Awesome info grant! Gunna come in handy, keep them coming. I’ll try to remember to promote this series when I get to the varnishing videos and posts on my boat.
Thank you for that. Let me know if you need a hand with your project sometime. I would be more then happy to help out. (Maybe do more than watch you prime things this time lol)
I was thinking ok, this is interesting, seems like a smart technique, nothing to knock my socks off though….then I saw that finished glassy surface and my jaw dropped. So clean, wow. Wish I would’ve used this technique on the handrail I just finished.
Like your videos! Especially the small tips for getting a real pro result. Please consider also using international units like degree Celsius, litre, meter etc.
excellent tips! You're a true pro! thanks for featuring Lust. Ya know since you mention sanding - you can overcoat Lust varnish in an HOUR without sanding. You can build up to 5 coats in one day. then sand. Just dont bury any ugly runs or dust! Makes varnishing less of a chore! Dare we say it's even .... "Fun!"
Thanks for bringing up the over coat time frame. I forgot to mention how much of a time saver this product can be. Great comment about being careful with the runs. I can’t wait to try Gleam 2.0 in the next video.
Thanks for the info. Starting my first total boat varnish project today and will try out your method! It’s a bit warmer here where I am, so I have to move a bit faster than you, I guess 🙈😂. Wish me luck 😛 cheers, Nike
If you are covering a larger surface a roll and tip usually results in a better finish. Also don’t be afraid to modify your varnish if it’s starting to drag. Good luck
Top notch advice Grant. A couple things I do a little differently, and not to undermine your methods: I do my wipe downs with denatured alcohol or naptha. Both flash off a little faster than mineral spirits and won't affect the varnish. I use water as well in warmer temperatures and to get off heavy dust but I'll often follow up with alcohol to chase away any remaining moisture. I use old dish washing detergent bottles for that stuff because it’s easier to handle than a gallon jug. I don’t often bother with the cross brushing method except on very curved or very small surfaces but it's certainly good practice, especially on open grained wood. Your video quality has come up a notch Grant. Nice work.
Thanks for taking the time to check it out. I’m always trying to improve the end product so shared experience is always welcome. I like the smaller bottle idea. When is the next dory video coming out?
Great video Grant. The boat behind you in the video, what is the stain color of it (and what base wood is it)? I'm trying to determine if I should stain, than finish, OR just use the lust (yellowish/amber hue) of total boat.
That can very greatly, I usually take it case by case. Best general advice I can give is carful masking and thin application thin coatings with regular remasking.
Not at all. You can use a roll and tip on bigger things or if you can work fast and accurate it can also be done with a brush. Spraying varnish almost always leaves an “orange peeled” finish that has to be sanded flat. Some brands are formulated for it though just hold on to your pocketbook, they are not cheap.
Varnishing with spar on a long thin tiller off a dingy, having problems getting both sides to blend into each other. Applying urethane one side at a time, tried hanging it but to light and became difficult. Any ideas to make it easier would be appreciated.
That’s always a challenge. I usually hang a tiller and apply it to the whole thing starting at the top. It honestly comes down to material control and practice.
I’m repairing a cracked/chipped wooden steering wheel with a varnish finish. Only a small part of it is cracking white the rest of it being fine. Is it safe to remove the varnish down to the wood over just the cracked portion but only lightly roughen the surrounding areas and then varnish a couple coats in the deeper spot and finish with a final varnish over the entire wheel?
Thanks for the information! Is there ever a coat that is 100% varnish without thinner? And question #2: What sanding grit coarseness do you recommend as your moving from bare wood to the last coat?
After the first two thinned coats every coat should be 100% unless conditions don’t allow that. As far as sanding grit I use 320 on the first few coats of 100%. After that it depends on what kind of wood I’m working with. If the grain is filling well I often times use 220 to flatten. I always use 320 on the second to last coat and 400 on the last one. Scotch brite is your friend when building thickness.
I am having a problem with what looks like dust. It appears immediately after I tip off the finish. This is indoors and I am certain this is not from the air. Could this be caused by dust in the brush? If so, how do you clean a brush to avoid this?
Great video! When applying multiple coats of varnish, can 1 coat per day be applied for 4 days before sanding? In other words, is it ok to "hot coat" varnish without sanding. I plan on sanding flat every 4 coats with a total of 15 or so.
I am buying a new cedar strip 14ft boat.would total lust flash off too quickly to use has a recoat product.for the area to be covered?would you recomend a nother product?l like the fact that l can apply more coats without sanding but is the area too large.would apply with roller and tip off.
Lust can absolutely be used if you can move fast enough to keep up. Just plan accordingly for your order of application. I also like flagship as an alternative.
