Paint and Varnish

[vtflatlander]

What would be the best way to finish my wood seats and wood gunnels. Should I rub paint on them than cover with spar varnish or just paint them or just varnish them. I would like them to have a color. Also would it be better to stain and varnish them. Thanks in advance for all your information

 

[LDUBS]

"Best"-- I don't know. Stain with varnish looks great in my opinion. You will have to renew the varnish from time-to-time as part of normal upkeep.

 

[vtflatlander]

"Best"-- I don't know. Stain with varnish looks great in my opinion. You will have to renew the varnish from time-to-time as part of normal upkeep.

Thank You for your advice. I was leaning that way too

 

[LaqueRatt]

Another option would be porch enamel. The oil stuff is polyurethane. Stands up well in our sometimes harsh Midwest weather, should stay on a boat pretty good too.

 

[airshot]

If good looking wood, why not stain and show it off ?? Can't beat good looking wood on a boat !!

 

[vtflatlander]

If good looking wood, why not stain and show it off ?? Can't beat good looking wood on a boat !!

I thought of that to but I figured the spar varnish would give it more protection
Thank You all for your ideas and advice

 

[KonradS]

As much as I love a beautifully varnished boat, I would rather be on the water than beside it! I put wood seats and a rail around the inside of my boat (1970's 14' Lowe line scout) in addition to some wood fixtures. I use boat soup- equal parts spar varnish, linseed oil, turpentine (not paint thinner- actually want the resins in the turpentine). This is a traditional finish for work boats where aesthetics are not the biggest concern. Apply spring and fall, no sanding. Not the most beautiful finish- it darkens with age, although I like the way it looks. preserves the wood and gets me on the water with minimum fuss.

 

[vtflatlander]

As much as I love a beautifully varnished boat, I would rather be on the water than beside it! I put wood seats and a rail around the inside of my boat (1970's 14' Lowe line scout) in addition to some wood fixtures. I use boat soup- equal parts spar varnish, linseed oil, turpentine (not paint thinner- actually want the resins in the turpentine). This is a traditional finish for work boats where aesthetics are not the biggest concern. Apply spring and fall, no sanding. Not the most beautiful finish- it darkens with age, although I like the way it looks. preserves the wood and gets me on the water with minimum fuss.

Thanks Konrad That may be something to think about. I have never heard of that kind of finish

 

[KonradS]

Some of the hard core traditional recipes use pine tar as well. If you want a real old timey smell and feel!.. I didn't specify in my earlier post- be sure to use boiled linseed oil or it will never dry. Boiled linseed oil takes a few days to cure, and it will be a little sticky until then.

 

[airshot]

I thought of that to but I figured the spar varnish would give it more protection
Thank You all for your ideas and advice

The varnish can go over the stain.....the shine of the varnish will enhance the stain !!

 

[vtflatlander]

Some of the hard core traditional recipes use pine tar as well. If you want a real old timey smell and feel!.. I didn't specify in my earlier post- be sure to use boiled linseed oil or it will never dry. Boiled linseed oil takes a few days to cure, and it will be a little sticky until then.

Thanks for the reminder

The varnish can go over the stain.....the shine of the varnish will enhance the stain !!

I think that is what I might do. Thanks Fred

 

[Steve.H]

For what it is worth, I made my seats out of white oak and varnished them with 6 coats of Epifanes Wood Finish Gloss.

 

[vtflatlander]

For what it is worth, I made my seats out of white oak and varnished them with 6 coats of Epifanes Wood Finish Gloss.

sounds like they will last forever