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I find little difference between Z-Spar’s Captains Varnish and Flagship except for the price. They claim the Flagship has more ultraviolet inhibitors to justify the increased costs. This is not really that important because your boat will most likely be stored inside. I find the Captains to be the best value. I’ve tried all of the competitors and keep coming back to the Captains just because I’ve used it so much I can predict the outcome.
Start by pouring some of the varnish into a clean container. The only thinner I use is the T 10. The whole process is very fume intensive . I wear the same mask and latex gloves I use when doing epoxy. You will find the thinner will evaporate very readily. Small amounts will need to be added as you work. I use a drinking straw to transfer thinner into the varnish. Dip the straw into the thinner and place your thump over the straw. You can regulate how much goes into the varnish. It does not take much. The objective with the thinner is only to keep the brush from dragging. If the varnish feels gooey and the brush is pulling not gliding, you need more thinner.
As for brushes, I only use foam brushes. I look in the craft department of Wal Mart for small cell brushes. The ones in the paint department tend to be large cell and leave more of a nap. Do not try to clean them… throw them away after use.
Your hull is sealed with the epoxy. The varnish will not soak into the wood. You should have a nice finish after three coats of varnish. Make sure the epoxy is nicely sanded with 150 grit sandpaper. I do not sand between the first and second coat. Very light sanding between 2nd and 3rd coats with 150 grit. The objective here is just to take the gloss off so you can see where to varnish. I usually varnish with the garage door open so I have a light source coming from outside. You can sight along the hull to see drips and voids.
Remember the varnish will be green for a few weeks. It gets harder in a month or so. You can use the boat right away but it will not resist scratches as well as when the varnish cures completely.
This is an archived message from The Kayak Building Bulletin Board.
Guillemot Kayak - High
Performance Wooden Sea Kayak Designs
