I use Rehd’s
: method of hand wiping, which went on very fast and easy and virtually
: eliminated runs. About 15 minutes wiping time. I use paper towels dipped
: in the varnish which didn’t tear up and leave a residue.

Spar varnishes are designed to be brushed on.

Here is a simple method that will teach you how to brush on varnish without
drips or sags.

Use a good quality 4" foam brush and dip only 1/4" of the tip in the varnish.

The brush now has its greatest load of varnish. Most varnish will dump with the first stroke.

Mentally define an area about 16" square on your boat. If you're working on the hull start that first stroke at the keel and stroke horizontally across your area working down to the sheer line, THEN stroke down from the keel to the sheer line starting where your first stroke horizontal stroke began, THEN finally stroke horizontally again the smooth out the vertical stroke lines.

This will spread out the varnish evenly over the whole area and ensure coverage.

If you get a run or sag you are cheating and dipping your brush too deeply in the varnish.

Most people are in a hurry and apply too much varnish and blame the brush for putting too much on when it's their fault.

Sure, applying varnish with a rag works great because you dip a small amount on, a rag just can't hold as much varnish as a brush can. But the rag will not give you the optimal coating thickness for UV protection a brush can.

Just learn to use a brush, it's not hard, just start putting a lot less varnish on the brush than you think you should. Then with each new coat add a LITTLE more until you develop the feel for just how much to dip the brush in the varnish.

Work with very bright lights so you can use the reflection to see how you did after each 16" area you work on.

If you do this, use very little varnish on your brush, you will learn to brush perfect finishes in no time.

All the best,
Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.LaughingLoon.com

I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me. ~Dudley Field Malone