming thing people discover when varnishing is the large volume of various marine varnishes on the marketplace. Varnishes naturally differ in cost in accordance with their quality, however budget isn't the only factor to think about when selecting a yacht varnish. The main technical properties different varnishes will market are the efficiency of the products resistance to UV (the significant source of flaking) as well as the products self-levelling properties; varnishes with better levelling properties will certainly be easier to apply equally to a surface. These are points of quality that will naturally differ as the varnishes vary in cost range, however there are additional aspects to think about.

Examine the application procedure when considering a varnish; does it have to be sanded between each coat or can you use 2 or 3 before having to sand it down once again? It's likewise worth examining the drying time and exactly how often you can apply coats to the surface, the majority of varnishes will strictly suggest merely one layer a day yet some can take 2. It is consequently vital to understand the number of layers you will require and also ensure you have the time available to do so. Varnishes likewise differ in colour, some are near enough clear whilst others will transfer an amber or gold radiance to the wood, consider exactly what result you wish to finish with. Lastly, what wood is it going on, most varnishes are relatively universal, however, if you're using a particularly oily timber like teak some varnishes will certainly need you to clean the timber with the proper thinners and perhaps seal the wood before application.

International Perfection Plus Marine Varnish

On top of the International range is their two pack 'Perfection Plus', an excellent quality varnish with a curing additive. International recommend in between 2 and 5 layers to leave an excellent gloss with the treating agent to give the hardest, most scrape immune shell and the longest life in the range.The next in the assortment are the 'Schooner' varnishes; 'Schooner Gold' offering the better UV defence as well as an amber hue to the timber, and the normal 'Schooner' giving more of a golden colour and requiring more coats compared to the 'Gold' with both calling for sanding between each layer. Next off, 'Compass' is the quick drying varnish in the selection allowing 2 coats daily under the appropriate conditions and not calling for sanding between each coat.

International Original Marine Varnish Finally, the 'Original' is the general purpose entry in the range; a great value, good quality varnish ideal for exterior work and requiring around three coats for a nice gloss.

APPLICATION

Implementation of varnishes naturally differs between products and any kind of special requirements will certainly be detailed on the tin. To give one of the most general idea of exactly how you might use varnish let's assume we are using International's 'Original' varnish on wooden rubbing strips together with hand rails. It is of course best, when possible, to get rid of wooden features from the watercraft to varnish in order both to improve access and also avoid leaking varnish all over the hull.

Give the wood a very good clean and also sand it down with around 300 grit paper, bearing in mind to sand in the direction of the grain, and also give it a very good wipe down after that with a tack-rag as any dust will certainly ruin the finish. Pick a top quality brush, sticky varnish is well-known for pulling hairs from brushes, Harris 'No-Loss' brushes are the best bet for a smooth finish. international toplac

International recommend thinning the very first coat of 'Original' by about 10% with their 'No. 1' thinners, this helps the varnish to really soak into the wood and also stick well to the surface. Do this in a separate mixing jug from which you can apply the varnish. Seal up the tin once you've measured out exactly what you will need for a layer to avoid any kind of unneeded contamination and use the thinned varnish generously from your measuring jug using long, sleek strokes in the same direction as the grain of the timber. This needs to be left to dry for a minimum of 1 Day prior to being given a good sanding with 320-400 grit sandpaper. Click here for more data interdeck.

Once entirely dry and sanded remove any type of dirt once again and you are ready to start using unthinned coats. Once again don't apply directly from the tin yet separate roughly what you will need into an appropriate container. When applying the unthinned varnish beware to keep strokes even and clean out any kind of drips as quickly as you see them as when they are tacky it becomes very challenging to correct them. Once you are happy with the layer leave it to dry for a minimum of 24-HOUR before sanding once more with 320-400grit paper to give a key for the following coat, if you don't accomplish this the varnish is liable to peel off in huge strips, use the tack rag to get rid of any dirt before proceeding with the following layer. Repeat this process as many times as possible, or till you are happy with the finish, International recommend three unthinned coats for 'Original' yet if you have the time there's no reason why you can not go even more. international marine paints

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