Teak Varnish

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Greg G.

I have a new (2001) Hunter 320 and would like to add a high gloss varnish on the teak trim (like around the doors etc.) much like Hunter did with the salon table. I liked this look on the larger Hunter's I have seen like the 410. I have looked around for the right kind of varnish and most of the high gloss stuff I have seen so far looks like it is intended for outdoor use with extra high UV protection. While I assume it would be ok to use this inside as well, I wonder what would be the best product for this task? Has anyone done this and what kind of prep would one need to do given this is a new boat with less then one season wear? Any help would be greatly appreciated...
 
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thomas e mcnamara

VARNISH

I HAVE A 99 45FT, AND THE TABLE SCARED THE HELL OUT OF ME WITH ITS LUSTER. I FINALLY DROPPED A HAMMER ON IT AND THE MYSTREY WAS OVER. JUST THINK,YOU ARE GOING TO THINK ABOUT THIS WHEREVER YOU PUT THIS GLOSS. I ALSO THINK THE INTERIOR FINISH HAS TEAK OIL AND THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED CAUSE VARNISH WOULD ADHERE BETTER. I THINK A CALL TO HUNTER WOULD BE IN ORDER. I INTEND TO PUT TEAK OIL [ABOUT 4 OR 5 COATS]INSIDE WHEN THE TIME COMES IN 2 TO 3 YEARS. WE LIVE ABOARD AND BOTH SMOKE, THATS WHEN VARNISH SHOULD BE USED SO THE WOOD WOULD BE SEALED AND NOT ABSORB THE ORORS,BUT WHAT THE HELL IM 70 AND I DONT THINK I WILL BE BUYING ANOTHER BOAT.
 
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Brian Pickton

Varrnishing

Dec.12, 2000 Dear Greg, I've done what you propose on The Legend and it makes the trim contrast niclely with the low luster oil finish of the bulkheads. For a text on what you want to do see "Fine Boat Finishes" by Paul and Marya Butler which is the best instructional book on the topic I've seen. Your exterior grade varnish is identical to interior grade except for the adition of UV inhibitors and so can be used inside. I would suggest if your going to be refiinishing an area that gets a lot of physical contact like a hand hold you might use a clear one part linear polyurethane product which is a harder longer lasting product than varnish. If you go with varnish all of the major manufacturers have their fans - I use Epifanes more out of habit than anything else. For a polyurethane you might consider Awlgrip's product line as well. Do yourself this favour - use the best quality brushes for the job, and by that I mean badger hair for varnish. See the articles on the Ask a Beneteau Owners site on use and care of brushes as well. Brian Pickton @ BeneteauOwners.net Aboard The Legend, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia
 
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Ron

Brightwork!

Who would ever want to purchase a boat and never work on it? Part of the enjoyment of ownership is to make changes and add a little of our own personality to our vessels. Have you noticed that wooden beauty down by the end of the dock? We all have seen one. And everyone asks tells the owner "this is gorgeous! How do you keep her looking so pristine?" And the proud owner smiles. I believe one of the most enjoyable tasks is in maintaining brightwork. Sure it is a job, notice the term "brightWORK" but, nothing can enhance the look and feel of a boat as much as the beauty of wood. Some like the look of oiled teak. Others like weathered teak. But your eyes will always look at the boats that have well maintained varnished woods (brightwork). They give our boats a little of the soul from days gone by. Most of todays production boats have the Euro look. Low maintainance which means less woodwork. If you put an older model next to a new one you will see what I mean. Make your changes, get some books on brightwork, talk to others on the docks that have great looking brightwork, enjoy the freedom that comes with ownership and makes our boats a part of us. Inside our out nothing beats the beauty of WOOD!
 
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LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners

Brightwork

Buy or check out from the library the book "Brightwork" by Rebecca...what's her last name! I'm drawing a blank but that should be enough info to find it. It far & away the most comprehensive book on the subject even though it looks like a coffee table book. IMHO, that's it's only drawback. As far as the interior wood goes, a polyurethane might work well for durability, but just make sure it has UV protectant if you're using it near the companionway. Hand holds, etc get a lot of exposure to the elements so you'll want to use whatever will keep that finish longest. Polyu's don't generally keep up as well as varnish outside so keep that in mind. Another product I recommended in a thread this week is Bristol finish. I guess I shouldn't recommend it as I haven't used it but I have a couple of friends who rave about it. It has the maintenance properties of orangy Cetol but the clarity of varnish. It's out of Florida & can be found in the back of boating mags. That might be a good option even though it's spendy. LaDonna
 
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R.W.Landau

Mc Closkeys

I tried a urethane on my bright work. It is toooo brittle. It lasted less than a summer and chipped off. Mc Closkey's makes a varnish that I liked. It is uv rated and lasted two seasons in Pittsburgh before a touch-up was required. It comes in satin, semigloss and gloss. Can be found in some paint stores. I don't know how it stands up to salt . merry Christmas r.w.landau
 
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Trevor

The book LaDonna referred to is...

...called "Brightwork: The Art of Finishing Wood", by Rebecca J. Whitman. I keep this book on my coffee table and flip through it regularly. I also take it to the boat and take Rebecca's advice seriously! This book can be purchased from this site by going to the chandlery and searching for "brightwork" under the "Books and Reference" tab. Have fun! Trevor
 
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Greg G.

Thanx all..

Appreciate all the advise and I guess I will head over to pick up a book or two. Do you think on a new boat, I would need to do much other then a rub down with a super fine grit paper?
 
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LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners

Check the book

Probably not but if you're going to get a book, read up on varnishing oiled woods. If it were me, I wouldn't bother cleaning the teak first. Just a light sanding. LaDonna
 
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jay carson

varnish

I live aboard a 36 catalina and used satin zspar inside with a gloss captains varnish to trim and heavily used areas. I use captains outside, can't really use satin as it won't last, no uv best, jayc
 
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