Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 09, 2007 05:37pm | #1

   In almost all cases interior rated finishes are more water and water resistant than exterior finishes. Interior finishes have a higher resin to oil content therefore they are harder and more moisture resistant. Exterior finishes are made with more oil to make them softer and flexible so they maintain their film integrety as the wood underneath expands and contracts do to enviromental changes. Exterior finishes also have a UV inhibitor added to protect and add durability to the finish. In other words, "exterior" and "spar" have nothing to do with water or watervapor resistance.

   That said, you can use any varnish finish as a wiping varnish by thinning it 50/50 with mineral spirits. Of course you have to apply at least twice as many coats to build a film thickness comparable to a brushed on finish.

   Finally, I have done a lot of boat finishing and I would not use a big box "marine" product. Use a true marine product that you get from a marine supply store. Brands like Pettit, Interlux and Epifanes are the ones you want. The big box consumer brand was the first clear finish to fail in the Consumer Reports tests of exterior finishes.

   Howie.........
1. 
   user-212822 | Jun 10, 2007 02:06am | #2

   Howie,

   Thanks for our help. It does make sense to stay with the major marine brands.

   Ron

2. 
   YesMaam27577 | Jun 10, 2007 02:20am | #3

   Because the boat is subject to wide swings in relative humidity, an interior finish is likely to fail very quickly.

   Exterior-grade finishes are designed not only to hold back liquid water, but to be flexible enough to handle expansion and contraction -- like you're going to have in wood that is outdoors (even if it's not directly subject to the weather).

   You should be thinking of a marine spar varnish.

    

    

    

   Support our Troops. Bring them home. Now.  And pray that at least some of the buildings in the green zone have flat roofs, with a stairway.

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 10, 2007 03:42am | #4

   All the major marine coating manufacturers make interior varnish products intended for use on interior woodwork. It is much more long lasting than using a soft "spar" or exterior varnish. Spar varnishes are not intended for high abrasion surfaces like cabin soles or much other interior woodwork.Howie.........

2. 
   user-212822 | Jun 11, 2007 02:11am | #5

   Thanks again for the information. Sounds like I came close to another one of those hard earned lessons my wife says I'm famous for :)

   Ron