Varnish over applied graphics?

[Misty Chris]

Our transom is varnished mahogany and we've been wondering if the vinyl graphics will tolerate multiple coats of varnish or do we have to wait until we've gotten at least a zillion coats on the transom before we "name" her. (Since we are documented, I guess we had better get a move on it one way or the other!)

Thanks.

[heymagic]

I'm not sure on this one. I would guess that varnishing first would reduce any chance of having a crack around a letter edge that would allow moisture under. Have you tried the Chris Craft forums ? Gene

I'd say wait until you've got all your varnishing done. Vinyl's main advantage is that it can be removed easily and replaced inexpensively. A couple of problems come to mind if you're thinking of varnishing over it.

#1 - You'll never get it off again without ruining the decal and the varnish (twice the work)

#2 - The varnish will likely attack the vinyl, and likely not stick well to it either. At a minimum, it won't "breath" and adhere properly (the decal). You're not supposed to wax them for two weeks after application as it is.

If you're wanting to varnish over it, I'd say have a sign painter paint on the name and or gold leaf it, and then get the varnish out for those last coats. In either case, I'd have 90% of it on so if it ever does need to be replaced or changed, you're not sanding through 15 coats, and then having to refinish the whole transom because the name was on the first layer. :)

[Misty Chris]

Thanks to all who took the time to respond. Looks like I need to explore mahogany name plates rather than a transom name.

I just discovered this forum and haven't looked for any Chris Craft forums yet. We have covered moorage in La Conner and like the idea of a NW boating forum!

Thanks!

[boating777]

You might want to speak with Rod over at Boaters discount in La Conner, He has worked on so many boat type's I bet he could give you some help with this issue, I also have my boat in La Conner on D dock.


777

[Randygh]

I agree with Mike--apply varnish finish then apply the vinyl name or have a routered wooden name sign made that is applied to the transom. A well done wooden name plaque looks really classy in my opinion.

They also make a real gold vinyl that looks REALLY sharp. It's not cheap, but can be cut and applied and looks like gold leaf when done. Really neat stuff... not cheap... but neat. Thye have it brushed, swirled, krinkled... you name it.

The really nice thing about vinyl is it's relatively inexpensive and very easy to remove and replace if you wanted to at another "zillion coats" :)

All of the stuff I get is 8-year rated for full sun exposure, so it holds up really well.

[Misty Chris]

I also have my boat in La Conner on D dock.


777

We're on H dock...we're neighbors, sort of. We've got our name in for a 45' slot when one comes up.

[boating777]

You need to call the port 360-466-3118 the slip behind me is open and has been for sometime and is a 45 ft slip, I think you will like D dock Better than H, I was on H for awhile also.

777

[Misty Chris]

You need to call the port 360-466-3118 the slip behind me is open and has been for sometime and is a 45 ft slip, I think you will like D dock Better than H, I was on H for awhile also.

777

I called the "captain" with this info. He'll give the marina a call. Would be great if possible. H is rough with the current and we are the second in on the side facing the channel.

Darn, marina said nothing open. Do you know the slip #?

Thanks!