The Brightwork Companion

'The things that are vital and honorable about varnishing are the parts that we do with our hearts, our hands, and that portion of our brain that houses common sense.

These are what never change, the things that will prevail' - from the Introduction.

From the author of the acclaimed "Brightwork" comes this equally elegant lifeline for the weekend warrior with a brush, a can of varnish, and two days to show results. "The Brightwork Companion" guides you through every step of refinishing your boat's wood trim with a stripped-to-the-essentials presentation designed for quick reference while the work is in progress.This practical guide makes every brightwork project easier with: guidelines for evaluating the brightwork to be treated; step-by-step procedures for bleaching, sanding, stripping, oiling, and varnishing; refinishing instructions for spars, decks, trim, and interiors; lists of must-have tools and products, as well as important safety information; advice on how to stay the course during a project; additional resources, including helpful websites Beautiful color photographs; and more!There is so much technical expertise in this book, in fact, that you'll wonder how Rebecca Wittman managed at the same time to load it with wit, opinion, encouragement, and insight. Elegant, useful, and fun - isn't that a winning combination for any how-to book?

Create stunning brightwork step by step with this go-anywhere guide.

Rebecca Wittman has adapted her seminal 1990 book "Brightwork" to the needs of the weekend boat warrior.

In stripped-down recipe form, here are the procedures and recommendations you need to make your boat's brightwork beautiful.

This wonderful new book takes into account both the traditional methods that have stood the test of time and the latest tools and materials - such as user-friendly citric-based strippers - that ensure the best finish possible.Praise for "Brightwork: A Cruising World Editor's Choice": '"Brightwork" provides all the information you need to avoid frustrations and costly mistakes and derive the greatest satisfaction from a process that can be its own reward'. 'A first class and highly readable text that should be mandatory for anyone who owns or is contemplating owning a wood-trimmed vessel' - "Sailing". 'It's elegant - elegant as the work it describes so successfully, elegant in its writing, elegant in its photography, and elegant physically as a volume' - "Sail". 'As well as being a comprehensive guide to wood finishing, this work celebrates the beauty of brightwork on boats' - "WoodenBoat". 'Wittman ...make[s] you want to rush down to the dock with brush (or heat gun) in hand' - "Yachting". 'Everyone who does varnishing should have this book!' - "Classic Boating".