Bristol Finish

[mikehalseyjr]

Has anyone used Bristol Finish on their boats? I am have my rocket launcher sanded down right now. I see a lot of ad's for Bristol. I was thinking of giving it a whirl.

Thanks,

Mike.

[JD5652]

mike-

I have it on all my bright work on my boat...including my rocket launcher.

Like any "varnish" or paint, the prep is the most important. I've also found that the best results are sanding with a 3M red pad between coats. It takes at least 6 coats to get a good result. Also use a good quality badger brush if it's in the budget.

When adding the catalyst to the base, stir VERY GENTLY as to NOT create air bubbles in the mixture. If you do, then you will have air bubbles when you apply.

Always keep a wet edge, DO NOT go from dry to wet...one direction only ......again bubbles and uneven coat.

If you live in the northeast, you can expect a couple seasons out of it before requiring another maintenance coat.

One other item I've found that helps tremendously in the prep stage is to completely seal the wood first. This is the product I use, but you may be able to find something comparable locally or you can order it from here....

http://www.star-distributing.com/smith/cpeswhy.html

There's also some good info on the above site regarding Bristol Finish.....

Good luck!

[blackwell50]

This stuff is top notch,I have used it on all the wood on a 50 blackwell and many other boats including my own.I have a pic here for you to check out.this is the helm pod on a Jarrett Bay flats skiff I did with Bristol.

[mikehalseyjr]

Thanks for the tips/help, that helm pod looks fantastic. I am going to pick some up and try it. I have never heard of "Sealing the wood" thou. I am going to look into that more. I also am going to pick up a badger brush too, this is the only wood piece on the boat (except interior) and I want it to look showroom quality. I removed all of the old varnish off the wood pieces this weekend, started with 80 grit, went to 120, and finally to the 220. I have heard some old timers saying to wipe the wood down with a cold damp rag, and then hit it again with 220. They claim it will raise the grain of the wood and you will get a smoother finish. Have you ever heard of that? I read on Bristol's site they want you to wipe down with acetone, I assume that is to get oil/grease/etc off from handeling.

Thanks,

Mike

[blackwell50]

Thanks for the tips/help, that helm pod looks fantastic. I am going to pick some up and try it. I have never heard of "Sealing the wood" thou. I am going to look into that more. I also am going to pick up a badger brush too, this is the only wood piece on the boat (except interior) and I want it to look showroom quality. I removed all of the old varnish off the wood pieces this weekend, started with 80 grit, went to 120, and finally to the 220. I have heard some old timers saying to wipe the wood down with a cold damp rag, and then hit it again with 220. They claim it will raise the grain of the wood and you will get a smoother finish. Have you ever heard of that? I read on Bristol's site they want you to wipe down with acetone, I assume that is to get oil/grease/etc off from handeling.

Thanks,

Mike

Mike, you will want to wipe down with a solvent for sure,I prefer denatured alchahol over acetone though.As for the wet rag,I don't really have an opinion.I would hit it one more time with 320,this will close the grain even better for an even smoother finish.

[Agitated88]

This stuff is top notch,I have used it on all the wood on a 50 blackwell and many other boats including my own.I have a pic here for you to check out.this is the helm pod on a Jarrett Bay flats skiff I did with Bristol.

Very nice blackwell!!

[mikehalseyjr]

Blackwell,

What type of brush do you apply with?

Mike

[blackwell50]

Blackwell,

What type of brush do you apply with?

Mike

I like to use a black handle Corona brush

[blackwell50]

Very nice blackwell!!

thank you

[mikehalseyjr]

JD,

Where do you get a "3M Red Pad"?

I googled it and it came back with 19" buffer pad.

Mike