Varnish Recoat & Refresh (Minor Repair & Refresh)

Note: Varnish is a multi-day process. Each coat requires full drying time to ensure a flawless, long-lasting finish.

For brightwork with dry spots, UV fade, or minor cracking—not yet peeling, but past its prime.

This service bridges the gap between full restoration and basic maintenance. It recovers depth and protection by blending targeted repairs with full recoat across each section.

Step 1: We clean all varnished surfaces to remove salt, dirt, and contamination.

Step 2: We mask off all surrounding surfaces to protect adjacent finishes and ensure crisp, clean varnish lines.

Step 3: Any areas with flaking, dry, or UV-damaged varnish are sanded to bare wood. We feather the edges to avoid haloing or visible transitions.

Step 4: We apply 2–3 thinned build coats of Epifanes Clear Varnish (cut with Epifanes Thinner) to the bare wood only, allowing the varnish to penetrate and rebuild finish depth. Each coat must dry for a full 24 hours before the next is applied. Before sanding or recoating, we confirm the surface is completely hardened. If the sandpaper gums, we wait another 24 hours.

Standard drying time (un-thinned, full-strength):
• 24 hours at 65°F–75°F with 50% humidity
• Surface must be fully dry and hard, not just tack-free

Step 5: After build coats are fully cured, we scuff-sand the entire surface with 400 grit and clean the surface for recoating.

Step 6: We apply 3 full coats of Epifanes Clear Varnish using foam brushes for clean, controlled flow. Each coat must dry for a full 24 hours before the next is applied. Before sanding or recoating, we confirm the surface is completely hardened. If the sandpaper gums, we wait another 24 hours.

Step 7: Once all coats have been applied and dried, we return, inspect all surfaces for runs, misses, or nibs and perform light touch-ups as needed. Then clean up the masking.

Products Used:
• Epifanes Clear Varnish
• Epifanes Thinner for brushing (for build coats)
• 150–320 grit sandpaper
• Foam brushes
• Tack cloths
• Microfiber towels
• Masking tape

Pricing:
• $20 per linear foot (trim, rails, handholds)
• $38 per square foot (flat surfaces)
• Travel billed at $110/hour
• Materials billed at cost
• Final estimate provided after inspection