Correct surface preparation is vital to achieve a longlasting protective finish so time spent at this stage is well invested.

Sand the wood along the grain with 80-240 grade abrasive paper to provide a key for the paint system. Remove the dust from the surface using a vacuum cleaner or brush. Oily woods such as teak and iroko should be degreased by wiping Degreaser along the grain with a cloth. This will remove some of the natural oil content on the surface of the wood and ensure a greater bond to the first coating.

As a first sealer coat, dilute chosen varnish by 20-30% with the Thinner indicated on the label. For the second coat dilute varnish by up to 10% . A better final result will be achieved if light sanding is carried out between the coats as this removes any imperfections in the surface as they happen, this is especially beneficial after the first coat.

A alternative to sealing the wood with thinned varnish is to apply one coat of Woodseal, which has excellent penetrating properties.

New and bare wood will have varying depths of the wood grain, we recommend that you apply 4-5 coats of varnish after you have varnished to fill the grain. You may, of course, apply more coats than this, sanding between coats and you will obtain an exceptionally beautiful and strong surface.


Revarnishing Wood

The paragraph on Repainting Wood also applies to revarnishing, as does the preparation. However, a varnish coat that is damaged back to the wood will cause the unprotected wood to blacken which will show through the varnish. These areas will have to be taken back, thoroughly cleaned with Teak Cleaner to remove the black, and the coating built up again. Recoat the prepared surface, taking note of the relevant table.

TIP - a small bottle of varnish or nail varnish on board can be used if the varnish coat is damaged whilst sailing - just a little varnish will cover up the exposed wood until you are back at your mooring and able to make the proper repairs

Waterborne Varnish
Where solvent in the working environment needs to be avoided - ie, boat interior or confined spaces - the use of SeaTech waterborne varnish is recommended. SeaTech is available in high gloss or silk/matt finish that is recommended for use on internal areas.

TIPS

• Make sure that you have thoroughly prepared the surface as this is the key to a successful finish.
• Read all labels carefully and follow all application and health & safety recommendations.
• Always stir paint thoroughly to an even consistency.
• Stir paint periodically during application.
• To avoid dust rising, dampen the ground prior to painting.
• Decant enough paint to do the job into a suitable container. Reseal can lid to maintain the quality of the paint for future use.
• When coating large areas It is often easier if two people carry out the painting, with the first person applying the paint and the second person laying off.
• There are various methods of application and it may be worth you referring to the Application section before proceeding.
• Remove any masking tape before the paint has completely cured as this will help avoid exaggerated paint edges.
• A better finish will be achieved if application is carried out on a warm dry morning as damp and cold conditions effect drying and reduce the final gloss.
• Do not paint in direct sunlight as this will unnaturally speed up the drying process, reducing the flow of the product and increasing the likelihood of brush marks.

Specifications
Having decided whether you are going to use a single pack or two pack painting system, the following specifications should be followed:

Favourite Varnish

Product	no of coats	recoating interval@ 20oC min max 10oC 20oC	coverage m2/ltr	wft per coat	dft per coat	thinner
Favourite thinned up to 30% with No 1	1	12h-4d 6h-2d	20		30	No 1
Favourite thinned up to 10% with No 1	1	12h-4d 6h-2d	18		30	No 1
Favourite	4	12h-4d 6h-2d	16	61	30	No 1

Classic Varinsh

Product	no of coats	recoating interval@ 20oC min max 10oC 20oC	coverage m2/ltr	wft per coat	dft per coat	thinner
Classic thinned up to 30% with No 1	1	16h-4d 8h-2d	22		30	No 1
Classic thinned up to 10% with No 1	1	16h-4d 8h-2d	20		30	No 1
Classic	4	16h-4d 8h-2d	18	54	30	No 1

Dura-Gloss Varnish

Product	no of coats	recoating interval@ 20oC min max 10oC 20oC	coverage m2/ltr	wft per coat	dft per coat	thinner
Dura-Gloss thinned up to 30% with No 1	1	8h-4d 4h-2d	18		25	No 1
Dura-Gloss thinned up to 10% with No 1	1	8h-4d 4h-2d	16		25	No 1
Dura-Gloss	4	8h-4d 4h-2d	14	56	25	No 1

Dura-Satin Varnish - finish coat only

Product	no of coats	recoating interval@ 20oC min max 10oC 20oC	coverage m2/ltr	wft per coat	dft per coat	thinner
Dura-Gloss to build up varnish, see above	5	8h-4d 4h-2d				No 1
Dura-Satin	1	8h-4d 4h-2d	14	56	25	No 1

For all single component varnish specifications above Woodseal can be used as sealer instead of thinned varnish.

Diamond Varnish

Product	no of coats	recoating interval@ 20oC min max 10oC 20oC	coverage m2/ltr	wft per coat	dft per coat	thinner
Diamond thinned up to 30% with No 214	156	32h-10d 16h-5d	16		40	No 2 (Spray No 6)
Diamond thinned up to 10% with No 2	1	32h-10d 16h-5d	14		40	No 2 (Spray No 6)
Diamond	4	32h-10d 16h-5d	12	83	40	No 2 (Spray No 6)

Note: in all cases if overcoating times are exceeded abrade the surface then, either wash off with freshwater and allow to dry, or clean with brush or vacuum cleaner.

For further information, please contact us on 01489 864440.