varnishes

[ClanB]

I got a can of marine varnish. I have used it on 2 boards so far. Both still feel "soft" to me. I can put a fingernail dent in them very easy. I also can feel and hear that tacky sound when I move them off of something they have been leaning on for awhile. I have 4 coats on them and they have been drying for a month. Is this normal for marine varnish? Should I give another type of varnish a shot on the next two?

[jbw4600]

Did you let it dry 24 hours between coats? Also too think a coat will do it also. Or it is a bad batch.

[ClanB]

18-24 hr for all coats..mostly 24...and if they are too thick a coats is 4 weeks expecting too much for complete cure?

[Poobah]

If the can says to stir well, then do so.

A couple of times I've dealt with sticky topcoats by slathering on mineral spirits with a rag, and going over it lightly with 440 wet/dry paper....wear gloves. I think the evaporation of the solvent helps to oxygenate the sticky topcoat, or maybe it does something to my mind.

P.S. I should add that it was an oil-based varnish.

[Poobah]

Also...I can't really tell if varnish is too thick, and in need of thinning simply by looking at it. But I can judge it by feel, like I'm having to pull too hard on the brush. Also not getting a long stroke out of a brush load. Maybe that's not too helpful, but it's true.

Don't thin the whole can of varnish. Just thin a small amount in a tuna can. And if you tinker with Japan Drier, then use it sparingly so you don't crackle the varnish. When in doubt....test your chemicals on scrap wood.

[OG-AZN]

What brand of varnish are you using? I've heard stories that the low VOC reformulated thinner sold in California doesn't work with the traditional varnish you would get from a boat supply store. I've varnished a bunch of boards with Helmsman Spar Urethane from the hardware store, and it works fine. Only 4-6 hrs between coats and I've had no problem with complete drying or durability ,as long as I do a minimum of 4 coats. I haven't needed to use any thinner with the Helmsman.

[ClanB]

Rust olium marine coating spar varnish

[mrmike]

was it old ? I use helmans by minwax after 6 months I dump it

[ClanB]

Brand new. I may have had thick coats. I never used thinner with it.