Application of Varnish on Two Sides

[Kovar]

I'm refinishing the mahogany on my 1988 SPORT 13. I've sanded the original parts to bare wood. I've applied the [first of eight] thinned coat of Epifanes clear gloss.

Q1 : should I apply all eight coats on one side then flip?

Q2: or should I apply varnish to both sides with each coat?

Fig. 1. Wooden parts to be varnished.

wood.jpg (38.03 KiB) Viewed 592 times

[jimh]

There is another option: apply one coat to one side, let that coat thoroughly dry, apply one coat to the other side, let that coat thoroughly dry, sand both sides, remove dust, repeat seven more times.

[Palomino]

I was always told not to [apply] varnish [to] both sides [of teak wood parts used on Boston Whaler boats because that] would be encapsulating the wood, and if [the varnish were] ever nicked moisture [would] get into [the wood] and cause [the varnish] to blister.

I've varnished a fair amount of teak on Boston Whaler boats.

I use West System epoxy and then apply three coats of Epifanes. I have never had a problem [with moisture getting into the wood].

I don't leave the wood exposed, I always wash the boat down and put on a cover if the boat will be sitting for more than three days.

[jimh]

I was always told not to [apply] varnish to both sides...

Who gave you this advice?

If you leave one side of the wood unfinished, certainly moisture will be able to get into the wood.