Although this is not a rod building question, I figured a number of you out there have restored old, wooden trout nets. I am in the process of doing my first one and have the following questions:

I have sanded and wiped down the wooden net frame and plan to apply some Minwax golden oak stain with a clean, lint-free cloth. Once that adequately dries, I want to apply three coats of a satin finish.

I was planning on using a Cabot satin spar varnish finish, but wondered if it would be better to use a high quality satin polyurethane finish instead (please name brand). I used a marine spar varnish on a hiking stick a number of years ago and it seems that dings and nicks in a spar varnish are more visible than with a polyurethane finish.

I am also in need of a good quality replacement net bag, preferably in a soft mesh or soft traditional style netting that is dark brown (1st choice), dark green, or black. The net has a teardrop shape with the opening being 15" long and 8.5" at its widest.

Thanks for your help!

Janns Netcraft has replacement nets. Man o' War marine spar varnish cut 50/50 with pure turpentine will allow the first coat to penetrate and seal the wood. Follow with uncut varnish. This may work with Cabot as well, I don't know.

Greg

I build nets from time to time and have found helmans spar urethane to be excellent for finishing of nets. As far as replacement nets, the easiest way to go is to order one from measure net out of Montana. they are zip on rubberized net with a measuring ruler inside the net (good and bad). They come in many sizes from very small to boat size nets. You can also get nets from brodin, especially the ghost/clear bag. Those will need to be laced. It takes me about 45 minutes to lace a net good and tight.

Peter,
Generally speaking you don't want to use polyurethene varnish on items that are subject to UV sunlight rays.
There are a few poly varnishes that are better at UV resistant but not generally.
On the other hand, the marine and other exterior spar varnishes do an excellent job with UV resistance.

Good luck
Roger

I build a few also, I also use helmsman spar urethane. It has held up pretty well for me. I love the brodin ghost net bags, no hook ever gets stuck in them. Very easy catch and release.

Bob