Varnish & thinner What proportions please

[jagmanx]

As you can see a new table-top. Teak planks planed and fitted (almost 100%)
It has been stained with a suitable product (new-fashioned creosote ?)
I now wish to varnish it so please.

• How many coats (2 or maybe 3)
• Do you use more thinner at the start or when finishing.
• Sand down in between coats ?

 

[time4t]

If it was me I'd use a good high solids yacht varnish, something like Arc-rites marine grade Yacht varnish.

It doesn't need thinning so a light sand in between coats is all that's required.

Phill

 

[Ardachaidh]

I seem to remember another "finishing" thread where every respondent had their own favourite finish. Mine is Danish Oil by Rustins. Easy to apply easy to repair or refinish. It also enhances the figure or grain of the wood. If the table is for outside there's nothing that will survive the ravages of sun, wind and rain for very long; so I would go with something that can be refinished with the minimum of effort - like Danish Oil.

You can thin the first coat if you wish - it aids penetration, supposedly, and saves using too much of the oil on that initial coat.

A very light sanding between coats and dusting it off will remove the "nibs" and then apply the final coat with something like an ultra-fine Scotchbrite pad.

 

[maingate]

Another vote for Danish Oil.

I have used it in the past. Coincidentally, I watched Repair Shop on BBC1 yesterday and one of the experts turned a 1950's Coffee table from a complete mess back to its former glory. In fact he made it better using Danish Oil.

 

[jagmanx]

Thanks to all.
Only varnish and thinner.
3 coats finishing with 90% varnish.