I’m refinishing an entry door and want to use a gloss marine spar varnish. I’d like the final finish to be satin but don’t want to sacrifice the hardness of the gloss varnish. My question is, can I rub spar to a matte finish as with other types of varnish?
Thanks
Mike
Replies
Yes, but it won't be as easy. Spar is softer and flexible making it difficult to rub out. I'd use regular exterior varnish instead, high gloss rubbed out to satin.
As Jackplane says, spar varnish is designed to be soft and flexible so it maintains its integrety on bendy sailboat masts, etc. It's not a hard varnish and does not rub out well at all. Nor is it have any more protective or water resistant than standard varnish. The worst choice you could make for an exterior door would be one of the big box consumer grade exterior poly or spar poly varnishes. They were the first to fail during Consumer Report's long term outdoor finishes testing.
If you want to use a marine finish, get a true marine brand. Go to a marina or marine supply store and get an exterior varnish from Interlux, Wolsey, Pettit, ZSpar or Epifanes. They will cost much more but they work and last. Be sure to fully the directions about the number of coats. After they cure for 3-4 weeks you can lightly sand them with 600 paper and then use gray scotchbrite to dull the surface. However, dulling the surface causes the finish to need maintenence sooner.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled