Varnish challenges

[fastjedi]

I am using a new tin of regular gloss yacht varnish on newly constructed teak washboards.
- The first few coats went on just fine.
- After coat No 4 I flatted down with 1000 grit wet and dry
- Washed boards were then washed down under a tap, allowed to dry overnight
- Wiped with a white spirit tack cloth and allowed to dry before varnishing

Subsequent coats look fine when wet but dry to a gritty finish
- I'm varnishing in a clean dust free environment (the dining room)
- I've tried changing to a new brush
- I've tried covering with a board to prevent dust

What's happening?

 

[TimBennet]

You could have contaminated your varnish.

Are you using it straight from the tin or are you pouring enough out each time into a fresh clean container for that coat?

 

[Poignard]

I always filter the varnish through conical paper filters like these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pack-of-1...481?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a97143699

 

[Scarboroughsloop]

Do you 'work' the brush before hand as well to get as much dust out as possible? A brand new brush does not solve this problem.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

Standing the boards 'on end' gives less surface for dust to settle on when you leave them to dry also (although makes runs more likely!)

 

[Poignard]

According to the writings of various expert varnishers that I have read (and taken little notice of), you should enter the compartment where the varnishing is to take place and seal all openings after you, vacuum carefully, wipe down with tack rags, wet the floor and strip naked before applying the varnish.

The best thought to console yourself with is that there is no such thing as a 'final coat' of varnish. So if you last coat isn't as good as you'd like, don't worry. It won't be long before you're doing it again and next time it will (might?) be better.

:ambivalence:

 

[Corribee Boy]

According to the writings of various expert varnishers that I have read (and taken little notice of), you should enter the compartment where the varnishing is to take place and seal all openings after you, vacuum carefully, wipe down with tack rags, wet the floor and strip naked before applying the varnish.

Do you have to shave all body hair?

 

[Poignard]

Do you have to shave all body hair?

I suppose so - especially if you suffer from dandruff.

 

[johnalison]

I usually get my best results with a foam brush, otherwise, I think varnishing is more about technique than the materials used. I wash my brush or foam out with spirit and finally massage washing-up liquid into the brush and rinse with warm water a couple of times. as I do with my oil paint brushes.

 

[PhillM]

Tack rags might be your friend.

Also you say 1000 grit, could it have left particles on the boards. For fine work I use a scotch pad as they don't shed.

Oh, and how did you dry your boards, towel perhaps? Could it have left dust or fluff?

 

[itchenseadog]

1000g is too fine for varnish as it tends to polish rather than abrade the surface. The finest grit I use is 360g and I get mirror like finishes.
Clean off with a brush on a vacuum cleaner and simply wipe over with a Tak Rag for a top rate finish.

 

[skyflyer]

You'd be surprised how much dust comes off you! Buy a cheap disposable overall with a hood from Screwfix (etc).

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

The best place for varnishing, if the size permits, is while on anchor in some secluded place. IMHO.