Varnish issues

[Brodie]

Has anyone ever gotten a "bad" can of varnish? Story....So over the winter I've been doing a bunch of in-house projects, including finishing a variety of pieces of furniture. One is a "teak" (i.e. Malaysian hardwood) chair that I got at the Mill Store (one of my favorite and most dangerous spots to spend an afternoon!). This is the second such chair I have purchased, the first I use as my desk chair, and has 4 or 5 coats of gloss varnish on it and looks great. The new chair got the same treatment, with the same varnish that I've always used - Interlux Captain's 1015. New can bought just for this winter. Sanding between coats with 220, foam brushes, same routine I always do. For some reason on this particular chair I cannot get the finish smooth nor does it have anywhere near the shine or "build", even after 6 coats, that the other chair does with less coats. Wondering if I should buy another can? Or just keep working at it? I really don't feel the need to lavish 10 coats of varnish on a $50 chair, but it just doesn't look good. I tried to take pics but it looks fine in the pictures!

[earlylight]

Brodie,

Are you talking about Pettit Captains Varnish or Interlux Schooner? I used to use Pettit Captains Varnish until several years ago when I purchased a quart at West Marine. I applied a coat to my entire cabin sole in 78 degree weather with low humidity and it NEVER dried. So after a full week I had to strip the entire sole again. I returned the varnish to West and they replaced it with another new can. I tried that can on a small scrap of teak and had similar results. I then switched to Interlux Schooner and have been a happy camper ever since.

[Brodie]

You know, when I was writing this I was 98% sure I had it right....I always get Pettit and Interlux mixed up....same goes for bottom paint.

It is Captain's 1015, whatever brand that is....and I've used it for years and never had a problem until now.

[CalebD]

Captains 1015 is branded Zspar but made by Pettit: http://www.iboats.com/Captain-s-Varnish ... _id.135779
The paint companies tend to alter their formulations without asking our permission. I'll bet that is what is going on.
Have you ever tried "Le Tonkinoise varnish? I haven't but the crowd over at the WBF (wooden boat forum) seems to swear by this stuff: http://www.tarsmell.com/letonkinois_original.html
From what I gather it is more of an old time formula (fewer modern additives) so perhaps it is less likely that they would change the formula on you.

[danielguiod]

I second Le Tonkinois, it is easy to use and is all natural. I love the color of the finish. Do the research before you buy, it is expensive.