Watching Varnish Dry
Epifanes Rapidcoat. It dries in a satin finish. This is about 20 minutes after application, and good to a soft touch.
We are now on coat 5 and gonna stop-ish. Yes we will add one more coat, but there is something happening that is cool as hell with the satin finish. Actually several things that are changing the way I think of all this. Less is more real. From various areas of information, from 3-6 coats was factory specs. There is no way that that few coats would give that slick finish we all love. And in our hearts know its way to perfect, but love that reflection. AND with a shiny gloss finish, it kinda works. BUT with a more satin finish, the grain stands out in a different way. Texture is part of the look. And I sure like that look. It’s FEELS authentic. YA YA, but its a gut thing. There is a vibe about it that just clicks.
A funny thing, you can rub it and it kinda polishes it and takes the dull out. We will be caulking sanding today for the final coat of the Wood Matte Varnish, A Satin finish and not a rapid coat. But this here is the rubbed lok I am going for. Yes its different than what we all think it should be, but this boat is all about trying bold choices and seeing how it plays out.
The lettering is going to be Aluminum leaf with one coat or two of varnish. From a stencil and then hand outlined. And trust me I have explored the B on the transom to death, and we will all vote.
This is pre rubbed. You can see it kinda has a flat sheen, but under that is a wonderful finish. BTW, this is where she was all split up.
Before
And in between
Just watching it dry.
You can see a bit of the wet sheen on the deck. We played with different amounts of thinner. That did not effect the sheen, but without the thinner its just deadly to brush on.
Starboard side is a tad more thinner and dried faster and ebenly, on the Port. Still setting up. This will all be sanded today. I have Brown Sikaflex for all the seams, and with touch that with the same stain so it blends better. And then done. DANG!
I was smiling until I saw that “before” photo. That is painful!
They say the boats were actually hand rubbed and left the factory with a satin type finish
I would so love to me the THEY Family one day, HA
Can you explain why she is named “B”?
Satin is the “new” gold standard for this vintage!
Shiny is still cool, but satin is hip!
And correct.
Murdock, I remember seeing Taylor M at Woods & Water at Gull lake and it just leaped out at me. That finish just looked right. Now, consider the other hundred plus boats on those docks that weekend!
Looks good! Did I read “brush on”? Roll and tip is the way to go. You need the right very thin foam roller, and I like bristle brush to tip off, others like foam brush to tip. Two guys can do the whole boat in 15 minutes! Ok, maybe 20…
If you like the satin, I think you would love a dead matte even more. It can make the hull look smoother and flatter, hiding the imperfections.
B came from Mr B, it’s his boat. It was also kinda cool it had a B in it vs a GRey. Although not factory.
What about Mr B with a helmet and racing goggles or wearing a captain’s hat and topcoat along Stinky’s theme.
I love this idea!
many years ago at the ACBS meet in Branson mo. i got to ask Mr. Chris Smith how many coats of varnish did the factory put on boats. He said 3-5 depending on the boat. i was going to ask him to autograph this check but i was so excited just to get to talk to the legend i forgot to ask.
Interesting! I’m leaning a lot. Please tell me about the LED lights in the shop.