In the past, synthetic finishes were only available in satin, so using them meant sacrificing high gloss and depth for convenience. Now you can get the gloss of a varnish and the ease of applying paint with TotalBoat Marine Wood Finish. It comes in natural teak, satin, and gloss finishes. Weather is the main enemy of any outdoor wood installation, including your garden bench. Protecting it from the worst of the weather is essential and varnishing or oiling helps to maintain its appearance, as well as a much-needed protective layer. Acrylic Varnish. This is non-toxic and dries up fast. It features ultraviolet protection that makes it a good option for internal and external use. This can be used with other materials aside from wood. It is highly clear, but does not infiltrate into the wood. It is water-based, user-friendly but does not spread evenly as compared to other varnishes. The epoxy forms an impenetrable moisture barrier on the wood, further preventing seasonal shrinkage and swelling. This supports the top layer of exterior varnish as the flexible coat it forms doesn’t have to work too hard when this shrinking and swelling of the wood occurs. Some products may be delivered straight to your door from one of our suppliers and these products will be labelled within the product description.

It’s important to keep as much dust as possible out of your work area while varnishing. Vacuum the work area first, then use a water-filled spray bottle to spray water on the floor or ground to keep the dust down. Tung oil is also frequently used in traditional varnishes: it soaks in well and, although a pure tung oil product will usually cure very slowly, the final finish is very tough. Solvent-based varnish To provide proper care and maintenance for your marine varnish, it is crucial to go over all safety information on the product’s label and in the safety date sheet prior to utilizing it. This must be stored in a cool dry place away from children. It does so by sealing the wood with a somewhat hard, yet flexible, clear protective barrier that can last up to three years of UV and element exposure in temperate climates for the most durable two-part product formulations. This marine varnish can guarantee deep and rich finish; it is capable of building multiple coats in an instant and also features maximum ultraviolet protection. Moreover, it is highly recommended for internal and external applications. It can ensure clarity, durability, utmost ultraviolet resistance and excellent finish retention.In the fall of 2010, testers applied three coats of Caspian Clear PolyWhey to the coamings and companionway trim on the Cape Dory, which is sailed several times a week and lives on a mooring in Sarasota Bay, Fla. We also applied Cetol Natural to the boat’s toerail, and previously had applied it to the tiller and forward hatch trim. We all want good-looking wood on our boats. The choice of whether and what to use to preserve and protect it depends on the type, location, color, depth, and gloss you’re going for, and how much time and money you want to spend on the project. Regular maintenance is key in keeping a varnished finish looking fresh and flawless. The major causes of damage are the sun’s ultraviolet rays, water, and abrasion.

For the money, this is surely a worthwhile investment because it is not that overpriced and it also comes with a longer shelf-life and is quite easy to use. But, do keep in mind that it is necessary to apply more coats first before you observe some visible outcomes and you better not expect more from the manufacturer’s customer service support. 4. TotalBoat Lust Marine Varnish Cleaning and sanding are also very important. Teak must be cleaned, sanded smooth, and wiped clean again before applying varnish to ensure the best bond, finish, and longevity. Sure this prep takes time, but skimp on this stage, and it’ll show. Take the extra time now to prepare the surface properly and you’ll spend a lot of time admiring it later. Stripping Some of the considerations that must be highly contemplated on when shopping for marine varnish include:Teak oil is great for garden benches. This oil nourishes the wood, stopping it from drying out and weathering, giving a fantastic revitalised appearance. It also stops wood from splitting, caused by excessive dryness deep within the wood. Practical Sailor often supplements panel testing with product challenges aboard our test boats to see whether top products still earn their keep in the real world and to try out new products. Two such evaluations are our exterior wood finish tests. The sealer coat is followed by a succession of “build” coats, before the final coats are applied. The build coats are thinned as needed to make the varnish lie down easily and level out smoothly. More thinning may be necessary in warmer, more humid conditions. Take care not to add too much thinner, as this will affect cure times and gloss levels. The final coats of varnish are usually applied at full strength, with no thinner added. Return to Top Applying Varnish Like a Pro But it is important you use the right oil for the right application. For exterior wood furniture, for example, you need to choose an exterior oil that is water resistant and offers some kind of UV resistance too, to stop the sun bleaching the wood.

Consistently among the top varnish alternatives in PS’s tests, Cetol Natural is not as muddy-looking as its predecessors, Cetol Marine Light and Cetol Marine—like the Caspian Clear, it allows the wood’s natural grain to show and has a low gloss. Storage & Home Clearance Furniture Clearance Garden & Outdoor Clearance Lighting Clearance Electrical Clearance Tools Clearance Paint & Decorating Clearance Flooring & Tiling Clearance Building & Hardware Clearance Bathrooms & Plumbing Clearance Kitchens Clearance The main reason woods like teak, mahogany, and white oak are so often used on boats is because they’re dense, strong, and decay-resistant. Which makes them durable enough to withstand the harsh conditions they’re exposed to at sea. But prolonged exposure to salt, sun, water, and pollution without protection can eventually break down even naturally oily woods like teak, turning them from golden and glowing to gray and weathered, and even causing structural damage. Creates an elastic and protective finish against ultraviolet rays, exposure to moisture and tough weather conditions Hardness and longevity makes it a prime contender to redo cabin soles and floor boards (after proper surface prep)Exterior Varnish. This is intended for outdoor use. It features maximum UV protection. It is formulated to be microporous that enables the wood to breathe and resist mold or mildew accumulation. A marine varnish does a wonderful job of safeguarding the wood materials in your vessel. It helps inhibit mold and mildew accumulation, and avoids water penetration onto the wood as well. Aside from these, it can make the wood look more glossy and impressive, giving your vessel a more appealing and expensive look. Frequently Asked Questions Boat varnish for exterior use, aka. “spar varnish” — aptly named because it was designed and envisioned as a flexible protective coating to protect a yacht’s wooden spar in the harsh (outdoor) marine environment — both protects and beautifies a vessel’s wood parts.