Smooth finish 2 Pac varnish

[Liambennett]

Hi all,

I’m after some tips to achieve a smooth finish using a 2 Pac varnish.
I’m using International Perfection Plus.
I sand using 320 grit between coats, use a tack cloth.
I’m also using brushing thinners.
However I can’t get a smooth finish !

[Southern Boater]

Check out Dan Lee boat building YouTube channel, he does excellent work

[fgarriso]

There is an art to getting a smooth finish in varnish.
Practice - practice - practice.

Oh, yes always use fine horsehair brushes.

[sean9c]

It's usually pretty nice stuff to apply.
You're likely trying to give it more time to flow, so try a little more reducer. Make sure you're using brushing reducer, you're looking for slow evaporation.
Don't varnish in warm temp, or the sun or if there is wind.
You have to be quick, just put it on and move on. Don't keep going back over it.
Brushes are important, use a good one, likely badger or china bristle. If you're paying less than about $25 for a 2" brush and you care about results you'll struggle. 2 parts are hard on brushes, when you clean them you don't get all the paint or varnish out and it effects them. I throw mine away after 3 uses. I know pros that do that after 2.

[SailorGreg]

Originally Posted by Liambennett

Hi all,



I’m after some tips to achieve a smooth finish using a 2 Pac varnish.

I’m using International Perfection Plus.

I sand using 320 grit between coats, use a tack cloth.

I’m also using brushing thinners.

However I can’t get a smooth finish !

Just finished varnishing the pilot house. Had a few large areas of wall surface as well as window frames, etc. I applied with a small foam roller and tipped with a foam brush. After many years as a B- painter, this technique moved me up to B+. The roller enabled me to cover large areas rapidly with an even application and no holidays. In the past is was always the holidays that caused me to over- brush and leave the ropey look.
This was Epifanes, not two part, but rolling and tipping is a well known technique for two part. The walls were Woodfinish matte and required no tipping at all. The trim was Clear and needed tipping.

[Cigatoo]

Originally Posted by SailorGreg

Just finished varnishing the pilot house. Had a few large areas of wall surface as well as window frames, etc. I applied with a small foam roller and tipped with a foam brush. After many years as a B- painter, this technique moved me up to B+. The roller enabled me to cover large areas rapidly with an even application and no holidays. In the past is was always the holidays that caused me to over- brush and leave the ropey look.
This was Epifanes, not two part, but rolling and tipping is a well known technique for two part. The walls were Woodfinish matte and required no tipping at all. The trim was Clear and needed tipping.

I second the foam roller with large areas. It makes for an even application. Especially on vertical surfaces. Roll the varnish out nice and evenly. Tip lightly with foam or a Corona Brush. https://www.thepaintstore.com/Corona...xoCfHYQAvD_BwE
The brush makes a huge difference.

[Delta Riverat]

I'm a fan of foam rollers for varnish, been using them for decades on household wood projects. Very easy and quick to get an even coat. I try to avoid brushes whenever possible.

[sean9c]

Be careful using foam rollers and brushes, the solvents in 2 pac stuff eat them. I give them about 15 minutes use before replacing. Epifanes rollers seem to last a little longer.