APPLICATION INFORMATION

Do not shake varnish. Stir gently before application, being careful not to introduce air bubbles into the varnish. Captain’s Ultra Clear Varnish may be applied by brush or conventional spray. Thinning is not normally required since the varnish is already formulated to dry slowly, maintaining a good "wet edge" for maximum flow and leveling. On very warm days use Pettit 120/T-10 Brushing Thinner at 5-10% by volume to ease brushing and maintain good flow and leveling. When spraying, use Pettit 121 Spraying Thinner at 10% by volume. Spray an even, wet coat to minimize orange peel. Do not apply Captain’s Ultra Clear Varnish on extremely humid days or when rain is threatening. Do not apply in the late afternoon when working outdoors as the wet film may be adversely affected by dew.

SURFACE PREPARATION

Wood must be clean, dry and properly prepared prior to varnishing. When sanding wood, always sand with the grain. Use a vacuum, air hose, or tack rag to remove all traces of sanding residue. Follow all surface preparation steps carefully, avoiding shortcuts. Inadequate surface preparation will virtually assure inadequate varnish performance.

SYSTEMS

Bare Wood
1. Sand surface completely smooth with 220 grit production paper. Wipe surface to remove sanding residue with a tack rag or rag dampened with Pettit 120/T-10 Brushing Thinner.
2. Apply a coat of Pettit Paste Wood Filler Stain per the label directions to achieve a smoother finish on open grained woods such as mahogany, oak, ash, etc. Let dry overnight.
If the use of a Paste Wood Filler Stain is not desired, omit step 2 and proceed to step 3 below.
3. Apply a generous covering coat of Pettit 2018 Clear Sealer. Let it dry overnight and sand thoroughly with 220 grit sandpaper. On especially rough or porous wood, a second coat of 2018 Clear Sealer may be applied. If applied, sand the second coat as well and wipe the surface clean with a tack rag or a rag dampened with Pettit 120/T-10 Brushing Thinner.
4. Apply at least six coats of Pettit 2067 Ultra Clear Varnish. Let each coat dry overnight, sand with 220 grit sandpaper, and clean off sanding residue with a tack rag before applying the next coat.

Varnished Wood in Good Condition
1. Thoroughly sand the existing varnish with 220 grit production paper and wipe clean with a tack rag.
2. Apply at least two coats of Pettit 2067 Ultra Clear Varnish. Let the first coat dry overnight, sand with 220 grit sandpaper and clean off sanding residue with a tack rag before applying the final coat.

Varnished Wood in Poor Condition
1. Remove all the old varnish with a paint and varnish remover or by sanding.
2. Bleach the wood if necessary to remove water stains.
3. Proceed with the system for bare wood shown above.

Bare Teak (or other woods with high oil content)
1. Sand the wood smooth with 120 grit production paper to open up the grain. Wipe the surface thoroughly with Pettit 121 Spraying Thinner in an effort to aggressively remove as much oil as possible.
2. Apply a generous coat of Pettit 2012 Super Dry Sealer. After a two to four hour dry, lightly sand the surface with 220 grit sandpaper and wipe it clean with a rag dampened with Pettit 120/T-10 Brushing Thinner.
3. Apply at least six coats of Pettit 2067 Ultra Clear Varnish. Let each coat dry overnight, sand with 220 grit sandpaper, and clean off sanding residue with a tack rag before applying the next coat.

It should be noted that woods with a high oil content may eventually experience adhesion problems as there is no way to totally eliminate the oil and prevent it from migrating to the surface. However, this application technique has proven successful in most circumstances.