The Perfect Classic Yacht Finish

Obtaining a mirror finish requires some practice but the following notes may be of help. Sand the timber finishing along the grain with a 120 grit. Remove the dust with a vacuum cleaner. If an air blow gun is available, [ideally with a water separator] use it to blow the final dust from the grain and then clean the surface using Isopropyl alcohol not white spirit. On oily timbers [teak, iroko etc] it may be necessary to remove the oils by wiping the timber with acetone, frequently changing the rags. Just before applying the varnish always wipe the surface with a tack rag [p 1.51] to remove final traces of dust. Allow the alcohol to dry out completely before applying the first coat of varnish which should be diluted 50% with the recommended thinner or Owatrol conditioner [p1.19]. Avoid putting brushes directly into the varnish can, always decant into a varnish kettle to avoid contamination. Allow 24hrs to dry. Sand back gently by hand with 180 grit, clean with isopropyl and tack rags. Apply the second coat thinned 25%. As you apply more coats thin the varnish less and sand between with finer grade paper. The number of coats required depends on the application. Three or four coats would be enough for indoors work and 15-20 coats would be needed to survive tropical sun. Prior to the last coat you should sand by hand using 360-400 grit, used wet or dry, until the varnish is completely matt and smooth to touch. Clean thoroughly before using the tack rag immediately prior to applying the varnish. Choose a warm still morning. If you have found that you are getting brush marks add 10% Owatrol to the varnish to increase the wet edge time and stir well but slowly so there are no air bubbles. Ensure you can gain access to the entire area to be varnished and that there is good light but avoid direct sunlight and wind. Apply the varnish quickly without stopping, finishing with the brush held at 45 0 to the stroke. Keep the wet edge flowing until the entire area is finished. If you are having difficulty maintaining a wet edge add more Owatrol. Use as big a brush as you feel you can handle. A 3" Pro-Extra Monarch or Hamilton Perfection are good for large areas, the Lily varnish brush is good for the fiddly bits. Brushes get better as they get old so look after them! Many people prefer to apply the varnish with a Jenny roller while a second person lays off with a wide Jenny foam brush. The Jenny Brush method is widely used by the most prestigious boat yards. A perfect finish is impossible but follow these tips and you should get pretty close.