Replies

1. 
   pzaxtl | May 28, 2008 12:14am | #1

   Any finish can be sprayed, once the viscosity is adjusted correctly.  Spar varnish can be brushed, wiped or sprayed -- any of these methods will give you an acceptable finish, although, I prefer wiping and spraying to brushing.

2. 
   SteveSchoene | May 28, 2008 04:47am | #2

   Spar varnish has such a long drying time that the overspray will have plenty of time to be a sticky mess.  It levels well when brushed on, and even when sprayed will accumulate dust almost the same. 

   Brushing would be, by far, my favorite choice.  Thinning to wiping consistency would work, but since spar varnish typically takes 6+ brushed on coats, wiping it on might take as many as 18 to achieve the same film thickness. 

   You could apply wiped on coats in "bunches" of about three within a day, applying the next just as soon as the first stops being tacky.  But after about three coats they must be allowed to cure overnight, and be sanded lightly before more coats can be applied. 

1. 
   Bailey6 | May 29, 2008 06:21pm | #6

   Maybe it is just me, but when I try to brush this stuff, I get thick spots, brush marks, etc.  What is the secret?  Do I need to thin it formthe can? 

1. 
   SteveSchoene | May 29, 2008 11:57pm | #9

   Yes, you absolutely need to thin spar varnish.  How much depends on which variety.  Epifanes needs 15%--after all it is about 60% solids in the can.  Others a bit less, but there is no "full strength" varnish made that doesn't need thinning as it comes from the can. 

1. 
   Bailey6 | May 30, 2008 03:18pm | #10

   I really appreciate that info. 

2. 
   BillBrennen | May 30, 2008 06:23pm | #11

   Yes, and the government regulators force the finish manufacturers to print "no thinning required" on the cans, even though we all know it is a lie. EPA regulations run amok.Bill

3. 
   HowardAcheson | May 28, 2008 07:05pm | #3

   What are you finishing?

   Perhaps the biggest issue with spraying any oil based finish is that the over spray remains liquid. As such, it gets all over everything in the area leaving a crust when it finally dries. Best to spray outdoors or to use a spray booth when spraying oil based finishes.

   Howie.........
1. 
   jimbell | May 28, 2008 11:20pm | #4

   I prefer brushing it on. With the spar varnish I use, the method of application is secondary to protecting myself from the viscious, stomach-turning vapors.

   Jim

2. 
   Bailey6 | May 29, 2008 06:25pm | #7

   I am making a Tack Trunk for a young lady into horses.  I spray laquer on almost everything I do, but this needs a finish more adaptable to the outdoors.  You make a very good point on the over spray.  When I brush spar varnish, I get brush marks, thick spots etc.  What is the secret to eliminating these? Thinning?

1. 
   HowardAcheson | May 29, 2008 07:22pm | #8

   >> When I brush spar varnish, I get brush marks, thick spots etc. What is the secret to eliminating these? Thinning?Mostly laying on a smooth film of varnish is a matter of technique and practice and a good brush. Thinning about 10% with mineral spirits will help the finish flow out somewhat but, at the same time, it will also run or sag more easily on vertical surfaces.Howie.........

4. 
   Grits | May 29, 2008 10:35am | #5

   Bailey6,

   I prefer spraying most finishes if I can.  I have a spray booth.  Thank you for bringing this up.  Spar Varnish is a finish I have not sprayed but I have a project that I will use spar varnish and I plan on spraying it.  Does anyone have a particular brand that they have sprayed with good results.

   I will give it a whirl by the first of next week and I will post my results in this thread.

   Thanks,

   Grits