I am looking for some advice from the experts on this site. I plan on refinishing my SR Quetico 17 using marine varnish. I looked on the Red Rock site and found that after sanding it is recommended to use 333 brushing liquid to wipe down the entire canoe before applying the varnish. Is there a substitue that I can use instead of the 333? Is it only for getting rid of the dust?
Thanks.
~JOE~

Expert disclaimer ! I'm not an Expert !
Many varnish manufacterers, recommend THEIR products, for surface prep.
I've used Mineral Spirits, Acetone, Alcohol, and Paint Thinner.
All worked !
Removing the dust, is to me the most important. And keeping a dust free work area, will save a lot of sanding later.
I don't like Tack Rags, as I believe they can leave residue.

Jim

Here is Red rock instructions way back in the day..

Refinish SR Canoe

I think he recommends wetting down the canoe with the brushing cpd and then varnish while it is still wet.

dr bob

So I ended up doing the refinish. Super easy. I even repaired a few stress cracks while I was at it. After the repairs I washed it down with acetone and then applied the varnish. It came out great.

On a side note it’s probably best to do any sanding outside and maybe have a fan blowing the dust away. I was itching like crazy.
~JOE~

What brand of varnish? I switched to Epifanes for last refinish and will never change again - or at least for as long as I can get the Epifanes.

joetrain: "So I ended up doing the refinish. Super easy. I even repaired a few stress cracks while I was at it. After the repairs I washed it down with acetone and then applied the varnish. It came out great.


On a side note it’s probably best to do any sanding outside and maybe have a fan blowing the dust away. I was itching like crazy.
~JOE~"

and not pick a day when the blessed bugs like to embed themselves in the varnish

dr bob