Most popular GRP models from the last century have some ornamental exterior timber like rubbing strips, handrails, hatch covers and so on and if well maintained these will add a real beauty to your watercraft. However, once neglected they soon become flaky as well as discoloured and it is fantastic how much this detracts from a watercraft cosmetically. The major causes of flaking varnish and discolouration to wood made trims is UV damage weakening the varnish and enabling water to penetrate into the wood. The best method to prevent this is to touch up any kind of scrapes or cracks in the varnish as quickly as possible after they show up stopping water from soaking right into the wood. To maintain varnished timber looking its best it really requires re-doing every one to two years.
SELECTING A VARNISH
Probably one of the most overwhelming thing individuals discover when varnishing is the large quantity of different marine varnishes on the marketplace. Varnishes normally vary in price according to their quality, nevertheless budget plan isn't the only factor to think about when selecting a yacht varnish. The main technical attributes various varnishes will advertise are the effectiveness of the products ability to resist UV (the significant source of flaking) along with the products self-levelling attributes; varnishes with better levelling properties will be simpler to apply equally to a surface. These are typically points of quality that will normally vary because the varnishes vary in cost range, nevertheless there are additional elements to consider.
Check the application process when looking at a varnish; does it need to be sanded between each layer or can you apply 2 or three before having to sand it down again? It's furthermore worth inspecting the drying time and just how often you can apply coats to the surface, most varnishes will strictly recommend merely one coat a day however some can take two. It is therefore important to recognize the amount of layers you will require and also ensure you have the time available to accomplish this. Varnishes also differ in colour, some are near enough clear whilst others will transfer an amber or gold radiance to the timber, consider exactly what effect you intend to finish with. Finally, what timber is it going on, most varnishes are relatively universal, nevertheless, in case you are using an especially oily timber such as teak some varnishes will certainly require you to clean up the timber with the suitable thinners and possibly secure the wood prior to application.
International Perfection Plus Marine Varnish
At the top of the International range is their two pack 'Perfection Plus', a top quality varnish with a curing additive. International suggest between 2 and 5 layers to leave a fantastic gloss with the curing agent to provide the hardest, most scratch resistant shell and the longest life in the range.The next in the assortment are the 'Schooner' varnishes; 'Schooner Gold' offering the much better UV defense as well as a brownish-yellow hue to the timber, and the regular 'Schooner' giving even more of a golden colour and calling for more coats than the 'Gold' with both calling for sanding between each layer. Next off, 'Compass' is the fast drying varnish in the range enabling 2 layers daily under the ideal conditions and not needing sanding between each layer.
International Original Marine Varnish Finally, the 'Original' is the general purpose entry in the collection; a good value, top quality varnish ideal for exterior work and requiring around three layers for a wonderful gloss.
APPLICATION
Application of varnishes naturally varies between products and any specific requirements will certainly be described on the tin. To provide the most general idea of exactly how you might apply varnish let's assume we're making use of International's 'Original' varnish on wood rubbing strips together with hand rails. It is of course best, when possible, to get rid of wooden features from the watercraft to varnish to be able both to improve access and also prevent dripping varnish all over the hull.
Give the wood a very good clean and sand it down with around 300 grit paper, remembering to sand towards the grain, and give it a very good wipe down after that with a tack-rag as any dirt will ruin the finish. Pick a high quality brush, sticky varnish is notorious for pulling hairs from brushes, Harris 'No-Loss' brushes are the best option for a smooth coating.
International advise thinning the first coat of 'Original' by around 10% with their 'No. 1' thinners, this helps the varnish to truly douse into the wood and also stick well to the surface. Do this in a separate blending jug where you can apply the varnish. Seal up the tin once you've measured out exactly what you will need for a coat to stop any kind of unnecessary contamination and apply the thinned varnish generously from your measuring jug using long, easy moves in the same direction as the grain of the wood. This should be left to dry for at the very least 24 hours before being given a good sanding with 320-400 grit paper.
Once completely dry and sanded get rid of any type of dust once more and you are ready to start applying unthinned coats. Once again do not apply straight from the tin yet separate approximately what you will need into an appropriate jug. When using the unthinned varnish take care to keep strokes smooth and brush out any kind of drips as soon as you see them as when they are tacky it becomes really hard to fix them. When you are happy with the coat leave it to dry for a minimum of 1 Day before sanding again with 320-400grit paper to give a key for the following layer, if you do not do this the varnish is likely to peel off in big strips, use the tack rag to remove any kind of dirt before proceeding with the following coat. Repeat this procedure as many times as you can, or up until you are pleased with the coating, International suggest 3 unthinned coats for 'Original' however if you have the time there is no reason why you can't go further. Go here for extra information international compass varnish.