removing varnish spots

[Catherine]

Hi!
I am a first-time boat owner (sv Harmony, '85 Ty Weekender)and just varnished the exterior wood. What is the best way to remove small varnish drip spots from the deck and cockpit? I was told that it is ok to sand them w/fine grit sandpaper. Is it? Thanks in advance, Catherine



cegbh@cunyvm.cuny.edu

[G Lutzow]

Hi!
I am a first-time boat owner (sv Harmony, '85 Ty Weekender)and just varnished the exterior wood. What is the best way to remove small varnish drip spots from the deck and cockpit? I was told that it is ok to sand them w/fine grit sandpaper. Is it? Thanks in advance, Catherine

Try "CAREFULLY" using a heat gun to soften the varnish and remove as much as possible before using a more aggressive approach. Sandpaper will be unable to remove the varnish from the nonskid on the deck without excessive sanding.

[scott]

Sometimes on a smooth surface, a "window scraper" razor blade will just slice or pop them off. Be careful nor to dig into the gelcoat. Acetone works on thin films but it will take off many paints (my non-skid was painted) and it softens gelcoat (temporarily, I think) so use care.

[Ken Coit]

Practical Sailor recently ran a letter from the manufacturers of Strip Away. They claimed that it will remove varnish without harming gelcoat and PS more or less confirmed with a test of their own. Caution is advised, but you might like to get the latest issue of Practical Sailor as they review strippers and essentially confirm the claim of little or no harm to gelcoat over several hours. In any case, neutralizing a stripper is always wise. Good luck.

Hi!
I am a first-time boat owner (sv Harmony, '85 Ty Weekender)and just varnished the exterior wood. What is the best way to remove small varnish drip spots from the deck and cockpit? I was told that it is ok to sand them w/fine grit sandpaper. Is it? Thanks in advance, Catherine

ken-shelley.coit@worldnet.att.net