Varnish

[Vince Carucci]

How many coats of varnish are we applying? I put one coat of Poly-Fiber epoxy varnish on and would be happy to stop there. I weighed an aileron before and after. It went from 811 g to 855. It increased 44 grams or approximately 1.5 oz. I don't imagine it is gong to get any lighter as it dries and gasses out. 

I followed the mixing directions and thinning directions as described. All the spruce is well sanded.

[Steve]

How many coats of varnish are we applying? I put one coat of Poly-Fiber epoxy varnish on and would be happy to stop there. I weighed an aileron before and after. It went from 811 g to 855. It increased 44 grams or approximately 1.5 oz. I don't imagine it is gong to get any lighter as it dries and gasses out.

I followed the mixing directions and thinning directions as described. All the spruce is well sanded.

2 coats in high humidity areas - u will use less material on the second coat

[EthanP]

Does it need to have a uniform finish to seal adequately?  I'm varnishing the inside of the nose rib area and after 2 coats there were several dull areas like it all soaked in at certain spots so a added a third.  I'm having a hard time not making it look like a piece of furniture! Using box store spar varnish.

[Vince Carucci]

I put the second coat on and it sealed the ailerons nicely. It definitely doesn't have a furniture finish, but it's fully covered. It's good enough for me.

The first coat which I reduced per instructions, really soaked into the fibers. The second coat featuring just the 2 part mix, covered the first well. I am pleased. Now it's time to varnish the wings.