Most popular GRP versions from the last century have some decorative exterior timber such as rubbing strips, hand rails, hatch covers and so on and if well kept these will add a genuine appeal to your boat. Nevertheless, when ignored they quickly end up being half-cracked as well as discoloured and it is incredible just how much this takes away from a watercraft cosmetically. The primary causes of cracking varnish and discolouration to wooden trims is UV damage compromising the varnish as well as allowing water to pass through right into the wood. The best method to stop this is to repair any kind of scrapes or breaks in the varnish as soon as possible after they show up stopping water from immersing into the timber. To maintain varnished timber looking its greatest it actually needs re-doing every 1-2 years.
CHOOSING A VARNISH
Probably one of the most overwhelming thing individuals discover when varnishing is the sheer volume of various marine varnishes on the market. Varnishes naturally vary in price based on their quality, however budget plan is not the only aspect to think about when picking a yacht varnish. The main technical properties various varnishes will promote are the efficiency of the products effectiveness against UV (the major cause of flaking) in addition to the products self-levelling properties; varnishes with better levelling properties will be simpler to use evenly to a surface. These are factors of quality that will normally vary since the varnishes differ in cost range, nevertheless there are additional aspects to consider.
Examine the application process when considering a varnish; will it have to be sanded between each coat or will you use 2 or three before having to sand it down once again? It's likewise worth examining the drying time and just how frequently you can apply coats to the surface, the majority of varnishes will strictly advise only one layer a day yet some can take two. It is therefore essential to recognize the amount of layers you will need and also make sure you have the time available to accomplish this. Varnishes also differ in colour, some are near enough transparent whilst others will transfer a brownish-yellow or gold radiance to the timber, consider just what effect you intend to finish with. Finally, what timber is it going on, many varnishes are fairly universal, however, if you're using an especially oily timber such as teak some varnishes will certainly need you to clean up the wood with the suitable thinners and perhaps seal the wood before application.
International Perfection Plus Marine Varnish
On top of the International range is their 2 pack 'Perfection Plus', an excellent quality varnish with a curing additive. International recommend in between 2 and 5 layers to leave a great gloss with the treating agent to give the hardest, most scrape resistant covering and the longest life in the range.The next in the range are the 'Schooner' varnishes; 'Schooner Gold' offering the much better UV defense along with a brownish-yellow hue to the wood, and the regular 'Schooner' offering even more of a golden colour and calling for even more coats compared to the 'Gold' with both calling for sanding between each coat. Next off, 'Compass' is the quick drying varnish in the range allowing 2 coats daily under the ideal 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 fantastic value, good quality varnish suitable for exterior work and wanting about three layers for a nice gloss. This informative website international yacht varnish provides extensive more info on the subject of marine-gloss.
APPLICATION
Application of varnishes naturally varies between products and any kind of special requirements will be described on the tin. To give one of the most general idea of exactly how you can use varnish let's assume we're making use of International's 'Original' varnish on wood rubbing strips together with hand rails. It's obviously best, if possible, to get rid of wooden features from the boat to varnish in order both to improve access and also avoid dripping varnish all around the hull.
Give the wood a good clean and also sand it with around 300 grit paper, remembering to sand in the direction of the grain, and also give it a good wipe down later on with a tack-rag as any kind of dust will certainly spoil the coating. Pick a high quality brush, sticky varnish is infamous for pulling hairs from brushes, Harris 'No-Loss' brushes are the best option for a smooth coating.
International advise thinning the first layer of 'Original' by about 10% with their 'No. 1' thinners, this helps the varnish to really douse into the timber and adhere well to the surface area. Do this in a separate mixing container where you can use the varnish. Seal up the tin once you have actually measured out what you will require for a layer to stop any unnecessary contamination and use the thinned varnish amply from your measuring container making use of long, easy moves in the same direction as the grain of the wood. This should be left to dry for at least 24-HOUR prior to being given an effective sanding with 320-400 grit paper.
Once entirely dry and sanded get rid of any type of dust once more and you are set to begin using unthinned coats. Once again do not apply straight from the tin yet separate approximately what you are going to need into a suitable container. When applying the unthinned varnish take care to retain strokes smooth and clean out any drips as quickly as you see them as when they're tacky it becomes really difficult to fix them. As soon as you are happy with the coat leave it to dry for at least 24 hours before sanding again with 320-400grit paper to give a key for the following layer, if you don't accomplish this the varnish is liable to peel off in large strips, use the tack cloth to remove any dust before proceeding with the next layer. Repeat this procedure as often as possible, or until you are pleased with the surface, International recommend 3 unthinned coats for 'Original' yet in case you have the time there's no reason you can not go even more.