Varnish (diluted) Sprayed on Sails

[les frost]

I am a beginner at this and nearing the end of work on an Artisana Latina model of the Bluenose II.

In the company directions regarding the sails it suggests making up a diluted varnish solution and spraying it on the sails.

If I was to guess I am thinking this is done to seal them somewhat so that dust doesn't adhere to them over time or at least will blow or brush off.

They do not suggest what the dilution rate should be.

Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[Ken]

Hi, I prefer using aerosol spray on starch. Spray it on the sails when they’re in place and use a hairdryer on them from the direction that the wind would blow, this will jently set them in a billowed state rather than just hang straight, also use it to make flags hang more realistically. I’ve shown how in my Amerigo Vespucci log.

ken

 

[les frost]

Thank you, and here I thought the treatment was for preservation purposes only. Now I have to decide whether to tackle puting something on the sails or leaving them the way they are now. I am not sure about mounting them then spraying them with something as it will get all over the surrounding spars, rigging and deck.

I read somewhere that starch, being a food product could cause mold to be attracted and form.

At my age if I just leave them as they are they should outlast me anyway.

 

[Ken]

Thank you, and here I thought the treatment was for preservation purposes only. Now I have to decide whether to tackle puting something on the sails or leaving them the way they are now. I am not sure about mounting them then spraying them with something as it will get all over the surrounding spars, rigging and deck.

I read somewhere that starch, being a food product could cause mold to be attracted and form.

At my age if I just leave them as they are they should outlast me anyway.

Hi again, You could always spray some into a container then just brush it on, I’ve never had trouble with mole, starch is made to be used on fabric.