Correct rollers for varnish?

[Norman_E]

I am going to have to re-varnish some of my boat's interior. Using a brush I always seem to leave brush marks so I want to try a mini size roller. I have seen both foam rollers and short pile ones advertised for varnish, but which should I use? Anyone with experience of them please tell me the best type to get. I want to roller the big panels and just do the frames and edges with a brush.

 

[Jcorstorphine]

Problem with mini rollers is that you get lots of bubbles. You can try using a very slow last pass with the roller which seems to help. However I get over this problem by using a small paint pad to tip off and even out the bubbles.
If you have sanded off the original varnish, I would recommend that you go over the entire surface with thinners. This will highlight any area of the wood which is a different colour due to residual varnish.

 

[PhillM]

It's all to do with the quality of the brush. Invest in a good one, wash it out afterwards and wrap in cling film. Be sure to use it every few months. It will last you for years.

Quality of varnish counts too. Epifanes is my varnish of choice. I preffer the high gloss but have used the rapid coat too. Rapid coat has its advantages but it's not as nice a finish.

 

[Norman_E]

I will be using Epifanes matt varnish. I have tried brushing with very good quality varnish brushes, but its quite clear that I am not doing it right. That is why I want to know which type of varnish roller to use, foam or short pile like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10x-Harri...290809?hash=item2a73cab4b9:g:tVsAAOSwNSxVMNrc

 

[SAMYL]

Use whatever non foam roller that comes to hand then brush it out with a foam brush - the ones that have a pointed foam bit on the end instead of bristles. Wise to try a test area first.

They leave a great finish.

 

[PCUK]

Try paint pads or Genny brushes. Both give superior finish to rollers.

 

[PhillM]

I will be using Epifanes matt varnish. I have tried brushing with very good quality varnish brushes, but its quite clear that I am not doing it right. That is why I want to know which type of varnish roller to use, foam or short pile like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10x-Harri...290809?hash=item2a73cab4b9:g:tVsAAOSwNSxVMNrc

Do you use the epifanes thinner? I tend to add about 10% to the pot. Also, are you scrubbing done between every coat. A scotch rite pad (one of the green one that do not have any cleaner in them) work a treat.

 

[Pye_End]

What are you putting it onto? Bare wood, or existing sanded finish? Is it the first coat which ends up with brush marks or multiple coats later? How are you sanding, and how thick are the coats? How warm is the wood?

It may well be that you need to build up a few coats with a gloss varnish, using say a random orbital sander between coats to get it really flat, and then applying the matt as a last coat/last 2 coats. You should be able to get a good finish with a brush.

 

[Jcorstorphine]

Have a look at this web site

http://www.cvrda.org/boats/hintstips/varnishing/application.htm

http://www.cvrda.org/boats/hintstips/varnishing/varnish_menu.htm

 

[Bob_Ranft]

People usually scoff at this method, but years ago all the wood in cabins of ocean liners and cargo ships was french polished. Not a brush it sight, the lacquer or varnish was applied with pads.

This method is ten times faster than brushes and leaves no brush marks. Best way to make a pad - carefully fold up a new tack cloth - drip it in varnish and off you go.

I alway varnish large areas like this now, with practice even small areas can be successfully varnished. Bit like one notch up of going over furniture with a cloth to apply teak oil etc.

If varnishing bulkheads close to foam back vinyl linings, hold a piece of card up to prevent the pad catching the linings.

Bob

 

[Norman_E]

People usually scoff at this method, but years ago all the wood in cabins of ocean liners and cargo ships was french polished. Not a brush it sight, the lacquer or varnish was applied with pads.

This method is ten times faster than brushes and leaves no brush marks. Best way to make a pad - carefully fold up a new tack cloth - drip it in varnish and off you go.

I alway varnish large areas like this now, with practice even small areas can be successfully varnished. Bit like one notch up of going over furniture with a cloth to apply teak oil etc.

If varnishing bulkheads close to foam back vinyl linings, hold a piece of card up to prevent the pad catching the linings.

Bob

Now that is an interesting idea. I have done french polishing, using a cotton wool pad inside a cloth, so I think I will try that method.

 

[Jegs]

Now that is an interesting idea. I have done french polishing, using a cotton wool pad inside a cloth, so I think I will try that method.

Good morning Norman,

Did you try the method mentioned and, if so, would you recommend it?

Thanks,

John G