Trade Secrets: How to effectively varnish – in under a week
There’s nothing more satisfying than applying that final finish coat after a long project. At the same time, there’s nothing more frustrating than waiting week after week for all those layers of varnish to dry.
“Varnishing is often a time-laboured process…But there is a way to achieve the perfect varnish, in less than half the time.”
Varnishing is often a time-laboured process, thought necessary to get that glossy aesthetic. But there is a way to achieve the perfect varnish, in less than half the time.
A typical wooden boat needs around twelve layers of varnish, which can take up to two weeks to dry – meaning you have to spend more time in the boatyard, instead of on the water.
If you want to spend more time on your boat – as opposed to working on it – don’t dive straight into finish coatings with a layer of varnish, instead start with a coat of epoxy.
“WEST SYSTEM epoxy provides greater moisture protection and durability than any other resin or varnish.”
Why? Well, firstly, an epoxy system like WEST SYSTEM® epoxy provides greater moisture protection and durability than any other resin or varnish. But more than that, you can apply up to three coats of epoxy in one day, building layers far quicker than varnish.
After three coats of epoxy, leave for 24 hours to cure then break out the varnish.
You’ll notice that you now won’t need 12 coats of varnish – you won’t even need half of that. Allow time for just three coats of varnish, et voilà! In under a week you’ve achieved an impressive wood trim.
So not only can you spend less time in the boatyard and more time on the water, but by using both epoxy and varnish, you can achieve unbeatable moisture resistance and durability, as well as essential UV protection.
Learn more about preparing for final coatings and find the most compatible coating for your surfaces.
