Varnish Question

[Wayne M]

Hello everyone I am building a new frame and a door for more storage opposite the head on my C22. I am ready to start varnishing it is new wood and I read somewhere that the first coat should be thinned 50/50 with a thinner and coats after that are thinned less and less. Does anyone know the formula for thinning and how many coats do I need? I am using Z-Spar Captains Varnish and what type of thinner do I use?

 

[Jim Seamans]

Hi Wayne

You need to read the varnish can to see what thinner they use. Could be mineral spirits or something else.What kind of wood is this?Sometimes you do a light sanding of the wood before varnish.Clean - cleanStir your can of varnish real good.Pour and filter about 4ozs into a plastic cup(16oz cups work great).Add 4 ozs of thinner. This is a 50/50 mixStir real well.If the wood is in the boat, tape off any place you don't want varnish.It helps if the wood in not in the boat, don't have to worry about runs.Let it dry, Light sanding, clean..Keep repeating with less thinner until you are satisfied.BTW, If you don't use all of the varnish from the cup. I will place cellophane over the cup with the brush poked thru, rubber band to hold the cellophane. You can add more varnish to thicken it as you go. JimS/V Java

 

[Dan H]

Thinning varnish

I thin varnish 50/50 first coat. 75/25 second coat and full strength every coat after that.

 

[newly anonymous]

spar varnish

I go 60/40 the first coat, and 80/20 every subsequent coat. Keeps the bubbles away, and seems to look deeper that way.

 

[Rodger]

T-10

I think that T-10 is the correct thinner but check the back of the can. Use Z-Spar thinner. I have used Captins varnish for 30 years, it's the best.