Sail Life - Oh glorious varnish-palooza & freezer lid

Who doesn't love a good bit of varnishing? :) In this video, I try some new products for spiffy-fying wood. Spoiler alert: I still haven't found better products or processes than the one I used back in Denmark.
For easy varnishing of interior trim, I highly recommend you try Clear wood sealer (the two-part product!) and then finish it with a few coats of GoldSpar.
www.interlux.c...
www.interlux.c...

[@codegame027]

Mads has gotten SOO good at talking to the camera. I know yall been doing it for a while but WOW.

[@Buffy-ip4io]

Yeah, he even sounds like a Michigander. "These one's" and "hot water heater" lol.

[@tomk4199]

I totally agree and I really like that about Mads and Ava... it makes me feel like I'm right there with them. I've seen some other channels where they speak to a camera off to the side as if it's a documentary and it drives me crazy

[@tomypreach]

I had the same thought.

[@mattcarroll106]

Had no clue,Mads was gangster?But still fears Ava.

[@AllanMelsen]

Glædelig jul, Mads og Ava. Håber i kommer godt igennem og får fejret både jul og nytår med dem der står jer nærmest!

[@SailLife]

Glædelig jul, Allan! :)

[@deanvaughan8477]

Merry Christmas to the crew. Mads is super articulate and relatable. To me that is his best attributes.

[@jonunya3128]

that damn trim piece on the nav station pole has been making me crazy for years... I know you're trolling me/us, Mads!

[@paulheitkemper1559]

I used Cetol once. The wood looked almost like I covered it with paint. Never again.

[@WaterFaucet24]

Looking forward to your aft-cabin work. Merry Xmas to you and your families!

[@bruce2sail]

My rule for using Cetol is I use it for any exterior teak trim or brightwork. It protects the wood against the weather and sun and should last you around 3 years. I use it on my companionway hatch, trim and stairs because it is also quite scuff-resistant. When you’re ready to refinish, it comes off easily with a pull scraper or an electric palm sander. It’s not for everybody but for exterior, I always get compliments on the brightwork. I like your two-part finisher for interior teak and brightwork. The sealer you used should be used prior to staining raw boards. It prevents the stain from making obvious variations in permeable wood surfaces where more stain will soak into edge grain and less will soak into harder surface grain. The sealer will also act as a good base coat for varnishes, but it cannot be used to build up a thick varnish top coat.

[@murph914]

I feel the same way in regards to cetol. Lots of catboat guys use it for outside wood and get a good 2-3 years where varnish is a half season. Definitely more a paint that mimicks varnish than a real varnish.

[@Breennan]

Wood sealer generally is meant to seal the grain so that you get a better top coat finish. If the grain isn't sealed in some species it can absorb the varnish/stain at different rates leaving you with discoloration or splotchiness in the final product. For extremely hard woods like Teak or the type you've chosen to use (I can't remember the species, it's been so long since you were in that dope wood shop!) the grain is tight enough that the sealer generally won't have much of an effect. If you were to use it on something like Doug Fir, Mahogany or Red Cedar though it would definitely help get you an more even finish.

[@michaelarthur545]

This is exactly the point of sealer. Some woods (birch and pine are two more examples) take stain very unevenly. Wood sealer allows a more uniform color

[@robertgranafei2781]

Cetol muddies up the wood grain and looks odd. There is no substitute for doing it right. And by that I mean: varnish. The technique I've use for 50 years is simple: First, coat on raw wood thin the varnish 25%, second thin 10%, and third coat thin as needed for handling. Then flat sand, first with 150, then 220 . Coats 4 and 5 straight varnish or thinned with Penetrol per conditions. Again, flat sand. Repeat for coats 6&7. Coat 8 straight varnish only thinned for handling. Then sanded with 220 wet/dry and then 400 wet. Coat 9 again straight varnish thinned to a minimum for handling. You float varnish , not brush it, and lay it off with the grain. For building coats I use Interlux as it drys fast and in the Caribbean you never know when a stray rain shower will blow through. But for the last two coast I always use Epifanes. It is more expensive and takes a while to use but it gives the best finish of the one part varnishes. Having owned a Hans Christian 48T for 32 year with 11 years in Mexico and 16 in the Caribbean I've done a lot of varnishing, so I feel I know from where I speak.

