Boat Varnishing: Simple, Satisfying! | Ep. 31

[@todmills]

I have found that it is preferable to not start varnishing earlier in the day because the wood is heating up and releasing vapor which can appear in the varnish as bubbles. Also, when you are finished varnishing and are about to place the lid back on the can, if you take a propane torch and turn it on without lighting it, out of the wind, and allow the propane to flow into the can (it is heavier than air) to displace the air in the can with propane. Then place the lid on the can. That prevents the varnish from skinning over in the can before the next time you open the can.

[@LifeFourPointZero]

Thanks Tod. I have not noticed an issue with wood vapor forming bubbles but it sounds like a good thing to be conscious of when considering how early in the day to start. And thanks for sharing the tip on propane in the can!

[@edwardanderson7003]

I have a suggestion for those cheap brushes. Soak it is water overnight then let it dry. The bristles will swell up and not pull out as easily. Great video. Thank you!!

[@LifeFourPointZero]

Great suggestion Edward, I'll have to give that a try!

[@pualanic4023]

Mahalos for the video. I’m getting ready to do teak and I never have before. The videos I’ve been watching have run from extreme to the other. Thanks for breaking it down in a low key way that’s probably given me enough confidence to tackle mine now. Sending Aloha~ ❤️⛵️⚓️

[@LifeFourPointZero]

You're welcome. Once you get started you'll likely find it's not as bad as you thought. Good luck!

[@bitngeo]

I really enjoy your how-to videos along with your low-keyed, common sense approach. I learn something new every time. Thanks.

[@LifeFourPointZero]

Glad you liked it bitngeo. There are more coming in the future!

[@phf3238]

Thanks for the refresher class. It has been awhile and now I have a different sailboat which needs varnish.

[@LifeFourPointZero]

Your welcome, Pat. Good luck on your new project!

[@markphilibert4156]

Thanks for posting this video!! I am about to re-varnish the exterior teak on my Catalina. I enjoyed your tutorial very much and it has inspired me to take on the job sooner rather than later! Cheers! :)

[@LifeFourPointZero]

Thanks Mark. Good luck on your project. Teak really looks wonderful when it's been varnished.

[@posilipos]

I thought that varnish was very difficult. Hopefully after seeing your video I will manage to do it myself. Thanks!

[@LifeFourPointZero]

Once you get used to the process and put a few costs down you'll find like a lot of things that it gets easier. And the payoff at the end is pretty nice! Good luck.

[@914va]

Thanks for sharing... made simple and easy to follow.

[@LifeFourPointZero]

That was the intent! Thanks for watching.

[@gerardcollins1767]

@@LifeFourPointZero to stop skin forming put lid on tightly simply turn can upside down

[@LifeFourPointZero]

@@gerardcollins1767 good suggestion, I'll try that!

[@tubular2006]

Best varnishing video for the average boat owner I have seen so far. Any suggestions for supporting a piece that is drying? It has to rest on something. Is doing one side at a time the only option? Seems like that would double the time required. Thanks

[@LifeFourPointZero]

Thanks Andie. There's no easy solution to varnishing both sides of a piece. If you can hang it from say a hinge or latch, you might be able to get both sides and edges, but you run a greater risk of runs. I usually prop up large flat pieces with a few small blocks underneath. This allows you to get the sides as well, and air flow underneath to help the drying process, as well as to catch any runs on the under part of the edges. If you are doing a table top or similar surface, you don't need an equal amount of coats on both sides; just a few coats on the side that doesn't see the sun is all that is needed. If you flip the piece over before it is 100% dry and hard, you can use a bit of wax paper to keep it from sticking to the blocks of wood underneath. Good luck!

[@millertimeeeeeee]

Thanks for the very informative how to video, I hope to have a 410 in the near future

[@LifeFourPointZero]

Glad you enjoyed it, and you'll have a great experience with the 410.. beautiful boat!