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Final varnish coat?

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Judge1948
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Final varnish coat?

Post by Judge1948 » Tue Aug 13, 2019 2:38 pm

What I’ve done so far:
This was a revarnish of a 10 year old varnish application and is merely to bring the boat up to par and repair the effects of previous negligence and mistreatment. If this last coat is good enough to run for a couple seasons, I am ok with varnishing again here in a couple years or so. I sanded the old finish thoroughly, restained, applied two coats of 50/50 varnish with sanding in between, then applied an uncut coat of varnish. I’ve been rolling with foam rollers then tipping with a brush on the deck and rails. I’ve got some experience with varnish from the transom I redid 2 years ago but I brushed it completely and had very good results. I have learned from the mistakes I’ve made and have done my best to fix them, but I’m trying to avoid that trial and error on my final coat(s).

Finishing Materials:
Varnish – Captains 2015 spar
Seam Caulking – Sikaflex
Paint – Pettit Epoxy paint
Thinner- Pettit 120

Some of my issues and concerns:
I encountered some small wrinkles after first full strength coat, so I waited for them to dry and scraped away whatever did not dry days later and sanded the area. I’m also afraid some caulking and stripes are a little proud. After taping for stripes, the boat spent a short time in the sun so when the tape was lifted after paint and caulk, a paper-like, thin layer of varnish came up in 2-5 inch patches in a few areas. I removed all lose varnish spots sanded edges smooth with 220 grit. Didn’t feel that the sanding was a white out but not incomplete by any means. I have since gone over it with a scotch pad based on a previous recommendation, however this recommendation came from someone looking at the previous finish that was in much rougher condition.

I have a few questions before I move forward:
Is my scotch pad surface prep rough enough or should I consider some general sanding with 220?
What strength varnish/thinner mix should I end with?
Will the areas that aren’t complete white out sanded, like the 2” space underneath the front bow on the foredeck, be ok?
My major concern is that I will encounter more issues on this next coat either when the boat hits the sun or when it is in use. Also temps here climb into upper 80’s low 90’s during the day, so trying to do this early in the morning. I do have help to speed up roll and tip method. I do have pictures of each stage if it would help. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank-you
1948 Chriscraft U-22
Hull # 1064

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tkhersom
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Re: Final varnish coat?

Post by tkhersom » Wed Aug 14, 2019 9:31 am

Sounds like you are on the right path to me.

I tend to use 320 grit for my last coats so the scotch pad should be fine as long as you are breaking the gloss.

Final coats are always touchy. If I recall correctly I like to thin to about a nine drip consistency. (Stir with a paint stirrer and lift out of the varnish. Count the number of drips that come off the tip.)

Good luck!!! :D
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

Judge1948
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Joined: Wed Nov 29, 2017 7:14 am
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Re: Final varnish coat?

Post by Judge1948 » Tue Aug 20, 2019 3:43 pm

Yes I will try that mix. Hoping it won’t get sticky too quickly. Currently it’s been very humid here so I’m watching weather for better temps. Unfortunately the best day a far as temps it’s going to rain. So I’ll be running a dehumidifier. Starting at 75% I can usually get it down around 55-60% over night. Also as I did before I will wipe down with brushing thinner for a chemical tooth. I don’t have the 333 but I do have 120. That should be fine. Plan to do front bench seat frames first as a test with the 9 drip method. Thanks for the tip on mixing.
1948 Chriscraft U-22
Hull # 1064

Judge1948
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Joined: Wed Nov 29, 2017 7:14 am
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Re: Final varnish coat?

Post by Judge1948 » Tue Sep 10, 2019 9:20 am

Well I completed my final coat yesterday. I’m pretty happy except for one small area on side rail next to cockpit starboard side. It’s about a 10” area that’s just kinda gritty. Not sure how it happened or what it is. Very shiny but has grit feel to the surface. The rest of this coat is like glass. What can I do with this small area? I’ve read and seen videos on sanding with 1000 -2000 grit then buffing. Scares me to death. The rest is so nice but before I put hardware back on I’d like to clean that up if I can. These are pics how I did it. Probably not typical but it worked well for me. So true what they say... “you learn more from your mistakes than your successes”. Any help or ideas would be fantastic. Thanks for the help I’ve learned so much here.
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1948 Chriscraft U-22
Hull # 1064

Judge1948
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Nov 29, 2017 7:14 am
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Re: Final varnish coat?

