4.7 out of 5 stars
Product description.
Rust-Oleum Marine Spar Varnish is formulated to provide superior protection against sunlight, water, sea spray and chemicals on exterior wood surfaces above the water line. The flexible coating expands and contracts with changing weather conditions in a stunning clear finish. With twice the durability as conventional wood finishes, it is the perfect top coat for your marine projects.
Rust-Oleum Marine Spar Varnish adds a warm golden glow to enhance wood's natural beauty. It is recommended for exterior wood above the water line.
Trusted to protect valuable marine surfaces since 1921
Rust-Oleum was founded by sea captain Robert Fergusson after he notice that some spilled fish oil prevented his ship from rusting.
His drive and innovation to protect his vessel from harsh condition still drives the company today. The full line of Rust-Oleum Marine Coatings offer unparalleled performance that hold up under everyday wear and environmental factors while remaining stylish.
Offering solutions from bow to stern.
A boat is a big investment - one that deserves the highest quality protection available while not compromising on appearance. Rust-Oleum offers a full line of marine coatings to keep ships looking and performing at their peak for enhanced longevity and fewer repairs. Formulated to work in both fresh and salt water settings, these paints, primers and additives work hard to keep maintaining your vessel easier than ever.
Thick yet flexible paint formula adds brilliant color that withstands extreme weather conditions. Offers exceptional gloss retention that resists fading even with daily sun exposure. | Provides exceptional shine with ultimate resistance to common damaging elements. Specially created to expand and contract with changing temperatures. | Use below the waterline in both fresh and salt water bodies of water to prevent buildup of marine growth on the bottom of the boat. Designed to slowly release copper for superior fouling protection. | Ultra-fine ground pumice base can be mixed into any latex or oil-based paints to add grip to surfaces. Its addition will not affect the durability or appearance of coating. |
Find the right solution for every surface, including:
Customer Reviews | ||||||
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Price | $19.34$19.34 | — | $19.98$19.98 | $26.85$26.85 | $49.60$49.60 | $12.89$12.89 |
Use Above the Waterline: | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Use Below the Waterline: | ✓ | |||||
Surfaces: | Wood, Metal, Fiberglass | Previous Hard Coatings, Fiberglass Boats with Outboards/ Outdrives | Interior and Exterior Wood | Bare, Painted or Lightly Rusted Metals | Fiberglass, Wood, Previously Painted Surfaces | Wood, Metal, Fiberglass, Concrete |
Protects Against: | UV Damage, Weathering, Abrasion | Barnacles, Algae, Other Marine Growth | UV Damage, Water, Sea Spray, Chemicals | Corrosion, Peeling, Cracking | Corrosion, Peeling, Cracking | Slippage on Wet Surfaces |
Dries to the Touch In: | 1-2 Hours | 4 Hours | 2 Hours | 1-2 Hours | 1 Hour | Same as Paint Added To |
Full Cure In: | 3 Days | 16 Hours | 3 Days | 1 Day | 3 Days | Same as Paint Added To |
Coverage: | 100 Sq. Ft. Per Quart | 110 Sq. Ft. Per Quart | 75-150 Sq. Ft. Per Quart | 100 Sq. Ft. Per Quart | 100 Sq. Ft. Per Quart | Same as Paint Added To |
Top brand: rust-oleum, compare with similar items.
