• Varnish adds sparkle and life to the wooden areas of a boat.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  The traditional techniques of varnishing just about anything involve the application of numerous coats of varnish and sanding in between each coat for a flat surface appearance. Tools for marine varnishing include a good brush, solvent, rags, sandpaper and tack cloth for a professional-look refinishing project.
  
  

Preparing the Surface

• Whether boat parts are made of mahogany or teak, varnish makes them look like new.cockpit image by southmind from Fotolia.com
  
  The most important step in applying varnish is preparing the surface to accept the varnish evenly and without bubbles or dust. Vacuuming the surface using a vacuum wand with a brush attachment eliminates dust and debris, according to the Boat Building website.
  
  After vacuuming, apply solvent to a soft cloth and wipe the surface. While the solvent is drying, prepare your varnish by selecting a clean container, then clean it even further with a rag and solvent. The solvent dissolves grease and other particles left on the surface.
  
  It's important to use clean containers to keep the varnish clear of dust and dirt that accumulate on containers and brushes when stored. Always pre-clean the brushes in brushing liquid.
  
  

Preparing Varnish

• Use a vacuum wand with a brush attachment to clean the surface of a boat to prepare for applying varnish.brush image by Albo from Fotolia.com
  
  Pour a measure of varnish into a clean container with the same amount of mineral spirits to create a wood sealer. This technique is one way to seal the wood although commercial wood sealers are widely available.
  
  Apply one or two coats of the sealer to the surface. The thinned varnish soaks into the wood and bonds with the surface, according to the Boat Wood Finishing site.
  
  Pour the original varnish into another clean container using a strainer. It's always a good idea to pour varnish into a container rather than using the original varnish can. This limits the exposure of the original varnish to the air and prolongs its use.
  
  Wiping the surface with a tack cloth, which is made from cheesecloth and soaked in linseed or tung oil, conditions the wood. Use the tack cloth before you start to varnish and in between bouts of sanding to remove sawdust and other particles left behind. Wipe the surface using a light touch and in the direction of the grain.
  
  

Varnishing Strokes

• Begin varnishing using horizontal strokes on a section wide enough to finish it and start on the next area without allowing the varnish to dry on the edges. Use a vertical stroke with the tip of the brush without reapplying the varnish to finish the section. This allows the varnish to blend into the next area.
  
  Build the varnish up by allowing it to dry and sanding the area with a 220-grit sandpaper; sand in the direction of the grain in the wood. Sanding diminishes the high spots on the wood and provides small grooves to which succeeding coats of varnish can adhere.