How to Finish Marine Mahogany With Varnish
Varnish is a resin-based finishing product intended for application on nearly any type of wood, including mahogany. Once dry, the resin forms a shiny polymer coating that is highly resistant to moisture and submersion in water. Because of this protective quality, varnish is widely used on outside decks and the hulls of wooden boats. Varnish greatly increases the lifespan of any wooden creation that will see use in inclement weather, and it is easily applied with a brush or roller.
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Things You'll Need
- Hose
- Mop
- Can(s) of varnish
- Large bowl
- Gum turpentine
- Wooden paint stick
- Foam paintbrushes (several sizes)
- Foam paint roller and handle (optional)
- Roller pan (optional)
- Plastic pan inserts (optional)
- 320-grit sandpaper
- Towel
- Electric sander (optional)
Instructions
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1
Wait for a day when the temperature of your work area will be between 65 and 75 degrees. Varnish will take much longer to cure in colder weather while hot weather increases the chances of an uneven coat.
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2
Dampen your work area lightly with a hose to settle any dust or dirt particles. Mop the floor if you are working in a garage and have recently sanded the mahogany. Varnish work can be spoiled by sawdust or other floating particles.
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3
Open your can of varnish. Stir it slowly and thoroughly with a wooden paint stick. This will help to mix the oil and any settled resin.
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4
Dilute a small amount of varnish for the sealer coat by pouring it into a large bowl and diluting with gum turpentine. Thin it down by about 50 percent. Apply this sealer coat to the wood and allow it to dry overnight before sanding with 320-grit sandpaper.
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5
Thin the varnish for your next several coats by about 20 to 25 percent, or 4 parts varnish to 1 part gum turpentine. This will allow for easier application of the varnish and a smoother, more uniform coat.
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6
Dip a foam paintbrush into the varnish so that it is well-coated, but don't overdo it. Apply the varnish to the mahogany in long, smooth strokes. Use smaller brushes for detailed areas or corners.
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7
Use a foam paint roller and a pan if your job is large. Place a plastic insert into a paint pan and pour in a generous amount of varnish, diluting as recommended previously. Cover the roller with a coat of varnish and roll it onto the mahogany. Roll slowly to ensure a smooth coating.
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8
Let the first coat dry overnight. Sand the wood with 320-grit sandpaper, wiping away the dust with a clean, soft towel or tack cloth. You may wish to use an electric sander for a quicker job.
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9
Apply second and third coats of varnish. If you intend to rub out (wet sand) the finish, apply at least six coats of varnish. Allow the finish to cure for several weeks before the varnished wood is used.
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Tips & Warnings
For increased protection from marine climates, you may wish to apply several more coats of varnish. Repeat sanding and re-application of varnish for as many coats as needed.
Do not allow varnish to get in your eyes or mouth. Varnish contains mineral spirits that are harmful if ingested.
References
- Photo Credit wood texture image by Daniel Gillies from Fotolia.com
