Questions re: Varnishing Mast

[jimjimmyjimjim]

First off, if this question has been addressed before and I just didn't find it, please refer to the other threads so I can find them if possible. Thanks.

I have spruce masts for my ketch which were finished with varnish and paint about 5 years ago. They were not stepped to the boat when I bought them. They were covered but not adequately so the weather got to them in places and removed some of the varnish. I would say that about 80% of the main mast and 90% of the mizzen is in like new condition but the remaining has to be redone.

I'm hoping that I can just do the 20% and 10% and blend it in. This will save me time and money. The main is 53'.

What do you think and what tips and suggestions do you have?

Thanks for your help. Jim

[psk125]

Sand the parts that were exposed and varnish them. At least three or four coats of good spar varnish. It would be great if you can find out what was used five years ago and stick with that. Overlap the new varnish onto the old a few feet. You'll be able to see and compare the two sections of each mast and how they go together. For a final coat you might want to lightly sand and varnish the whole mast - it might make the join less obvious. With luck, the join might be pretty much invisible to everyone except you, since you know it's there.

[jimjimmyjimjim]

the varnished used was Epifanes. I plan to use the same varnish.

[rbk]

As mentioned sand the failed areas but also a light sanding with 80 grit on all other areas as well (just roughing it up for a good mechanical bond) then clean with acetone. Thin as you planned for bare spots, build them up feathering a larger and larger area then finish the entire thing with a full flow coat.