I like getting e mails from readers of On Board, it';s always good to hear what everyone has been up to. One of the things that it seems that plenty of you are doing right now is varnishing and paintwork. Although I have mentioned it before it seems timely to mention a few tips for getting the best possible finish.
If the surface has previously been varnished and it's time to freshen up the surface wet sand the existing finish with 400 grit wet and dry paper used wet. The water acts as a lubricant, there is no dust and the paper won't clog and best of all the surface will become silky smooth ready for additional coats of varnish. Another good reason for wet sanding is that the paper lasts ages, one sheet torn into quarters was sufficient to allow me to sand over a hundred feet of previously varnished toe rail.
On the other hand if the varnish has been let go then you will need to strip it back to bare wood and start afresh. Unless it it unavoidable do not be tempted to try and sand off all the old varnish. The far better option to my mind is to use a hot air gun and scraper, but be careful of surrounding structure and surfaces.
Dust is the enemy when it comes to spoiling your varnish. As far as practical work in a dust free atmosphere, indoors is ideal and the warmer the better. After wiping down the surface with clean rags I like to go over the surface immediately before applying the varnish's with a tack rag. These have a gummy feel to them and will pick up any residual dust left on the surface. Damp the floor down in the immediate area that you are working so that you won't kick up dust as you work. If varnishing outdoors do it in th morning on a warm windless day. I know that may be a tall order but don't try to apply varnish if rain is forecast or it is at all windy or you will end up with a non skid finish.
Use a disposable paint strainer and decant about as much varnish as you can use in 10 to 15 minutes into a paper cup. When you have used that up strain more varnish into a fresh cup and continue working. Keep the lid on the can closed while you are not using it to keep the contents clean and dust free. If you use a foam brush buy the better quality, some home stores sell bargain packs but they are too flexible I find and some are susceptible to attack from the varnish.
Think of laying on the varnish, don't over brush and if you miss a bit leave it till the next coat. Sand lightly between coats, for outdoor trim such as rub rails and toe rails I like to have about 7 to 8 coats for a deep lustrous shine that protects the wood and lasts most of the season. Nothing destroys varnish like UV and you may well find that you have to give a refresher coat during the season to keep bright work looking good.
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