[@joehimes9898]

If yhe freezer top had Bluetooth or WiFi, Mads would have fixed it 2 years ago.

[@bobrose7900]

Sikkens Cetol is not my favourite, but, that said, the pigment is required for extended UV protection. Rubbing down between coats is a requirement! To avoid dust a sponge backed scourer and isopropyl alcohol can be used which flats the surface nicely and cleans it at the same time - wipe off while still wet with a soft dry cloth, you should also check compatibility of the solvent first, but I've never had problems. 2 part lacquers are in a different league in terms of mechanical durability, but not always against UV. Enjoyed the video and I like the slightly grainy finish, so there you go!

[@brianquiniones2296]

Lol, snitches and stitches, wife unit....keeps me listening intently for more! Always awesome Mads!

[@ForzAvantiVelez]

Hahaha snitches get stitches!

[@vanhooler358]

Nothing to see here Ava.

[@Frankenstompbox]

Snitches get stitches. Mads is gangsta AF.

[@iamthetarget52]

It's been awhile since I got stitches....

[@SailingSisu]

Wow, Mads, you have really stepped up your camera skills! Your vlogs just keep getting better and better. And speaking of better, the varnish-palooza and freezer lid project look amazing! I can't wait to see the final result. Keep up the great work and happy holidays to you and your loved ones!

[@JimKJeffries]

I appreciate that you sand between coats. Will always leave a better product.

[@SgtToastieYT]

I enjoy Mads spending the time to ensure our feelings aren't hurt if we don't like the same varnish. As you say, to each their own so long as it works.

[@ktobias63]

Yay, more glorious sanding, looks great and yes please get my cabin ready! Happy Holidays to you and Ava!

[@SailLife]

Happy holidays! :D What better way to celebrate than with a bit of sanding ;)

[@robflynn5682]

Hey Ava, I´m so glad you´ve got mads on your side. He´s a real, sometimes even quirky, but absolutely unique and adorable personality. Honor his nooks and crannies with every fiber of your heart, even if theres maybe somewhere hidden dust and grime... ;) Hey Mads, I bet you already know, it´s always beauty which captures our attention, but only personality can conquer a heart. Ava got both, for sure, so take good care of her, ma´dude! - I love your journey so far, take care and wish you both an extraordinary happy new years eve, you lovebirds. ;)

[@deeshipley6527]

I'm with you on the Cetol product. On the video it seems more orange ish than the varnish. The rest of the project is looking spiffy.

[@svWayfinder]

I agree, I have never had good results with Cetol. It is not clear or amber.

[@mikewarner2285]

I would have used fast dry wood sealer. 😅

[@kenttegneskog]

Ohh glorious Mads. As always amazing video, thanks. Kent from sweden

[@erklaerbaer01]

I am really looking forward to the nav station fix... that eyesore messed with my autism badly.

[@arthurjacobs9330]

Yay, plywood next week...with an itty bitty jigsaw...yikes! 😵‍💫🤬😉

[@Pat.Mustard]

Some people love Cetol. I can’t stand the stuff. May as well use exterior paint, which lasts much longer.

[@bdphourde]

Oh, glorius stand up comedy! What entertainment! Would the Cetol have the same effect if it was put onto mahogany or perhaps a lighter wood like oak. Maybe the coloration is objectionable compared to the natural color of teak that everyone loves so much. The darker mahogony may not have the same effect. Or it could help a lighter wood blend better when used as trim for teak. It's Christmas Eve now in Michigan and I wish a very Merry Christmas to you and your wife unit!

[@DGFitton]

I’ve always found Cetol to be almost offensive. The new formula slightly less so, but still offensive. It just isn’t varnish as far as I am concerned.

