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Old 15-09-2016, 08:35   #1
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Question Varnish under table

I am starting to enjoy my varnishing jobs and have a couple tables to varnish I noticed one is varnished under and one is not. I been putting around 7-8 layers on everything and was wondering should I varnish the bottom sides?

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Old 15-09-2016, 08:42   #2
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Re: Varnish under table

Expansion and contraction of the wood is due to moisture diffusing in and out of the surfaces. If there is differential intake or exiting of the moisture then the wood will cup and flex and in the extreme, crack and prematurely age. The larger the surface the more extreme the cupping.

I would put a few coats on the bottom also. This will tend toward equalization of the diffusion of moisture on all sides of the table so that it will expand and contract uniformly and not cup and flex.
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Old 15-09-2016, 08:46   #3
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Re: Varnish under table

can I do one side one day and other other side the next day? Or do I need to do both sides at once?
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Old 15-09-2016, 08:48   #4
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Re: Varnish under table

You could be over thinking this. Your thoughts may be getting to deep ........
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Old 15-09-2016, 08:50   #5
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Re: Varnish under table

I stupidly thought you left one side open to allow the moisture to equalize and prevent splitting and cupping?

Seeing as how you enjoy varnishing boy do I some something you would love
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Old 15-09-2016, 08:58   #6
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Re: Varnish under table

Well which is it varnish or dont varnish the underside?
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Old 15-09-2016, 09:11   #7
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Re: Varnish under table

If it were me I would do both sides, and waiting a day should not be an issue.
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Old 15-09-2016, 09:16   #8
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Re: Varnish under table

Quote:
Originally Posted by deepthought View Post
Well which is it varnish or dont varnish the underside?
As LakeSuperior suggests, put at least a couple of coats on the underside of the table to help stabilize/equalize the expansion and contraction of the wood.

Too many unknown variables in your original question: Type of wood, age of table and/or age of wood, what climate do you live in (hot and dry, cold and damp), varnish being used, application process, etc.

So, just put 2-3 coats on the underside to be on the safe side and be done with it. And no, it doesn't have to done the same day, just be careful where the bottom meets the side of the table (drips and holiday areas). Then move on to the next varnishing project.
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Old 15-09-2016, 09:36   #9
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Re: Varnish under table

Ok thanks will put a couple under the bottom. Not sure wood type I am guessing maybe teak? I dont know. Its probably around 40+yrs old since thats age of the boat. And in the Caribbean. So hot for sure and probably humid.
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Old 15-09-2016, 09:37   #10
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Re: Varnish under table

I don't think it's a big deal. But having one coat to barrier coat the underside would be nice. As mentioned dry wood will take in moisture and expand. Doubtfull you will ever notice inside the boat though, but it could happen.
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