Yacht varnishing is one of the most common marine carpentry services. If you’re looking for interior yacht refinishing in Fort Lauderdale, there are some things you should know about the process – before you get started.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about varnishing and refinishing yacht interiors.
Yachts Need To Be Varnished Regularly
It’s true that the interior of yachts do not require the same level of maintenance and upkeep as the exterior surfaces. Typically, they are not exposed to the same level of UV radiation, salty sea air, and other issues that can cause premature wear.
But yacht varnish can still wear down over time, or even begin to peel, in some cases. Your interior may look dull or “dry” after its varnish wears down, leading to an unsightly appearance. Typically, a professional coat of varnish can last between 6-10 years – but whenever you begin to notice issues with your boat’s appearance, you can re-varnish the interior.
Surface Preparation Is Key
The key to a great varnish finish is a well-prepared surface. Before applying varnish, a hydrogen peroxide solution should be used to clean up the interior. This will help destroy any mildew or other microorganisms that may be on the exterior of the finish. Boat soap should also be used to remove dirt, dust, and debris.
Finally, the surface should be degreased with trisodium phosphate, and sanded down with an extremely-fine grit sanding block. Power sanding is unnecessary, due to the thin veneer of varnish – power sanding goes too deeply, and may damage the wood. Then, you can begin applying your varnish once the wood is completely dry.
You Can Choose Between A One or Two-Part Varnish
One-part varnishes are easy to apply, as they incorporate both a varnish and catalyst in a single compound. However, these varnishes require more coats, and are less resistant to scratching and damage. They are the easiest varnishes to use in DIY projects.
Most professional yacht refinishing companies use two-part varnishes, which consist of a varnish and a catalyst. These varnishes provide a richer, more durable color in fewer coats, but can be toxic when used in small, confined spaces without proper respiratory equipment – making them less practical for DIY projects.
You Can Switch From Oil To Varnish
If you’ve been oiling your interior, you can switch from oil to varnish – but only if it has been a very long time since your last oil application. You can simply wipe down the exterior of the bulkhead with a solvent such as acetone to destroy any remaining oil, then use a scuffing pad to prepare the surface.
If your boat has been oiled more recently and you want to switch to varnish, you may need a company like Chi Yacht Refinishing to remove the oil, and varnish the surface. Varnishing an oily wood will result in an unsightly finish, which is hard to fix.
Interested In Professional Yacht Refinishing? Contact Us Now!
If you’re not interested in restoring the varnish of your yacht on your own, Chi Yacht Refinishing is the best choice for you! We are experts in marine carpentry services and interior yacht refinishing in Fort Lauderdale.
Contact us today to learn more about our rates, and schedule an initial consultation with our restoration team. We look forward to hearing from you.