Varnishing, again.

[Rob BlacknellParticipant @robblacknell40105]

Sorry to bring up varnishing again, but I'm fairly new to model boats. Am currently doing an Aeronaut Princess & I'm using Ronseal yacht varnish. The problem is, when brushing the stuff on, despite using a good brush, I tend to get micro bubbles in the varnish. I've flatted off inbetween coats & thinned down the varnish, but I still get the bubbles, which leave a rough finish, not the glass like surface that I was hoping for. Any words of wisdom chaps? I want to crack this problem, as I have a n Amati Aquarama to buil at some point & don't want this problem again. Thanks for looking.

Rob.

[Rob BlacknellParticipant @robblacknell40105]

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Rob. Did you stir the varnish beforehand, as this puts air into it, and would then be best left standing for hours to let the bubbles dissipate.

Over-brushing can also put air in the paint, as can water (damp brush for instance)…or indeed painting on a damp day.

The last thing I varnished was the pontoon boat, and the varnish went on with no bubbles at all (just dust and sag….) and I did not stir the varnish at all.

Ashley

[Tim CooperParticipant @timcooper90034]

Rob

I use Yacht Varnish diluted about 50% with white spirit. Stir or shake, then leave to settle for a few minutes before using. Takes a a few more coats but seems to work. After the first coat or two has soaked in you could use a less diluted varnish.

Tim

[Rob BlacknellParticipant @robblacknell40105]

Hello chaps, thanks for the replies. Yes, I did stir the varnish as per instructions. I have since posting, tried thinning with white spirit & it has helped a lot. I guess another X coats & i'll get the desired result. Thanks again.

Rob.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hello Rob

This article might help you link

Paul

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Hi Rob,

Another top tip is never wear Woolley cloths, varnish last thing in the evening, and cover your work with a cardboard box to limit the movement of dust in the whole room. Also try and keep the work horizontal so the varnish finds its own level, and less chance of it running

Regards Ray

[Rob BlacknellParticipant @robblacknell40105]

Thanks for the link, Paul, that was very helpful. Thanks again.

Rob.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

No problem Rob

You will find that there are no shortcuts when you want to create a perfect deep varnish finish, I know this from long experience during which I have tried them all.

Paul

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