Rain on wet varnish

[single]

Some time ago, the mechanic on the Wells Lifeboat was known for the stunning varnish finish he achieved on his wooden racing dinghy. Being keen to learn any 'trade tips' I worked with him one day on his boat to learn any secrets.

Unfortunately all was pretty standard to the point where I thought it was perhaps just luck that made his decks look so good. When we had completed brushing on the final coat to his satisfaction, we retreated to the pub for a celebratory drink or four.

Just when I was about to write-off the remains of the day, I was surprised when he suddenly declared it was time to 'go and finish the job'. This turned out to be using a very powerful hose to soak the varnish for about five minutes. He added that the key was knowing exactly when to do this, but as he gave no hints about how you would know 'exactly when' this might be, it's not a technique that I've ever had the bravery to use. But there's no doubt it worked for him and perhaps your shower of rain came at exactly the right time!

Funny you should say that, i did mine a few weeks ago and about 2hours after i finished there was a huge downpoor for about 3 mins.I was fed up so went home but the following day it was perfect.

 

[colvic987]

You think?

Very nice, have you managed to finish it off yet!!!!!!






Lots of patience and many hours of work, you must be proud of your achievement...

 

[Chrusty 1]

Very nice, have you managed to finish it off yet!!!!!!






Lots of patience and many hours of work, you must be proud of your achievement...

Thank you for your kind words. She is a little Devon Potter that I restored a couple of years ago now, I bought her with the intention of restoring her and selling her on to make a few quid, both objectives achieved, not sure I would do it again in the present financial climate?

 

[Jamesuk]

18......I know a boat with 23!

Wow do you think they strip it right back every few years? I had to do the jacuzzi deck on a well known superyacht. The Vanish came off nicely with the heat gun and scraper but took a day to remove it all then i had to sand it back to begin what was to be 15 coats of Varnish.

 

[chrishelen]

all this work is all well and good and looks stunning, but how do you find the time (and courage) to sail the things?

 

[PhillM]

all this work is all well and good and looks stunning, but how do you find the time (and courage) to sail the things?

There are always times when for one reason or another you cannot et out sailing, but you can spend a few hours doing jobs. This weekend I have committments on Saturday afternoon and Sunday - but I will be down at the boat bright and early Saturday to do a bit before lunch.

As for courage - once oyu have learned how to make it look nice, you can always re-do it if you pick up the odd scratch.

 

[Chrusty 1]

all this work is all well and good and looks stunning, but how do you find the time (and courage) to sail the things?

I really do not understand this wobble that a lot of people have about a simple bit of boat maintenance.

As far as I am concerned, a bit of painting and varnishing is just a normal part of boat ownership. Have we bred a nation of useless pen pushing keyboard tapping numpties that don't even know one end of a paint brush from candy floss??

 

[chrishelen]

I really do not understand this wobble that a lot of people have about a simple bit of boat maintenance.

As far as I am concerned, a bit of painting and varnishing is just a normal part of boat ownership. Have we bred a nation of useless pen pushing keyboard tapping numpties that don't even know one end of a paint brush from candy floss??

Thats a bit harsh.

 

[Chrusty 1]

Thats a bit harsh.

I was just asking a question, it seems that way to me sometimes. I am old enough to remember when people actually enjoyed doing it, it seems that these days they don't.

The reason I referred to pen pushers etc, is that in the days I am talking about, there were a lot more people that worked with their hands, with the demise of British industries, I don't think that's the case anymore. I don't consider tapping a keyboard or shoving a pen about to be in the same league.

I keep hearing "Oh I haven't got the time", well what happened that they haven't got any more time than people say 40 years ago? I am joiner by trade, and learned a bit of boat building as I went along, my Dad taught me how to use a paint brush properly when I was about 8 years old. I am still practicing that one, but I am getting better.

 

[Georgio]

As far as I am concerned, a bit of painting and varnishing is just a normal part of boat ownership. Have we bred a nation of useless pen pushing keyboard tapping numpties that don't even know one end of a paint brush from candy floss??

Sad to say I agree with you, I'm so pleased that both my boys are happy getting their hands dirty "helping" dad, just as I did with my father.

I dispair at the lack of DIY skills many of my younger colleagues have. Too much time on their bookface I suspect and it's going to cost them a fortune when they have to pay people to do simple jobs later in life.

 

[Zagato]

Agreed, develop the skills early, my two putting on a leaf spring

Having painted the U Bolts

They'll be working up the chimneys soon!!