"Dusting"

by Dave

Like the proverbial washed car, attempting to apply varnish is a guaranteed way to call in rain. There’s just something about fresh varnish that is irresistible to a rain cloud. The same applies to a new car; every seagull for MILES just HAS to come and crap on it.

In our case, we’re sanding and varnishing the woodwork on our boat. So long as we’re just sanding, everything is fine, BUT let the sky see a brush and a can and here comes the rain. So, yesterday I finished all the sanding I could do and the sun was still shining. No clouds. (Okay, ease over and stand near the varnish can. Still okay?)

Now crack the can open and see how it looks. (Nothing too serious yet. Let’s try it.)

"Star, I think it’s too likely to rain so I won’t be varnishing today." (Move over to the ladder.)

"I think I’ll just climb up here and use this brush to wipe away the dust from the sanding." (Still quiet.)

"Maybe if I use this ‘Dusting Compound’ it’ll help get rid of the sanding dust." (This might actually work.)

"Hey Star, how’s the sanding coming?" (Got about eight feet of varnish on.)

Star: "Not too bad. How’s your ‘dusting' going?" (Good. Star’s helping.)

"Fine, fine. Not doing anything but dusting." (Got in about fifteen feet of rub rail so far.)

"That ‘dusting compound’ sure gets the dust, doesn’t it Dave." (Twenty feet now.)

"Yes sir, nothing like dusting the rub rail to make it look good." (Twenty-five feet now.)

"When Kathy gets back with the groceries won’t she be surprised at how much teak we’ve gotten ready for varnishing. Too bad about the weather." (THERE! I’ve connected up the new varnish with the old varnish.)

Two hours later, the varnish was dry and the weather finally caught on. For revenge, it rained on us steadily all night.