Brightwork: The Art of Finishing Wood

by Rebecca Wittman

Few things transform a boat into a yacht quite as gracefully as the incomparable look and texture of oiled, varnished, and bare wood surfaces. Whether the spars and cabin trunk of a wooden Alden schooner, the mirror-smooth foredeck of a Huckins motoryacht, the thwarts and oars of a Whitehall dinghy, or the teak decks and trim of a production fiberglass boat, brightwork is the crowning touch that elevates one boat in an anchorage above the rest. But it is also its owner's care and responsibility. There's no mystery to brightwork, but it's a finicky and time-consuming process, one that rewards orderliness and forethought and is unforgiving of missteps. Drawing on more than 10 years' experience as a brightwork specialist, Rebecca Wittman provides in this book all the information you need to avoid frustrations and costly mistakes and derive the greatest possible satisfaction from a process that can be its own reward. She answers such questions as:

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Susan Fey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my bible for the many years I was maintaining wooden boats. Fantastic reference. Well written with helpful visuals. My copy is dog-eared and stained with various nautical finishes. I’m pretty sure Rebecca would approve.

[Junaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authoritative guide for boat woodwork refinishing