Varnish

[PeterV]

Every now and again I wonder if I should try and improve my varnish work. The last time I tried the varnish reacted as if it was on a repellent surface. I assume there must have been some sort of contaminant on the surface even though it had all been sanded down. Any idea what it could be? The only thing I could think of was a bit of wd40 as the boat is in the garage.

[JimC]

The only thing I could think of was a bit of wd40 as the boat is in the garage.

WD 40 could certainly cause a whole mess of problems because its a powerful dewatering agent.

[Rupert]

Polish remains can cause it, too.

[PeterV]

Don't think I've ever been guilty of using polish! Any ideas what I should clean the decks with so that I don't get the problem again?

[chris]

When I do rub-down and a couple of fresh coats I like to scrub the old varnish with sugar soap and well as wet 'n dry to make sure any dirt and grease deposits are removed.

[kfz]

Are you sure your varnish is compatible, not 2 pack?

I'd wipe it all down with white spirit then hot soapy water then rinse well under the hose.

Kev

[PeterV]

The underlying coats are 2 pack. On top are conventional, and have been for years but last time was the first time the top coat turned into a mess.

[Ed]

Any possibility of it being silicon?

that is the one thing that seems to really cause problems in my experience. Many cleaning sprays have it in and you only need to use a cloth that has been used to polish a car or something for the silicon to get everywhere.

there is also a problem that some cleaning-agents, like cheap cellulose thinners can seem to have it in and you try to de-grease and end up making it much worse.

Washing with soapy water and wet'n'dry followed by water and leathering off seems to best preparation for old varnish. Shouldn't be any issue about coating over a two-pack.

cheers

eib

[PeterV]

Ed, I had wondered if it was silicon. I use polish on my motorbike so it could have got on from a cloth from there. I think it's a more likely source, so I'll give it a good clean before I try the wet and dry.

[kfz]

Peter, what bike have you got? OR should I say Bikes.......
Kev

[Rupert]

Ed, I had wondered if it was silicon. I use polish on my motorbike so it could have got on from a cloth from there. I think it's a more likely source, so I'll give it a good clean before I try the wet and dry.

And earlier you said you never use the stuff...

[High Flow]

Hi Folks

I want to renew the varnish on the deck of my '72 Bianchi e Cecchi FD.
The deck was completely restored (remade) in 2008 and I haven't touched it since.
In general it still looks quite good, but when looking closer the varnish has cracked on certain spots.
I organized a workshop this winter so I have all the facilities I need.
I have never done a whole varnish removal before so what can you advice me to do?
Sand down to the wood? Etching?
What new varnish to use?
What layup?
Epoxi?
The guys who redid the deck advised me to use this: Nautilus Polyurethan Enamel 2 Component (it's an Italian thing).
It's a beautiful boat and I want her to stay just that way.
I'm not trying to minimize effort. I want to do the best and sustainable effort!
Thanks for your inputs.

max


Here some pictures of the "problem zones"

[High Flow]

some more images

[High Flow]

some more images

[High Flow]

some more images