Post by Judge1948 » Tue Sep 10, 2019 9:30 am

Also I’ve always wondered, is it possible and will it hold up to simply sand a finished area and “patch in” a small section of new varnish? Lightly sand an area and use brushing thinner for a chemical tooth around edges. Will it blend and hold up? I know it’s not right but will it work?
1948 Chriscraft U-22
Hull # 1064

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tkhersom
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Re: Final varnish coat?

Post by tkhersom » Tue Sep 10, 2019 12:14 pm

I have said it before and will again!

Varnish is like a LOVER, you are the only one who sees the flaws. Live with them and DO NOT POINT THEM OUT TO ANYONE ELSE!

:D :mrgreen: :D :mrgreen:
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

Judge1948
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Nov 29, 2017 7:14 am
Contact:

Re: Final varnish coat?

Post by Judge1948 » Tue Sep 10, 2019 12:57 pm

I run a Taxidermy studio and am a detail oriented perfectionist by nature. Drives my wife crazy! It’s double edged... my clients come to me for that very reason. I tend to hit a few homers but not always. Some are better than others. I know what you’re saying and I never but never point out flaws to a client. If I did ,that’s all they’ll ever see. But this is my piece and I expect perfection.
You confirmed my inner voice. Now I just want to go run this beautiful old boat. I’ll post pictures when complete. Cheers
1948 Chriscraft U-22
Hull # 1064

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mbigpops
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Re: Final varnish coat?

Post by mbigpops » Tue Sep 10, 2019 7:15 pm

I agree with your apprehension in sanding and buffing and prefer the raw sheen of the varnish after the last coat.

To answer your question no you cannot "patch" in varnish. Where you start and finish will show so unless you do an entire area that has a border of some sort.

Mark
1953 CC Rocket Runabout "Rocket Man"

Judge1948
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Nov 29, 2017 7:14 am
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Re: Final varnish coat?

Post by Judge1948 » Tue Sep 10, 2019 9:57 pm

Yes I kind of figured a patch job was a bad idea. There’s no short cuts in old wooden boats! Actually she’s gonna look pretty good. Thanks Mark
1948 Chriscraft U-22
Hull # 1064

Judge1948
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Nov 29, 2017 7:14 am
Contact:

Re: Final varnish coat?

Post by Judge1948 » Sun Oct 13, 2019 6:44 pm

Just a quick update and thanks to all that took the time to respond and offer advice to help me accomplish the varnish work. I’ve learned A LOT. Varnish is some touchy stuff but I’ve “started to sorta “ get the hang of it. Total of six layers on the decks. Four before striping and two after. Transom has eight. What a relief to be finished... for now. This boat has been in my family since purchased Jan. ‘48.
I remember riding in it when I was 8 yrs old. It lived in Petosky MI. all it’s life on Walloon lake. Went astray. Sorry
Thanks to all that gave support and advise. Turned out pretty good.
A9142CC6-43E6-43D0-BED4-42117F5D6CEB.jpeg
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1948 Chriscraft U-22
Hull # 1064

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mbigpops
Posts: 441
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Re: Final varnish coat?

Post by mbigpops » Sun Oct 13, 2019 7:15 pm

Looks great !
1953 CC Rocket Runabout "Rocket Man"

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tkhersom
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Re: Final varnish coat?

Post by tkhersom » Mon Oct 14, 2019 5:31 am

What a GREAT boat!

Thanks for posting some pics. :D
Troy in ANE - Former President CCABC

1957 CC 21' Continental "Yorktown" (Mom's boat)
https://www.chris-craft.org/boats/22625/
1985 Formula 242LS "Gottago"
1991 Formula 36PC "Band Aids"

Life Is Too Short To Own An Ugly Boat

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