207008 Marine Spar Varnish, Quart, Gloss Clear | Woolsey Spar Varnish | -520605 Halcyon Marine Varnish | Water-Based Polyurethane Wood Finish | Clear Satin UV Protection for Interior and Outdoor Use (Clear Satin, Quart) | Helmsman Water Based Spar Urethane, Quart, Gloss | Fast Drying Polyurethane Protective Wood Finish, Warm Satin, 1 Quart | - 409314 Gleam Marine Spar Varnish, Gloss and Satin Polyurethane Finish for Wood, Boats and Outdoor Furniture (Clear Gloss Quart) | |
Price | $19.98$19.98 | $31.95$31.95 | -8% $35.14$35.14 List: $37.99 | $28.78$28.78 | $14.97$14.97 | $45.98$45.98 |
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Customer Ratings | 3,395 | 16 | 1,197 | 8,099 | 10,824 | 1,333 |
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1. Stir product thoroughly before use. 2. Apply to clean, dry wood surfaces above the water line. 3. For best results, apply in temperatures between 50-85°F. 4. Allow to dry for 2 hours before recoating. 5. Clean up any spills immediately to prevent staining. 6. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Customers like the value, versatility, protection, and appearance of the household varnish. For example, they mention it's the best option for outdoor use, holds up well to sun and rain, and is easy to apply. They're also happy with quality. That said, some complain about the color.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the household varnish. They say it's a tough finish that lasts. They also say it goes on well and is easy to apply. Customers also say that it does a great job and the wood doesn't discolor.
"...It is tough finish seems to waterproof and lovely! It is a semi gloss and really put the life back in my wood. Preparation was the most work...." Read more
"...with fencing for over forty years I can attest tothe quality and durability of this product which I highly recommend especially at $19.99 in the USA..." Read more
"The results turn out great following the directions . The process does take time. Just need to test it out once I put the boat back together." Read more
"Follow the directions on the can and the varnish goes on well and will last . So far it has been a good product...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the varnish. They mention that it is easy to use, has a gorgeous finish, and provides the best possible protection. Some say that the varnish makes wood shiny and has s a high gloss finish. Overall, most are happy with the product's appearance.
"...It is tough finish seems to waterproof and lovely ! It is a semi gloss and really put the life back in my wood. Preparation was the most work...." Read more
"...two coats of this varnish on both sides of the gate and the appearance is exceptional ands protected the wood...." Read more
"...it went on like a dream. so easy and looks so great , and cleans up easily in paint thinner." Read more
"...I vanished the top of the workbench to seal it. It looks very good now that the varnish is on it. I would recommend this varnish Make sure..." Read more
Customers find the varnish easy to apply. They say the instructions on the can are easy to follow, the first coat goes on well, and it flows on easily and smoothly. Customers also mention that the varnish holds up to water fine.
"...I did my deck railings and banister. This is fool proof. It is easy application and I did not dilute it...." Read more
"...years since being sealed and has stood up to three winters with no touch up required ...." Read more
"...it went on like a dream. so easy and looks so great, and cleans up easily in paint thinner." Read more
" So easy to use , no bubbles, great self leveling and stays fluid long enough so no need to rush...." Read more
Customers like the value of the household varnish. They say it's an inexpensive modernization of a free piece of furniture. Customers also mention that good quality foam brushes are inexpensive.
"...Great product for your boat. Amazon has the best price and over night delivery." Read more
"... Good quality foam brushes are inexpensive and can be purchased in quantity. Clean up? Don't bother - one use and then just throw it away...." Read more
"...Would recommend very highly at a great price !!" Read more
"...-o-war and find the Rustoleum as user friendly and durable at a much better price ." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the protection provided by the varnish. They mention that it is ideal for protecting outdoor wood, and that it holds up well to sun and rain. Some say that it provides good UV protection and that the finish looks great.
"...on both sides of the gate and the appearance is exceptional and s protected the wood ...." Read more
"Great product. Stands up to the sun and rain ." Read more
" Good product for protecting outdoor wood items like a 4 tiered stand for plants" Read more
"...It really protects them from the summer heat and weather...." Read more
Customers find the varnish versatile and good for outdoor wood crafts, furniture, and projects. They say it's absolutely perfect to use indoors or outdoors on wood, and geared towards outside and the elements. Customers also say it gives life to your wood.
