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How to keep Varnish looking shiny when on the water

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 2:40 pm
by Markhondru
Having barrelback revarnished. Any advice on how to keep it shiny looking like new when out on the lake? Thank you, Mark

Re: How to keep Varnish looking shiny when on the water

Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2017 7:12 am
by Bilge Rat
Keeping it from banging the dock and having people walking on the varnish with sneakers covered in pebbles is of course mandatory. The other enemy of varnish is sunlight. Although your varnish should have some UV inhibitors, it is not impervious to the affects of the sun. Enjoy it as it was designed for; cruising on a sunny day but keep it covered when not in use.

Re: How to keep Varnish looking shiny when on the water

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:11 am
by JimF
Another important thing is to dry the boat off after every use to avoid build up of water spots. I use a mop with micro fiber threads. That makes it easier to do the sides. I am fortunate that my boat is kept on a lift and I can walk on both sides but any thing you can do will help.

Re: How to keep Varnish looking shiny when on the water

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 4:02 pm
by mfine
Sunscreen and bug spray can ruin varnish too. Other than that and the advice above, clean soft towels for wipe downs.

Re: How to keep Varnish looking shiny when on the water

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 7:18 am
by tkhersom
The best way to clean off water spots, sun screen, and bug spray that I have found is a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. I like to use white vinegar myself as it seems to have a little less residue. If you really want to get fussy about it you can use distilled water in your mix, but in my opinion it is more about using your boat out on the water than it is about keeping the varnish shining.

Happy Boating! :D

Re: How to keep Varnish looking shiny when on the water

Posted: Fri Nov 24, 2017 1:39 pm
by Markhondru
Thanks everyone for the advice. It will be at the dockslip on The Weekends then back on the trailer in a garage during the weeks. How about standard furniture spray polish/cleaner to shine it up when on the water?

Re: How to keep Varnish looking shiny when on the water

Posted: Fri Nov 24, 2017 9:42 pm
by drrot
NO, NO, NO. Most contain silicone which will mess up future varnish work.

Re: How to keep Varnish looking shiny when on the water

Posted: Fri Nov 24, 2017 10:14 pm
by Markhondru
Ok thanks Jim