The Brightwork Companion

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Item # MH-22773  ISBN: 0071422773




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A hands-on handbook for the do-it-yourself refinisher

From the author of the revered classic Brightwork: The Art of Finishing Wood comes this lifeline for the weekend warrior with a brush, a can of varnish, and two days to show results. As elegantly written, photographed, and color printed as its predecessor, The Brightwork Companion provides a stripped-to-the-essentials, topic-by-topic presentation of procedures, bulleted lists, and summary tables.

Rebecca Wittman helps readers evaluate the condition of their boats' wooden elements and provides easy-to read, two-page spreads that minimize page turning with varnish-coated fingers. This completely practical guide makes every brightwork project easier with:

• Step-by-step procedures for bleaching, sanding, stripping, oiling, varnishing, and more
• Carefully designed lists, tables, and index for ease of use and reference
• Beautiful color photos
• Refinishing instructions for spars, decks, trim, interiors, and more

Table of Contents

Preface
How this book appends, but differs from, The Original, and therefore why it is advisable to own both versions.

PART ONE: THE BRIGHTWORK ENIGMA: AN INTRODUCTION

Chapter One: The more things change, the more they stay the same
A few words about the enduring nature of brightwork methodology

Chapter Two: Afflictions and cures
Dreamboat turns nightmare | Choosing a path of brightwork stewardship | Levels of varnish deterioration, and their cures

Chapter Three: Now, about varnish—in a nutshell
What's the basic formula? | Varnishes and solvents, briefly!

PART 2: THE REFINISHING PROGRAM

Chapter Four: Order in the port!
Plan the projects—all of them, in logical order | Learn to read the weather | Shop for materials--Once! (or at least not eighty-three times) | Prep the boat and get to work!

Chapter Five: Strip me once, strip me twice, strip me once again, it's been a long, long time
How To: Bleach off a finish | Strip with a heat gun | Remove finishes that require chemical strippers | Dry-scrape... if you have the strength! | Know when and how to sand off a finish!

Chapter Six: It's a thankless job, and your name is Somebody
How To: Sand stripped/bare wood | Bleach out stains | Create a smooth plane—preparatory detailing

Chapter Seven: Building up to the grand finale
How To: Apply paste wood fillers, stains, sealers

Chapter Eight: Never use lard
How To: Oil your brightwork, for various reasons

Chapter Nine: The varnished truth
How To: Varnish, with as much unvarnished guidance as I can muster

Chapter Ten: Now, let's try to keep it that way, soldier!
How To: Set up and keep the maintenance schedule

Chapter Eleven: Cabin soles, decks, and spars--oh my!
Three special brightwork challenges

PART 3: TOOLS, MATERIALS, AND RESOURCES

Chapter Twelve: You can never be too rich or have too many tools
Rebecca's favorites and "must-haves," including what's been developed since 1990

Chapter Thirteen: It's a materials world
Various products of the trade... plus safety materials and some general finishing safety tips

Chapter Thirteen and one-half: Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
Books, printed matter, and websites that help feed the brightwork junkie's habit

Index

About the Author

Rebecca Wittman cofounded a custom yacht refinishing company, The Teak Twins, in 1978. Since that time she has refinished countless boats in Seattle, Washington, and Marina del Rey, California, and has taught seminars on brightworks at Seattle's Center for Wooden Boats. Her 1990 book Brightwork: The Art of Finishing Wood is considered a classic in the field.

The Brightwork Companion