"Gordon Wedman" wrote in message
news:d1XHh.31243$Du6.18646@edtnps82...

"Keith" wrote in message
ps.com...


EIGHT COATS? Are you looking for excuses to avoid sailing?

Nope, you have to have a base of at least 8 coats of varrnish to make
it worthwhile. Any less, and it's just going to flake off and you'll
be back to bare wood before you know it. Cetol is three, so it's
easier, but you get "the look". Get a copy of "brightwork"(can't
remember the author's name right now)... it's the bible on marine
finishes.


Ten or twelve would be better but I settled for eight on my handrails.
Looks very good. It didn't take that much time and handrails were the
only exterior wood on my C&C. My latest boat has a lot more exterior wood
(which I like) so it will be taking up a fair bit of my time initially.
Once its down I expect to only touch it up every once. Should never need
to be stripped.


We have about a 5 month sailing season here in Green Bay area, so I start
with 6-8 coats of varnish over two coats of Penetrol. Spring prep includes
one topcoat and I'm good til the next season. Over a few years, coats build
up.