Varnish question

[Bruce Hill]

I am refinishing exterior teak on my boat this winter. Have teak in a warm basement, fully sanded and laying up additional coats. Why do I keep geting small bubbles in each coat? Using a real brush, not foam, sanding between coats. Would it matter if the varnish was 3 seasons old?

 

[Steve Dion]

You are not shaking it are you?

Bruce:You should not shake the varnish (like you would wil paint). This will cause it go get air bubbles in it. Personally I always use a foam brush. I think if you search around you may find some tips (like sailnet) on applying varnish. You can also contact the mfg for some tips.

 

[Sean]

shaking

Bruce,I just learned not to do this. I am now stirring, the bubbles if you keep dragging a brush over them eventually go away. What a pain! Good luck.SeanAustin, TX

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners]

Wax or oils

Did you wipe the wood down with mineral spirits before applying? You might try this cuz there could be contaminants such as wax or oil to mar the finish, though these usually show up as fish-eyes. It could also be the brush. Perhaps you're not getting it clean enough between coats. I only use good quality foam now too cuz of problems with getting those expensive brushes really clean. If these suggestions don't seem to work, I highly highly recommend Rebecca Whitman's book "Brightwork". It's really the best book on brightwork I've ever read, even though it has an appearance of a coffee table book. You won't regret the investment.LaDonna

 

[Russell Egge]

Thin it with Mineral Spirits

You say the varnish is three years old, it may have lost some of its solvent thru evaporation. Thin very slightly with mineral spirits and try again.RREggeS/V Allie Kat

 

[Rob]

All of this and more...

These are all great suggestions - foam brushes, thinning the varnish, not shaking the can.In addition, I'd reccommed applying the thinnest coat possible. Too often people try to slap on a thick coat, thinking the finish will build up faster. Unfotunately you get bubbles and crevaces. Your first two or three coats on bare wood should be cut with about 50 percent thinner. 4th and 5th should be cut with 25 percent thinner, and the last coats can go full strenght. While applying the varnish, stroke the brush in long movements. If you get bubbles, simply run the brush over them until they go away. After you have coated your peice, take your brush and run it over the wood again (without dipping it in the can), absorbing any globs or execessively wet spots. This should do you well. Make sure you get at least 10 coats on - more if you can!Rob