[milesaweigh]

I am always amazed at the beautiful finishes that these yachts builders are able to achieve on their woodwork. I would like any input on how those super glossy finishes are achieved. I have done quite a bit of custom woodwork on my current boat but I have never been able to get those mirror finishes. This is my first post and I love this website.

[wdrzal]

I'm not sure on yachts, but spraying lacquer sanding with fine paper then buffing is the old woodworkers way.Lacquer can crowfoot (crack) so.......

Now stronger finishes with the same luster can be achieved with urethane or polyurethane, the same process is needed for a perfect finish,as a piece of dust will always land on the wet finish and show, thus the need to sand and buff. more than 1 coat is needed for a deep luster no matter the coating..

[Ken Bracewell]

We use good old-fashioned varnish. Maybe not so old-fashioned as finishes have come a long way.
On my boat we use Epiphanes thinned with Captain's Varnish. It is slightly harder to brush, but looks good and has great UV resistance.
The secret to a good finish is in the preparation though. Lots of sanding and cleaning prior to ever touching a brush.