I
have a teak rail across my transom that I’ve put two coats of varnish
on. I don’t seem to be getting the finish I want and was wondering
if I am using the right kind of brush. Do you have any tips on this?
F.L., via e-mail
Try using
a better brush. Most expert refinishers say a badger-hair brush is best
for applying varnish. Good badger brushes are expensive but worth the
investment if you’re striving for perfection. If you can’t
stomach the cost of badger, natural China bristle also produces excellent
results, but make sure you buy brushes of superior quality. Some refinishers
use a badger or China brush for the first two coats, switch to a foam
applicator for the build-up coats, then switch back to the natural bristle
for the top coat.
Whatever
type of brush you use, use it only for varnish work, and make sure it’s
clean. Residue often gets trapped up in the ferrule and will invariably
mix with the varnish during application and ruin your flawless coat.
To prevent residue, always clean the brush thoroughly with the recommended
solvent when you are done with it for the day, then wash the brush in
a mild detergent—Ivory Snow liquid will do just fine—and warm
water. Dry and wrap it in greaseproof paper, sculpting the bristles
into a chisel-like shape. Finally, hang the brush by its handle to prevent
spreading out or “fishtailing” of the bristles.
Need
help with a maintenance problem? Write to Maintenance Q & A, Power
& Motoryacht, 260 Madison Ave., 8th Fl., New York, NY
10016. Fax: (917) 256-2282. e-mail: ken_kreisler@primediamags.com.
No phone calls, please.