before actually using the rod? I've been waiting a week before exposing the rods to flexing or damp. Is this length of time necessary? Right now I'm applying one coat of varnish every 24 hours so adding up 5 coats... that's five days and then another week to cure makes almost two weeks to finish a rod. I live in Colorado where its very dry most of the time so I was thinking this length of time might be overkill. Thanks!

Check the instructions on the can. Most times, they'll tell you how long to allow before using the product.

Some products actually require moisture to cure, but I will assume your spar varnish is not actually any sort of moisture curing urethane type product.

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I use Helmsman spar urethane and let it dry about 6 hours between coats, after the final coat the the rod is ready to use in about 24 hour.

I also live in a very dry area, the high desert of Central Oregon.

Bob Crook
La Pine, OR

Not sure if it's relevant or not but I am involved in a lot of coating tests. The general rule for coatings of almost any type is to allow them to cure for a minimum of seven day before any test are performed. This is to insure the product is fully cured and has all the expected performance caracteristics. Only the manufacturer can give you a definitive answer, Just my 2 cents.

Thanks Gary. I should have clarified my post . I normally apply 6 to 8 coats of spar urethane so it is a minimum 4 to 6 days before I apply the final coat.

Bob Crook

Thanks, Guys, for the advice. It looks like I'll wait the extra days just to make sure things are nice and hard.
Ed

If you can press your fingernail into it, and leave a dent.... it ain't cured !