Question: Can I apply a second coat of varnish without sanding if I apply the second coat before the first dries? I want a varnishanon-flat surface where sanding is impossible
I alternate between scotch brite and sandpaper to develop a good build up. So yes to sanding between coats. If you are using something like Totalboat lust or similar products it’s possible to reduce sanding between coats. The one thing to remember when using a “skip sand” varnish is everything will telegraph. Meaning you Will NEED to flatten it with sanding for best results.
I used a sprayer for varnish yesterday and it seems to have ruined everything. It doesn't seem to atomise well, it left a very rough surface. Is oil based varnish meant to be applied only with brush?
@@ronnyfen2406 When using varnish like lust you apply multiple coats quickly with excellent penetration. Filling grain to a high gloss takes time. Lust is the fastest option I have ever found with great results.
Awesome info grant! Gunna come in handy, keep them coming. I’ll try to remember to promote this series when I get to the varnishing videos and posts on my boat.
Thank you for that. Let me know if you need a hand with your project sometime. I would be more then happy to help out. (Maybe do more than watch you prime things this time lol)
Very helpful, looking forward to applying these techniques as soon as the weather clears up.
Glad to be of service, please don’t be afraid to ask if you run into problems.
Well done!! Very informative video!!! Varnishing is a science all to its self!! 🤙
Fair winds!!
Brilliant advice on how to thin varnish!!!
I was thinking ok, this is interesting, seems like a smart technique, nothing to knock my socks off though….then I saw that finished glassy surface and my jaw dropped. So clean, wow. Wish I would’ve used this technique on the handrail I just finished.
Ohhhh!!! That's why I had brush marks!!! Thank you so much! (I don't have a boat but I have a couch)
Thank you for the information!
Like your videos! Especially the small tips for getting a real pro result. Please consider also using international units like degree Celsius, litre, meter etc.
excellent tips! You're a true pro! thanks for featuring Lust. Ya know since you mention sanding - you can overcoat Lust varnish in an HOUR without sanding. You can build up to 5 coats in one day. then sand. Just dont bury any ugly runs or dust! Makes varnishing less of a chore! Dare we say it's even .... "Fun!"
Thanks for bringing up the over coat time frame. I forgot to mention how much of a time saver this product can be. Great comment about being careful with the runs. I can’t wait to try Gleam 2.0 in the next video.
Thanks for the info. Starting my first total boat varnish project today and will try out your method! It’s a bit warmer here where I am, so I have to move a bit faster than you, I guess 🙈😂. Wish me luck 😛 cheers, Nike
If you are covering a larger surface a roll and tip usually results in a better finish. Also don’t be afraid to modify your varnish if it’s starting to drag. Good luck
Top notch advice Grant. A couple things I do a little differently, and not to undermine your methods: I do my wipe downs with denatured alcohol or naptha. Both flash off a little faster than mineral spirits and won't affect the varnish. I use water as well in warmer temperatures and to get off heavy dust but I'll often follow up with alcohol to chase away any remaining moisture. I use old dish washing detergent bottles for that stuff because it’s easier to handle than a gallon jug. I don’t often bother with the cross brushing method except on very curved or very small surfaces but it's certainly good practice, especially on open grained wood. Your video quality has come up a notch Grant. Nice work.
Thanks for taking the time to check it out. I’m always trying to improve the end product so shared experience is always welcome. I like the smaller bottle idea. When is the next dory video coming out?
@@oliverwoodcraft9733 I might get it out this weekend. Almost done the edit.
positive Finishing Techniques..
I may try Bright Lamps for
Drying ... or FIRE 🔥 Dry
?
Good
can you help me ? how to do varnish already painted wood like door or windows?
Great video Grant. The boat behind you in the video, what is the stain color of it (and what base wood is it)? I'm trying to determine if I should stain, than finish, OR just use the lust (yellowish/amber hue) of total boat.
It’s a custom blend on the stain (took me forever to match). The wood is old growth Philippine mahogany.
I thought you added thinner to the varnish when temps were colder, not warmer.
Very good thanks. How many coats in total for a mirror finish please
That will change depending on what wood you are using. On average I recommend 12 coats. It usually takes 6-8 just to fill the grain.
How do you recommend approaching varnishing the bottom side of a hatch board (after doing the tops and sides)? Any tricks you can share?
That can very greatly, I usually take it case by case. Best general advice I can give is carful masking and thin application thin coatings with regular remasking.
For a desk top would you recommend spraying it because it’s a large area?
Not at all. You can use a roll and tip on bigger things or if you can work fast and accurate it can also be done with a brush. Spraying varnish almost always leaves an “orange peeled” finish that has to be sanded flat. Some brands are formulated for it though just hold on to your pocketbook, they are not cheap.
Varnishing with spar on a long thin tiller off a dingy, having problems getting both sides to blend into each other. Applying urethane one side at a time, tried hanging it but to light and became difficult. Any ideas to make it easier would be appreciated.
That’s always a challenge. I usually hang a tiller and apply it to the whole thing starting at the top. It honestly comes down to material control and practice.
I’m repairing a cracked/chipped wooden steering wheel with a varnish finish. Only a small part of it is cracking white the rest of it being fine. Is it safe to remove the varnish down to the wood over just the cracked portion but only lightly roughen the surrounding areas and then varnish a couple coats in the deeper spot and finish with a final varnish over the entire wheel?
That usually works fine. Just be aware that any spots like that will often be darker than the surrounding wood once repaired.
Thanks for the information! Is there ever a coat that is 100% varnish without thinner? And question #2: What sanding grit coarseness do you recommend as your moving from bare wood to the last coat?
After the first two thinned coats every coat should be 100% unless conditions don’t allow that. As far as sanding grit I use 320 on the first few coats of 100%. After that it depends on what kind of wood I’m working with. If the grain is filling well I often times use 220 to flatten. I always use 320 on the second to last coat and 400 on the last one. Scotch brite is your friend when building thickness.
@@oliverwoodcraft9733 thanks - appreciate the quick reply
I am having a problem with what looks like dust. It appears immediately after I tip off the finish. This is indoors and I am certain this is not from the air. Could this be caused by dust in the brush? If so, how do you clean a brush to avoid this?
It definitely sounds like a dirty brush. I have a video about brush care that should help but let me know if you need clarification.
Great video! When applying multiple coats of varnish, can 1 coat per day be applied for 4 days before sanding? In other words, is it ok to "hot coat" varnish without sanding. I plan on sanding flat every 4 coats with a total of 15 or so.
It can be done when using particular products yes. Though I would warn you it is not easy to see the fresh varnish and it’s easy to get holidays.
@@oliverwoodcraft9733 I would wait 24 hours. Should be dry to the touch but soft. That OK? Using Flagship varnish.
I would check with pettit before doing that. My preference is to scotch brite between coats. It gives good tooth and allows you to see where you are.
@@oliverwoodcraft9733 Thanks!
I am buying a new cedar strip 14ft boat.would total lust flash off too quickly to use has a recoat product.for the area to be covered?would you recomend a nother product?l like the fact that l can apply more coats without sanding but is the area too large.would apply with roller and tip off.
Lust can absolutely be used if you can move fast enough to keep up. Just plan accordingly for your order of application. I also like flagship as an alternative.
Question: Can I apply a second coat of varnish without sanding if I apply the second coat before the first dries? I want a varnishanon-flat surface where sanding is impossible
With certain varnish you can over coat within a time window. Totalboat Lust is one that comes to mind.
Do u have to sand between every coat??
I alternate between scotch brite and sandpaper to develop a good build up. So yes to sanding between coats. If you are using something like Totalboat lust or similar products it’s possible to reduce sanding between coats. The one thing to remember when using a “skip sand” varnish is everything will telegraph. Meaning you Will NEED to flatten it with sanding for best results.
I used a sprayer for varnish yesterday and it seems to have ruined everything. It doesn't seem to atomise well, it left a very rough surface. Is oil based varnish meant to be applied only with brush?
Varnish usually applies best with a brush or a role and tip application. Without it being specific for spray I have never had good results.
When can we see that beautiful boat behind you?🤨
Unfortunately I don’t see that happening.
@@oliverwoodcraft9733 : To bad, maybe next time 😉
coat 7?? you applied 7 times?
Ended on 12+ if I remember right
don't have to seal the wood?
The first coat is thinned 50% with paint thinner or an acceptable alternative.
@@oliverwoodcraft9733 I have done that, but using wood sealer give me a better results. How about you?
@@ronnyfen2406 When using varnish like lust you apply multiple coats quickly with excellent penetration. Filling grain to a high gloss takes time. Lust is the fastest option I have ever found with great results.
@@oliverwoodcraft9733 Roger that
Im trying to do this on outside hand rails but birds keep shitting and fucking up my work
If you don’t curse, the birds will refrain
I’d love to see your end results. BB’s are cheap if it’s legal where you are.
This varnish must have been thinned otherwise will not bruch out.
Not at all modified.
Too many fisheyes
Thanks for Checking the video out.
This is the worst varnish I have ever tried to apply. It will not brush out and leaves holidays.
My best guess would say you are working to slow at wrong temps with bad light. Iv made the same mistakes.