Replies

1. 
   theRev | Nov 02, 2003 09:59am | #1

   I seem to recall that one of the brands Dano used to mention was Epiphanes (sp?).

   Scott

2. 
   jhausch | Nov 02, 2003 05:14pm | #2

   Spar Varnish, as you may know, is a generic term for phenolic varnishes (usually with UV inhibitors) used for exterior wood on boats (spars, for example ;-)

   Epiphanes is a very high quality spar varnish.   Depending upon how you plan to apply it and your skills at various finishing techniques, it can be a challenge.  Epiphanes is designed for maximum coverage, not necessarily ease of application.

   Other choices incluse McClosky's Bote Cote (sp?) and Interlux "Schooner"

   Steelkilt Lives!
3. 
   EdHarrow | Nov 03, 2003 05:45pm | #3

   Also McClosky's Man-o-War - Poppie's, Great Uncle Dick's, and my Father's favorite.  Of the three, only my Dad used it on spars, LOL.

4. 
   HowardAcheson | Nov 04, 2003 06:11pm | #4

   The question is, what do you want to use it for?

   True spar vanish (ala Epifanes, Woolsey, Pettit, Interlux) are soft, flexible varnishes designed to be used on the wooden spars (masts, booms, etc) on boats. They are not designed to be walked on, banged on or otherwise abused. When subjected to hot sun, some can even be soft enough that impressions of cloth can be left in the surface if they are sat on.

   If you want an exterior varnish for general use, a standard marine exterior varnish or poly varnish is what you want. The same manufacturers make excellent exterior varnishes that contain UV inhibitors to protect the finish.

1. 
   Bonka | Nov 05, 2003 12:27am | #5

   The varnish  is to be used on the interior and exterior of a boat.  It will not be used on a deck and just the trim inside.

   Jerry

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Nov 05, 2003 03:01am | #6

   In the boatyard and yacht builder I worked for, spar varnish was not used for those applications. The correct product is to use the interior varnish on the inside and the exterior on the outside. The interior has more solids and forms a harder finish. It also does not have any UV inhibitors so it has more resins as a percentage of the total finish. The exterior is still a fairly hard and durable product but it contains UV inhibitorss to protect the finish from the sun. Either of these products is more durable for a surface that will see some scuffing and walking. I would not use "spar" varnish.

   However, it you intend to use a consumer "spar" varnish, then I can't make any comment except to say, that I have never come across a good one nor do I know any professional marine finishers that would use them.