[@bluedogozwoofer6737]

10.20 "return of the wife unit" aahhhh well, Vale Mad, he lasted almost 2 years as a husband unit before voiding his warrantee. so sad,

[@andrewmullen4003]

love your humour and style Madz, happy christmas to you and Ava from Scotland

[@dsanner]

You might try Cetol's latest 'Natural Teak' formulation. Yeah, Cetol Light does exactly what you are describing - provides an orange cover & dulls the wood - not a fan. Good news is because it doesn't crack/fail like harder coatings it's pretty easy to sand a bit off (every 1-3 yrs) w/ an easy recoat. So unless you're up for some oh glorious sanding back to raw wood I'd suggest trying the Natural Teak... bonus, it has a satin finish. Not as clear as varnish/poly but much easier to maintain in high weathering areas.

[@stencaap278]

Happy Holidays to you. One thing I am wondering about is your wind vane. I know you installed one. Have you used it and how did it work? I don’t think you have mentioned it in any of your videos. Regards Sten

[@mckenziekeith7434]

I can't believe you know the phrase "snitches get stitches." LOL.

[@fireantsarestrange]

The reason boats have builds of high gloss varnish is because Salt air rapidly destroy wood. It really is not a matter of your personal taste. Merry Christmas Mads.

[@hidusb]

Looking forward to next week. Have a Happy Christmas.

[@New.Adventures.Sailing]

Cetol is basically thin brown paint on wood. I've been stripping it off our boat as it was used on over 30 cabinet louvered doors. "What a pain in the behind" I'd say no

[@jimbruck8250]

I speculate during a u tube production there is a certain amount of staging. In Mad’s case, the saloon staging is ah natural. Good job mate. 👍👍

[@joesmith1142]

Ugh! Wait until you try and remove that Cetol. Have copious amounts of alcohol on standby when you do.

[@peterasacker5948]

Great job as always, oh....I'm tellin mama about the mess you made..hahahahaha Merry Christmas to you and Ava

[@rodneynantz-ie7ke]

Great work . Made my Christmas. Look forward every week to your new video . Thanks

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Only Mads would worry about whether the use of the word varnish is appropriate for his audience….

[@flyertalking1107]

Could you fit a latch to hold the freezer door up when open? It’s a heavy door to fall on a hand when at sea and you would have hold it open otherwise. Having two hands free would make getting something out of the freezer much easier.

[@bubbleobill267]

Ahhh, Goldspar. My bench tops have got ten glorious coats on em!.

[@hansslob6749]

I really do not understand what you are mooring about. You have got all the time in the world, the wife, or unit as you call her, is having fun elsewhere so there is no reason to hurry. An if the product is so important, you should have ordered some by internet. Regarding the orange varnish, is you didn’t like it at the first layer, why continue using it!

[@AndrewsRChelis]

Can you seal wood with just epoxy before varnish?

[@joesmith1142]

Mads, why do you think a lot of your wood is warping? I noticed a lot of your doors and drawers seemed to be warped around the boat. Is Denmark very high humidity and the wood is shrinking as it dries out?

[@richardnoble7170]

of course your wrong. this is the internet, any chose you make will be met with disdain. LOL

[@Jakfilm]

I think the best way to build up a film thickness is with West System epoxy and their special clear hardener. After that, three coats of varnish and you have a thick, luxurious and durable finish. That said, it's not as quick as your fast dry sealer.

[@wallacegrommet9343]

Cetol has held up very well on teak handrails on a friend’s boat here in Seattle. Full sun and water exposure haven’t harmed it over two years.

[@tropiclife]

AVA, I've got things to tell you!!! Mads he used .........

[@sailpac]

I think cetol looks way worse when it starts peeling. It looks like paint peeling not old varnish (which I could live with for a couple months until getting around to it.

[@lindavan7497]

Merry Christmas from Australia Melbourne 🌲🥂🍾🎉

[@Jolleseileren]

Forhåpentligvis blir Eva fornøyd! (Smilefjes)

[@paulwyand6204]

The advantage of cetol is speed of application and ability to hide flaws. This is why you see it mostly on older boats. The other advantage is that it's quick to reapply with little to no sanding required. I don't think it lasts any longer than a good varnish, but it applies much quicker and hides more damage then varnished us.

[@stimpsonjcat67]

At pains. Anyone who uses the phrase 'in situ' properly is my brother.

[@mikebikboy]

I’d buy a “oh glorious plywood fun” tshirt!! 😅

[@vandalorian8777]

I never understood why people don’t use water based polyethylene inside of cabins. Easier to apply, faster to dry and sand between coats and re-coat if needed

[@joewong6662]

As always anything you don’t like to do just snap your fingers and boom it’s done.

[@stanleybradley5513]

Made I can't help but be impressed with your consistent positivity while tackling project after project. You are an inspiration to us all!

[@mr.e7022]

Cetol looks orange to me. I have used it once. Just didn't appeal to me.

[@torstenhansen4308]

Merry Christmas, Ava and glædelig jul, Mads. This was a great episode and our lips are, of course, sealed. I keep forgetting to suggest that you get yourself a set of self-centering drill bits. They are inexpensive but will increase accuracy and reduce time spent when installing hinges so very much a worthwhile investment.

[@kylek2794]

Perko stuff is a rip off and not that great of quality! I say this because I have had to replace a lot of it like for like to avoid other problems on my boat

[@VV-if7ye]

I cringed when I saw you cutting metal with a grinder inside the boat…😂

[@SteelDoesMyWill]

Cetol is popular (somewhat) because its easy to use, kinda like a 'one-step' finish... but most people don't realize that doesn't mean just one coat. On interior stuff when you don't have all the time in the world it can be a good choice. It's UV resistance isn't great so I don't like using it on any exterior brightwork: if you do, you still need need multiple coats, like 8 minimum. The advantage is that those 8 to 12 coats will go on much faster between coats than traditional varnish. Still, not my cup of tea on anything exterior.

[@dremein]

I'm sure the poor little neglected corner of the nav station is overjoyed to hear your going to give it some well deserved attention soon.

[@larryschlosser]

I hate to say it but I don't think varnish is the best finish on a boat. All of my boats have had an oil finish which I like allot more and it's much easier to maintain.

[@crashgilliam5983]

I like cetol on places exposed to lots of UV. I don’t really use it on interior projects

[@mattcarroll106]

All this time,had no idea Mads was gangster?Yet still fears Ava.

[@gdinsmore]

Luckily, there is no evidence of the man glitter in the galley incident

[@jimmydaniel1127]

The kitchen island needs a bit of varnish also looks like it's coming off

[@thomascallaghan5988]

Great video merry Christmas to your family and you

[@thomastaylor6991]

No one will tell Ava, they will just ask her if she knows.

[@milt7348]

Merry Christmas, safe travel for you two.

[@kenf1445]

Merry Christmas from some Canadians in the Bahamas!

[@terryburwick5397]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

[@va2phl]

Battery skillsaw for Christmas?

[@joetabone2902]

Merry Christmas to both of you😃😃🥰🥰🎅🎅🎅

[@dirtdart81]

Some steel wool will knock down gloss to a satin pretty easily

[@rudygomez-lugo2509]

Have u ever consider sandy sealer and steel wool?

[@edmonddesbiens]

the navstation will get finished, yeah

[@patwhite640]

Hope you have a great Christmas!

[@jpkalishek4586]

4:28 [scrolls down to see if Ava is in the replies]

[@carbidegrd1]

Cetol looks great but it always fails.

[@VW.907]

Is the sealer for a consistent finish or color?

[@mccluredb]

Mads, your secrets are safe with me.

[@markrichards2502]

Merry Christmas and a happy new year

[@1detroitryder]

any plans for finding a bigger boat?

[@billmeldrum2509]

Merry, merry to you and Ava! 🇨🇦🎄

[@PhillipBolan123]

Merry Christmas Mads and Ava

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Did he really say wife unit?

[@BrianT-q2t]

Have a Merry Christmas Mads!

[@licencetoswill]

no snitching we promise.

[@sailingspokojny9809]

Cetol is a last resort product.

[@forresta65]

i'll never tell..................

[@ronaldwarren5220]

We want Ava back on board :(

[@USAMOTORHOME]

Boat looks amazing :)

[@dcallan812]

Merry Christmas. 🎅🎅🎅

[@billnewman5900]

Merry Christmas Mads!!

[@captainborchik3141]

pull ring on ali xpress 5.99?

[@fatasford]

Marry Christmas bud