Wood Prep

[Troppo2929]

Folks;

I'm installing new inwales this weekend. The wood preservative that I bought has a real chemical smell, not a huge deal, but it also leaves a brown color on the new rails. I've searched the forum but pardon me if I ask for help here. What would you guys use to protect the inwales?

 

[Dave Osborn]

Varnish is the standard. Never heard of anyone putting a wood preservative on gunwales.

 

[Dan Lindberg]

X2 for varnish, if I'm really getting carried away, I'll fit the rail, then remove and put on 2-3 coats varnish. After it's installed, another 2-3 coats.

Dan

 

[Dave Osborn]

I bend them, then sand the side facing the rib, then fit them.
I use a 1 inch foam brush to varnish between the ribs and hit the rib tips above the sheer plank with varnish as well.

 

[Rod Tait (Orca Boats)]

I always coat the insides of my rails with epoxy after bending and before installing and then varnish the outsides with at least 3-5 coats.