Replies

1. 
   HoustonHeights | Oct 27, 2005 08:49pm | #1

   Epifanes Varnish appears to have u.v. inhibitors.

   http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/to;ID;,Paints,Varnish,Epifanes.Varnish

2. 
   DJK | Oct 28, 2005 06:50am | #2

   Minwax Spar Urathane

3. 
   DougF | Oct 28, 2005 04:40pm | #3

   Almost all spar varnishes will have varing degrees of UV blockers.  Depending of the application, you may also want to consider the percentage of solids since they will vary from the low 20's to the 50% range.  The degree of solids will greatly affect the elasticity (hardness) of the vinish.   

4. 
   SteveSchoene | Oct 28, 2005 06:11pm | #4

   Poly is not a good choice if you want UV protection.  The polyurethane resin is naturally suceptible to UV deterioration, and the additive inhibitors are working to offset the inherent weakness. 

   But while poly is a varnish, all varnish is not poly.  Good marine spar varnish is traditionally a phenolic resin modifying tung oil.  This combination has natural UV resistance and additives only improve the situation.  Marine spar varnish is NOT found in big box borgs or in paint stores.  It is found almost exclusively in stores which cater to the boating market.  Epifanes is one good one as mentioned in another post, other good marine spar varnish is made by Interlux, or Woolsey, or Pettit.  They cost at least $20 per quart--don't waste your money on cheap stuff if you want UV protection.  In addition to Jamestown Distributors as mentioned in another post, other online sources would include Defender Industries, West Marine, and Boaters World. 

   Minwax Spar is not among the really good ones.

    

    

    

1. 
   PlaneWood | Oct 28, 2005 11:43pm | #5

   Thanks all.  I've been on the Epifanes web site and fired off a question or two to them.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood