Most popular GRP models through the last century have some ornamental exterior wood such as rubbing strips, hand rails, hatch covers and so on and if well kept these can add a genuine appeal to your boat. However, once neglected they quickly end up being half-cracked as well as discoloured and it is impressive how much this takes away from a watercraft cosmetically. The main causes of flaking varnish and discolouration to wood made trims is UV damage weakening the varnish and allowing water to pass through into the wood. The most effective method to stop this is to touch up any kind of scratches or breaks in the varnish immediately after they appear preventing water from immersing into the timber. To maintain varnished wood looking its greatest it truly requires re-doing every one to two years.
CHOOSING A VARNISH
Possibly one of the most overwhelming thing people discover when varnishing is the sheer volume of different marine varnishes on the marketplace. Varnishes normally differ in price according to their quality, however budget plan is not the only factor to consider when picking a yacht varnish. The major technical attributes various varnishes will advertise are the efficiency of the products effectiveness against UV (the significant reason for flaking) as well as the products self-levelling properties; varnishes with better levelling qualities will be simpler to apply evenly to a surface area. These are typically factors of quality that will normally differ as the varnishes vary in price range, nonetheless there are additional aspects to think about.
Check the application procedure when looking at a varnish; does it need to be sanded between each layer or will you apply two or 3 before needing to sand it down again? It's likewise worth checking the drying time and exactly how often you can apply coats to the surface, most varnishes will strictly recommend merely one coat a day but some can take two. It is therefore essential to understand how many coats you will require and ensure you have the time available to do so. Varnishes likewise vary in colour, many are near enough transparent whilst others will transfer a brownish-yellow or gold glow to the wood, consider just what effect you intend to finish with. Ultimately, what wood is it going on, most varnishes are fairly universal, nevertheless, in case you are making use of a particularly oily wood such as teak some varnishes will need you to clean the timber with the appropriate thinners and perhaps seal the wood before application.
International Perfection Plus Marine Varnish
On top of the International range is their two pack 'Perfection Plus', an excellent quality varnish with a curing additive. International recommend between 2 and 5 coats to leave a terrific gloss with the treating agent to provide the hardest, most scrape immune shell and the longest life in the range.The next in the selection are the 'Schooner' varnishes; 'Schooner Gold' providing the better UV defense as well as an amber hue to the timber, and the regular 'Schooner' offering more of a golden colour and needing even more layers than the 'Gold' with both requiring sanding between each coat. Next, 'Compass' is the fast drying varnish in the range enabling two coats daily under the ideal conditions and not needing sanding between each coat.
International Original Marine Varnish Finally, the 'Original' is the basic unit in the collection; a fantastic value, good quality varnish suitable for exterior work and requiring around three layers for a good gloss.
APPLICATION
Implementation of varnishes naturally differs between products and any kind of specific requirements will certainly be outlined on the tin. To give the most basic idea of how you might apply varnish let's assume we are making use of International's 'Original' varnish on wooden rubbing strips and hand rails. It's of course best, if possible, to remove wooden features from the boat to varnish to be able both to improve access and also avoid dripping varnish all over the hull.
Give the wood a good clean and also sand it down with around 300 grit paper, keeping in mind to sand in the direction of the grain, and also give it a good wipe down later on with a tack-rag as any kind of dust will ruin the coating. Pick a high quality brush, sticky varnish is notorious for pulling hairs from brushes, Harris 'No-Loss' brushes are your best bet for a smooth finish.
International suggest thinning the very first coat of 'Original' by around 10% with their 'No. 1' thinners, this will help the varnish to truly douse right into the timber and also stick well to the surface area. Do this in a separate blending container where you can use the varnish. Seal up the tin when you've measured out exactly what you will need for a layer to avoid any unnecessary contamination and use the thinned varnish generously from your measuring jug making use of long, smooth moves in the same direction as the grain of the timber. This needs to be left to dry for at the very least 1 Day before being given an effective sanding with 320-400 grit sandpaper. Everyone who is looking into further information in regards to international goldspar satin interior varnish this particular online site international matting additive has got numerous more pages in regards to international goldspar satin interior varnish.
Once entirely dry and sanded get rid of any type of dust again and you are ready to begin applying unthinned coats. Again do not apply directly from the tin but separate approximately what you will need right into an appropriate container. When using the unthinned varnish beware to retain strokes smooth and clean out any drips as quickly as you see them as once they're tacky it becomes really difficult to correct them. As soon as you are pleased with the layer leave it to dry for a minimum of 24-HOUR before sanding once again with 320-400grit paper to provide a key for the following coat, if you don't do this the varnish is likely to peel off in huge strips, use the tack rag to eliminate any kind of dirt before proceeding with the following coat. Repeat this process as often as you can, or until you are happy with the surface, International recommend three unthinned layers for 'Original' yet if you have the time there's no reason you can not go even more.