Slightly Milky Bristol Finish = BCC Devo
Bristol Finish, a 2 part polyurethane clear finish has been my 2 day solution to the multi-coat varnish build up routine that can often take weeks. It’s pretty fast indeed, as noted in my previous post about the skylight. I was achieving a 1 hour re-coat time inside at 68º with a fan blowing. The trouble I find with wet on wet is that I tend to lay it on thick to compensate for not being able to clearly see the difference between the old coat and the new. There is no sanded, scuffed base to contrast the glossy newly applied coat, it’s all glossy, all the time. The result: sags, and I believe, a slightly milky finish.
I laid down 5 wet on wet coats, then let it dry overnight. Sanded it down to a nice smooth, sag free state today, outside in the 30º snow scene we woke up to the other day. I took care to sand every square millimeter. Bristol Finish recommends 4 coats minimum with 6 being ideal. The hatch was on target for 6, give or take a coat since I sanded pretty aggressively.
Bristol Finish produces a deep, thick looking finish, which is very glossy, perhaps too glossy. It lays down nicely for a smooth surface. And the result is an almost plastic looking finish. Which makes me realize, this stuff basically is plastic! (Why would anyone in their right mind put plastic on top of beautiful teak?) The thick finish has a slight milky look to it, the reason for which I’m not 100% sure yet. I like the look, but I’m not sure if it fits my vision for BCC Elizabeth with her spliced rig, bowsprit, traditional lines etc… This Bristol Finish look is more inline with a cruise ship or a go fast mega yacht. I love the post sanding look pictured below to the left. They make a satin additive, which I might consider for future.
It is what it is, it’s on, it looks good, not perfect, but I’m done with this hatch. I’ve been experimenting with a variety of varnish options and I think the hunt must continue for the best solution. Only time will tell, however, as the durability and required future maintenance is the ultimate deciding factor. I’m currently researching Epifanes Rapid Clear… might be my next experiment.
Benji, I get to see it in real life and it looks nice. You are doing a wonderful job with BCC Elizabeth. I can’t wait to celebrate when you are finished and ready to set sail this summer. Its going to be great!
T
You know I’m a strong advocate of oil finishes… natural, strong, and environmentally sound. Tung oil, pine tar, take your pick. What will you do in a few years when Bristol Finish is defunct?
But hell, if you pine tar the whole thing it’ll look like a lobsta boat of yore!
Benji,Its more about the cruising!,the boat is a tool to cruise,protecting the wood,is whats important! are you obsessing? keep it simple
I agree with Mark! Simple, durable, inexpensive in the long run… that’s the figure of merit for GOOD VALUE!
Looks fantastic to me … you’re too young to be turning out “old world craftsmanship.” Very impressive work.
Ah rightfully so, it is ALL about cruising, and indeed, I am obsessing… but while there’s snow on the ground, while I export client videos, after I make lunch for Dad, before I make a few more animated GIF’s
I can lay another obsessive coat on these “take home” projects. I find I am intrigued by the process, the various coatings, the techniques.
In the end, I’ll be very happy, and out cruising, and the wood will be protected… so for now we obsess a little and have fun with it… gets me thru the winter.
Hey, maybe you can use the hatch as a mirror to shave,its so reflective,just dont step on itbarefoot, when its wet,it will be very slippery!
Tis Tru – will be slippery!! BTW, how’s yer boat comin’ along?
getting ready for the Classic Plastic rendevousz on Marthas vineyard with Elizabeth andGypsy and maybe teresas boat also,if she is interested!I am almost done ,just bottom paint and buffing the hull
I can totally relate. My experience with Bristol Finish was not good and that was at the “experimental” phase. I am wondering if I got a bad batch.
We stuck with Epiphanes high gloss eventually.
Never heard of Rapid Clear. Might have to try that one out too.
Yeah I love the “Epee-fanoos” too. I called them the other day to check and make sure you can use Rapid Clear for quick build up and then top coat with their High Gloss that I’ve come to really like. When they answered the phone, much to my surprise he pronounced Epifanes, much differently then I had ever heard it! I told him I couldn’t wait to tell my friends of the correct pronunciation… what a dork be me. I ordered a quart of Rapid Clear. I find you can read the internet and find peoples comments/reviews about products, but they all contradict themselves… there is no other way to know then to try it for yourself. I’ll let you know what I think about it, but it might be completely different than what you find if you use it. The variables are just too great in this little experiment.
I did want to point out, that I had nice results on my skylight from Bristol Finish and there wasn’t much of any clouding. I shall double check it next time I get to the boat to compare the two completed pieces.
[...] my Bristol Finish Experiment came out a bit “plasticy”, I decided to go back to the old favorite: Epifanes. But I [...]