: I am getting ready to order my fiberglassing materials from RAKA. I am
: wondering how much varnish I will need. I don't have much luck keeping
: leftover varnish so it can be used another season so I don't want to buy 2
: quarts if 1 will do. That stuff is kind of pricy! Also, do most of you use
: gloss finish or satin finish. Is it a matter of personal preference or are
: there other reasons to choose one or the other? I was thinking of using 'Z
: Spar' Captains or Flagship so maybe there is no choice in satin or gloss.
: Any other recommendations?

Varnish
As I said before after trying a great many finishes I’ve settled on using Z-Spar’s Captains varnish. I use straight from the can unaltered. Some varnishes say “not to used below the waterline”. This applies only to boats that are moored in water. Varnishes often say “thin 10% with mineral spirits on first coat.” This applies only to bare wood applications. Captains brushes like a dream and creates a great finish.

I have tried every method of dealing with paint can sealing and pouring and keeping the air from drying out the varnish. I’ve never had consistent luck with sealing paint can lids, keeping the lip clean and turning them upside down without leaking. If your varnish is not fresh, clean and scum free everything else is a waste of time.

I now recant my new varnish in quart mason jars with separate lids and screw rings. The mason jar allows me to pour varnish without the lid mess of a paint can. I wipe the jar lip with a paper towel after pouring so the lid won’t stick. By using the separate lids and screw rings of the mason jar I don’t have to worry about not being able to get a lid off if I missed some varnish on the jar lip. I can always pry the lid off and use a new one if needed. I pour varnish into the bottom of a half gallon plastic milk carton. This size carton accommodates my 4” foam brush. Any used varnish gets poured back into the jar unless it is contaminated somehow. Before closing my jar lid I blow propane gas from my small shop torch into the jar to displace air to keep the varnish from skimming over.

All the best,

Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.LaughingLoon.com