Tell Us Your Varnish Tips And Tricks Day!
Thanks bob Kays for shooting some Pettit Cans at Katzs
Today in our third day of the Pettit Gettit Done Week, we thought we would ask our fellow Woodyboaterites for tips and tricks they use when varnishing? What? you thought we were going to give you some? HA, I have yet to do it right, ONCE. Each time I try, its different.
Just hanging around in the clean varnish room
Varnishing can be a very personal thing. Some..my self included even choose specific music to set the pace and mood. Of course a clean room is the optimal choice, and no spring time pollin, or humidity, or as fellow Woody boater Wayne Eversol says, you Mother in law has to even be happy. So, bring on the tips, and tricks or things to avoid today on Varnish Tricks and Tips Day.
Do you warm it up? Connect battery cables to the brush? Do a special varnish dance?
I do the floors in my house but since Panther is more important my secret is I let Katz do it while I drink margaritas at the beach.
I am still in denial, but Rick probably has the best advice you will see today. Unless you want to pull your hair out.
According to local lore, Ralph Scott Chris Craft in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, found they got the best finishes varnishing on a foggy day.
some say a joint helps with classical music!
Yep.
Here is how we do it at the Vintage Race Boat Shop !!!
http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/Stain-Varnish.htm
Matt I think you hit the nail on the head (or the brush on the tip) with this comment. “Each time I try, its different.”
Varnishing is like a relationship with your Lover: ignore the flaws, after all is said and done you are the only one who sees them.
Well said, Troy! I think of varnish as the K-Y of wooden boat porn.
Two boats, both stripped, stained and varnished. One has been freshened up twice now. After trying several methods the one I always come back to is the foam brush. Keep the varnish can on a heating pad (in a cooler if it’s chilly). Varnish flows and levels really nice off the foam brush. Have lots of light at different angles to see those “holidays” before it’s too late. Chris Rea is my music of choice for varnishing.
I’ve found that spraying down the floor and lightly misting the air with a Hudson pump helps eliminate dust. Also hot coating to build up several initial coats speeds things along.
Drink single malt, heavily. Listen to Wolfgang Mozart , loud. Varnish naked, alone.
I did not set out to do so, but I find I listen to Bob Marley and the Wailers when I varnish. Usually Legend.
It’s important how the instrument of choice fits in your hand. I like one that is fairly heavy and a grip that is tot too thick so, I can hold it firm but without stress to my fingers. Then I apply a light pressure as I use cursive to write out the cheque and sign my name.
And….another sip of coffee hits the computer screen.
You will find that the best coat of varnish you ever do is the one before the last one.
I like Tommy Holm’s method! Well except for the last word!
I have found that sending it out is the best way. Always works for me…..
Best way it to have your Wife do it while you smoke the joint and listen to classical music. Mozart gives the best finish but Michael Jackson will work too…