JEM Watercraft

I am nearing completion of my Merrimack. I like the wood color so I'm planning on a clear finish. Is there anything special about the varnished used? Can I go to Lowe's and pick some up, or do I should order the $80/ gallon stuff.

DON'T USE MIN-WAX so called varnish. You will really regret it later down the road , it PEALS. I can't say (on here ) how I really fell about it but it goes some what along these lines ... %&^$@&(&%$

I use the Captains Spar Varnish , it does cost more but in this case you really get what you pay for. It is some good stuff. It has lasted 5 years on my boats without any problems.
I do keep them under cover when they are not being used.

Chuck.

Thank's for the imput I'll find the Captains Spar Varnish.
How many coats of varnish do you put on?
I'm see people talking about 5 to 7 coats.

Do you still require varnish if the kayak is fully glassed?
I haven't built one yet but would have thought the epoxy to be enough.
Is the varnish adding UV protection, gloss finish or just pimpin'?

Cheers Mike

Manjimike wrote:Do you still require varnish if the kayak is fully glassed?
I haven't built one yet but would have thought the epoxy to be enough.
Is the varnish adding UV protection, gloss finish or just pimpin'?

The varnish provides UV protection to the epoxy. Most epoxies do not have anything mixed in to provide any UV protection, and exposure over time will cause the epoxy to break down

I have always used Pettit Z-Spar 1015 Captains Varnish.

DM

Mike,

As DM says, the varnish is not just for looks, UV will cause the epoxy to take on a yellowish tint, kind of cloudy-looking, and eventually start to break down. The varnish, one with a good UV screen, will prevent that.

Don't know about "5 to 7 coats." I've only done that when the varnish was the only finish on a niece piece of wood. "Brightwork."

Over a clear expoxy surface, I'm only using two good coats, myself.

Mike S.
Spring Hill, FL

I like the sound of that - two coats. After all my canoe is going into the lake not the dinning room.
Although my wife did say something about using it for the Thanksgiving Dinner table.

And thanks again, your discussion of these “easy questions” make a huge difference to us,
who are just getting started in the great world of boat construction.
This is my first boat build, it will not be the last!

How long do you let the epoxy cure before varnishing/painting?

Easiest way is to go by the manufacturer recommendations.

That being said, 3-4 weeks is generally the longest you'll have to wait for a completely finished cure. Setting the hull in the sun will help speed that up.

Be mindful of amine blush issues.

But again ask your epoxy vendor for their advice.