More on Bristol Finish

[Jim Swiatocha]

Well, I went back to apply additional coats this weekend and to my delight and surprise the teak did not have the dark brown color that I described earlier but instead had the golden honey color I had expected and everyone else has experienced.

The wood was very dry, and absorbed a lot of the Bristol Finish on the first coat. I think that made it appear darker. Plus it was getting dark as I finished and I think that made the wood look darker also. Or maybe it was just too many hours in the hot sun and inhaling too many fumes. Anyway, sorry if I mislead anyone.

John R. made a good point in his follow up post regarding the amount of reducer. We were using too little given the ambient temperature. It didn't show up on the first coat because virtually all the Bristol Finish was absorbed. But on the second coat the finish didn't flow out as it should. We'll try to fix it with some sanding and using more reducer on the subsequent coats.

But even with our mistakes in application the finish was drawing admirers from around the boatyard with only two coats applied.



cpgjim@erols.com

[Jim]

Well, I went back to apply additional coats this weekend and to my delight and surprise the teak did not have the dark brown color that I described earlier but instead had the golden honey color I had expected and everyone else has experienced.

The wood was very dry, and absorbed a lot of the Bristol Finish on the first coat. I think that made it appear darker. Plus it was getting dark as I finished and I think that made the wood look darker also. Or maybe it was just too many hours in the hot sun and inhaling too many fumes. Anyway, sorry if I mislead anyone.

John R. made a good point in his follow up post regarding the amount of reducer. We were using too little given the ambient temperature. It didn't show up on the first coat because virtually all the Bristol Finish was absorbed. But on the second coat the finish didn't flow out as it should. We'll try to fix it with some sanding and using more reducer on the subsequent coats.

But even with our mistakes in application the finish was drawing admirers from around the boatyard with only two coats applied.

Jim,

Pleased to hear in the end that your results have been true to what other Bristol Finish users have experienced with its use. I just couldn't understand why you would have that dark brown result unless the wood was very porous or damp. If you had admirers after two coats just wait until you get six or more on.

Be sure to remember not to use more than 4 parts reducer to a single mix. If you do you will experience slight dulling do to very fine wrinkling in the finish as a result of rapid excess reducer evaporation.

The wind is a big factor in working time and finish flow out. Only work on quiet days. This is not like varnish, it has less flow out time and is supposed to set up fast so you can get multiple coats on in a day. The wind has a big effect.

Great to hear you are getting the excellent results.

[John R.]

Woops.......that last message follow-up was mis-posted, written by John R. not Jim.

[Matt Orkins]

Can anyone tell me where to obtain Bristol Finish? Like to give it a try on my Typhoon and can't seem to find locally (Cincinnati) or in Boat US or West Marine.



mbork@email.msn.com

[Jim Swiatocha]

Can anyone tell me where to obtain Bristol Finish? Like to give it a try on my Typhoon and can't seem to find locally (Cincinnati) or in Boat US or West Marine.

Call the manufacturer, C Tech Marine, at (800) 582-7508 and order directly from them.

Jim Swiatocha
CD25 Needful Thing
cpgjim@erols.com



cpgjim@erols.com

[David Hodos]

How many initial coats are required? What is the maintenance like? How often do you need to repeat all or part of this process?



dhodossr@aol.com

[Jim Swiatocha]

How many initial coats are required? What is the maintenance like? How often do you need to repeat all or part of this process?

The manufacturer recommends six coats initially. Maintenance is a light sanding and an additional two coats every 1-2 years depending on your location.

Jim Swiatocha
CD25 #748 Needful Thing



cpgjim@erols.com