pre varnish coating.

[tidclacy]

In the process of rescuing a 14ft Clinker Launch I need to varnish some bare wood. Friend of mine suggested that I should coat with 50%/50% raw linseed/turps, let dry, then varnish. Never heard of this before any comments, is it a good idea?

 

[absit_omen]

Where I am we just use 50/50 varnish and turps to raise grain, sand off and continue with 100% varnish until she looks right.

In the past I have built up from 10% varnish 90% turps (or thinner) at 10% increments until the final seven or eight coats of 100% varnish.

Can't say I notice a lot of difference in the two approaches (apart from cost and time that is).

 

[gpascoe]

Buy a tin and follow the instructions. I use Epifanes on both new and old timber and it works well. Those tips about kero or turps mixes are about old varnishes which you can't get any more (unless you make it yourself)

 

[Peterduck]

It's not a bad idea, as linseed oil soaks into wood very well, but there are many different approaches to building up a layer of varnish on bare wood. The most common is to use varnish diluted with about 20% turps for the first coat, diluted with about 10% turps for the second coat, and so on, halving the turps content until you are brushing on neat varnish. The first coats will make the wood fibres stand up, and so these should be sanded back before putting on the next coat. After several coats of this treatment you will end up filling up the little pores and crevices with varnish. You will know when you have put on enough coats because you'll be satisfied with the finish.
Peter.

 

[Lakesailor]

I used an International varnish primer before their original varnish.
The Windermere Class boats use this method and you get a glass like finish.

This picture is just the primer, before the varnish (bottom boards below the bilge)

This is after the varnish

 

[Seanick]

Agree with Peter Duck. Apply wet on wet to feed the wood. When it takes no more, rag off excess and leave to dry a bit, then varnish.
Its an old technique and can help reduce drying out of the planks, and reduce the brittleness of the timber.
Does the varnish stick to it?
Seems to!