Chapman 500

[NiceRoach]

About to tackle the varnishing of my 500 with all this newly found spare time we have

Truth be told not overly confident being unenthused by a recent previous restoration, don't have a laithe or dryer.

I find it difficult and over varnishing is a problem, this time I'm using a matt Humbrol finish, any tips or how to's etc appreciated

[Beresford]

Personally I wouldn't use Humbrol varnish. I used it on a fly rod and it's just not tough enough, in my view, for outside use. It yellowed badly and became brittle quite quickly. I suspect repeated exposure to UV light was what caused the problems. The rod had to be stripped and redone after a couple of seasons. The other issue you may face is that matt varnish doesn't repel water as well as gloss.

[Catfish.017]

I've always used a decent quality outdoor varnish ,very thin coats put on with a finger and a few days drying time between coats. Never had a problem.

[Santiago]

Buy a can of Superior Danish Oil and follow the instructions on the tin. It's impossible to over varnish and very difficult to get runs etc.

[Penninelad]

As I have said before, Wilko's Satin Yacht varnish, three coats put on undiluted. Never had any problems with it, although I do use a dryer

[NiceRoach]

guys thank you for the considered replies;

Humbrol is out then, won't rush this but looking for a matt finish, as I've seen a rod done this way in the past and still
fancy it, will consider the brands and glosses mentioned, given I'll need to buy online any recommends for a small quantity
delivered?

best

[NiceRoach]

Santiago

Update.........

Decided on the Danish oil now ordered would this be best applied with a soft lint free cloth ?

Regards.

[Santiago]

Yes, and then just follow what's on the tin. Apply as many coats as you want.

[Jeremy Croxall]

Got to be varnish for me and as Penninelad suggests Wilkos satin yacht varnish is as good as anything and easy to obtain. Mylands no 8 is also very good indeed but expensive and you have to buy a large tin.

[ReelMaker]

Good evening friends,don't buy the 151 varnish as it does not dry very well.,takes weeks to use the tackeyness..I've used Ronsesl outdoor with excellent results. Thank you friends .Reelmaker