Newbie varnish question

[erbster]

Okay, this has probably been done to death, but I could not find an answer, so I wonder if one you good folk could tell me:

I have rubbed some external teak parts back to bare wood and am about to varnish (Hempel Favourite Yacht Varnish). I see that it recommends thinning some/all coats to allow smooth application, but it lists a proprietary thinner (which I don't have) - Hempel (naturally) 823.

My question: can I use white spirit instead?

 

[TimBennet]

You 'friend' with all these questions are the manufacturer's Product Safety Data sheet.

They are all on the internet. Hempels are here: http://www.hempel.co.uk/en-gb/product-list

They give the best indication of what is in the tin. In this case it would appear to be at least 90% White Spirit with a tiny amount of solvent naphtha.

You can then look up the constituents of your source of White Spirit and make a judgement about their interchangeability.

 

[dunmor]

You 'friend' with all these questions are the manufacturer's Product Safety Data sheet.

They are all on the internet. Hempels are here: http://www.hempel.co.uk/en-gb/product-list

They give the best indication of what is in the tin. In this case it would appear to be at least 90% White Spirit with a tiny amount of solvent naphtha.

You can then look up the constituents of your source of White Spirit and make a judgement about their interchangeability.

thats a yes then is it?

 

[johnalison]

I think so, but don't forget that varnish on teak can often be problematic as the varnish doesn't seem to want to stick. Depending on the application, there are sometimes other products that may be more durable.

 

[fergie_mac66]

helps with teak(not much admitted though) to use a degreaser first

 

[itchenseadog]

Degrease first with acetone. Apply 1 coat of Epiphanes Fastcoat and then you can apply your Hempel or better still Epiphanes varnish lightly abrading between coats. I always use white spirit a a thinner/brush cleaner. Temperature should be at least 12 to 15 degrees and dont apply when its damp or it will take ages to go off and loose its shine (although I have had to varnish in much lower temps). Use about 5%white spirit in final coats to aid flow and use a good quality brush with confidence and you'll get a professional finish.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Degrease first with acetone. Apply 1 coat of Epiphanes Fastcoat and then you can apply your Hempel or better still Epiphanes varnish lightly abrading between coats. I always use white spirit a a thinner/brush cleaner. Temperature should be at least 12 to 15 degrees and dont apply when its damp or it will take ages to go off and loose its shine (although I have had to varnish in much lower temps). Use about 5%white spirit in final coats to aid flow and use a good quality brush with confidence and you'll get a professional finish.

You forgot to say how 5 coats is just the start. 6,7 or 8 coats builds up a nice shine...

 

[itchenseadog]

Should have a minimum of 5 coats from bare wood then maintain with 2 coats annually and it'll look the dog's whatsits!

 

[erbster]

Thanks for the advice. The wood is actually iroko, not teak.
SWMBO has allowed me to varnish indoors, so temperature is not a problem.
Lots of coats, then. I've thinned with white spirit and it seems ok.