varnish problems....

[MitchM]

well i decided to use last years' varnish 'interlux clipper' to touch up some spots on my 16 foot chesapeake light craft skerry. . varnish was a half full can , lid had been cleaned off and pounded closed with a hammer. the varnish looked fine. (like pancake syrup..) following directions on the c an i did not cut the varnish with a thinner as that was recommended only for 'the 1st coat.' since this would be the 6th coat on top of the 5 last summer, i proceeded to apply the next coat. with my dedicated varnish only expensive brush...
after 12 hours - varnish was still tacky to the touch, not 'dry to touch after 2 hours' as advertised on the can...i called tech service at yachtpaint.com manufacturer of schooner and clipper varnish... the tech rep told me to try a wipe down all over with their proprietary 333 brushing liquid. this seemed to help the varnish cure. the rep also told me t hat properly stored varnish can be applied when it is as old as 10 to 12 YEARS !! wow .

so my question is - did anyone else ever have the mysterious non drying varnish problem? what did i do wrong ?

 

[Stu Jackson]

What was the weather?

 

[Captnkev25]

I was thinking the same thing Stu. I've had varnish take a heck of a long time to dry past hand tackiness in humid weather. Oh and PS thanks for the advice on my anchor and steaming light problem. Turned out to be the super oxidized deck plug. All better now

 

[woodster]

if you had very high humidity when you applyed it it will do that ....you may have to wipe it off with mineral spirts and let that dry and then sand it and go again....the best i remember there is a retarder for use in high humidity but not sure where i got it ...your local paint store may be able to point you in the right direction ei furniture refinishing supply....

hope this helps

regards

woody

 

[MitchM]

hah, it appears to have been the humidity which was 80% as we were awaiting a big thunder storm.. i am pleased to report that a wipedown all over with interlux 333 , followed by a day with fans blowing on teh boat, made it good as new.

now that i know this i have rigged up an oregon s cientific temperature/humidity instrument in the work shop to t ell me when 2 varnish...

thanks to all, and celebratory 4th to you, especially the vets....