salon door best varnish

[craigwill201]

I am in the process of striping the awlgrip off my salon door. I would like to know what varnish provides the best results to make it look like "Rybovich" look.
Craig

[Fritz]

Schooner varnish with a minimum of 11 coats [you will need to do several more for a really nice look and then perform regular maintenance coats] or clear Imron? However, there are guys on here with more expertise than me.

[craigwill201]

thanks fritz. I saw you wanted ad on boatdiesel. What do you expect to cruse with 370's ? The pictures of your stripped hull defiantly shows you get what you pay for in boats.
craig

[Fritz]

thanks fritz. I saw you wanted ad on boatdiesel. What do you expect to cruse with 370's ? The pictures of your stripped hull defiantly shows you get what you pay for in boats.
craig

A minimum real 25. I would not accept less. I had a give away price for a pair of Cats, but the fit was just too tight and I am not partial to Cats anyway. Thanks for the kind words!

[craigwill201]

I have s single 3208ta and love it. The other models wouldn't touch one.

[jrzcape]

Crigwill: start with mass or west epoxy(special clear hardner) coat the door 3 to 5 coats untill the grain is full,block sand untill it is flat were possible ,take care not to sand through the epoxy than coat with a clear automotive paint, sand 1200-1500-2000 grit and buff. this system works best if you can do it in a climate controlled area. TIP!!! If the temp rises one degree the epoxy will out gas leaving pock marks. we turn the heat on and heat the booth to about 80 and turn the heat off before we apply the epoxy. If i can help pm me with a number and i will give you a call.

Wayne

[thomas70]

West System then coat it with Awlgrip clearcoat. The West has no UV inhibitors, that's why you need to clearcoat it with something.

[JDLM]

I'll second the West System/AwlGrip method.Just be sure you get rid of the blush from the epoxy before you AwlGrip.

[JD5652]

I am in the process of striping the awlgrip off my salon door. I would like to know what varnish provides the best results to make it look like "Rybovich" look.
Craig

I'm partial to Bristol myself. Did my salon door, brow boards, trim and toe rails last season. I also refinished a Murray Brothers fighting chair using Bristol and it turned out great.

http://www.bristolfinish.com/marine_use_EXT.htm

I've tried both methods....wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry sanding between coats. Sanding between coats works best. I also seal the wood with Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer prior to applying the Bristol.

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

This makes the finish long lasting and prevents any water or other outside environment from getting under the finish once it's applied.

Good luck!

[clt_capt]

The epoxy is definitely the way to start. It will seal the wood and fill the grain - If you don't fill with epoxy, you can expect 5 - 6 coats of varnish to get to the same point (filled grain)

If you have the capability to spray, Awlgrip or IMRON clear are good, but it takes an experienced hand.

Bristol finish is a nice compromise. I've also had good results with the Sikkens Gloss VARNISH (Not the orange stuff) - A rybo finish will take 10+ coats minimum...