"...Still excellent for outdoor wood products ." Read more
"...This really geared towards outside and the elements . Used on patio furniture and holding up well to sun and rain. Thank You." Read more
" Best stuff for outdoor crafts made of wood! Only reason for 4 stars is the can was dented from shipping...." Read more
"...It gives life to your wood ." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the dryness of the varnish. Some say it dries quickly, while others say it takes several days to totally dry. Some customers say it goes on easy and hard, while other customers say they have to allow 3 days between coats.
"...It takes about 8 hours to dry to the touch ( in ideal dry low humidity conditions) and needs a bit longer before applying the additional coats...." Read more
"Easy application and great water protection but product definitely has a muted yellow tint that I was not expecting." Read more
" Repels water for outdoor bench . It seems to have a orange tInt?Definitely use outdoors or with your garage door open." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the color of the varnish. They mention that it has a very yellowish brown tint to it and turns wood yellow. Some say that the tone of the product is varnishy golden reddish, while others say it's clear.
"...and great water protection but product definitely has a muted yellow tint that I was not expecting." Read more
"...I painted it a beautiful, bright orange. The clearcoat has a yellow tint to it so now it's just a muddled ugly orange after hours and hours of work..." Read more
"...Be aware that although this product says it is clear, it has a light brown tint to it . It looks good on bare wood and on dark colored painted wood...." Read more
"...The subsequent coats take less product and add more color , depth, richness and then build to the high gloss finish as you add more coats...." Read more
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The investigators searching for answers about the shipwreck, leaving seven dead, face questions about extreme weather and possible human error or problems with the yacht itself.
By Alan Yuhas
More than 180 feet long, with a mast towering about 240 feet and a keel that could be lowered for greater stability, the Bayesian luxury yacht did not, in the eyes of its maker, have the vulnerabilities of a ship that would easily sink.
“It drives me insane,” Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which in 2022 bought the company that made the ship, said after its wreck last week. “Following all the proper procedures, that boat is unsinkable.”
But the $40 million sailing yacht sank within minutes and with fatal results: seven dead, including the British technology billionaire Michael Lynch, his teenage daughter, four of Mr. Lynch’s friends and a member of the crew. Fifteen people, including the captain, escaped on a lifeboat.
Mr. Lynch had invited family, friends and part of his legal team on a cruise in the Mediterranean to celebrate his acquittal in June of fraud charges tied to the sale of his company to the tech giant Hewlett-Packard.
The Italian authorities have opened a manslaughter investigation, searching for answers from the survivors, the manufacturer and the wreck itself. They face a range of questions and possible factors.
When the Bayesian sank around 4 a.m. on Aug. 19, the waters in its area, about half a mile off the Sicilian port of Porticello, were transformed by an extremely sudden and violent storm, according to fishermen, a captain in the area and meteorologists.
But what kind of storm is still a mystery, compounded by the fact that a sailing schooner anchored nearby did not have its own disaster. Also unclear is whether the crew was aware that the Italian authorities had issued general warnings about bad weather the night before.
Karsten Börner, the captain of the nearby passenger ship, said he’d had to steady his ship during “really violent” winds . During the storm, he said, the Bayesian seemed to disappear behind his ship.
Severe lightning and strong gusts were registered by the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, according to Attilio Di Diodato, its director. “It was very intense and brief in duration,” he said.
The yacht, he said, had most likely been hit by a fierce downburst — a blast of powerful wind surging down during a thunderstorm. His agency put out rough-sea warnings the previous evening, alerting sailors about possible storms.
Locals have said the winds “felt like an earthquake.” A fisherman in Porticello said that he had seen a flare go off in the early-morning hours. His brother ventured to the site once the weather had calmed about 20 minutes later, he said, finding only floating cushions.
The Italian authorities have so far declined to say whether investigators had seen any structural damage to the hull or other parts of the ship.
The boat executive, Mr. Costantino, has argued that the Bayesian was an extremely safe vessel that could list even to 75 degrees without capsizing. His company, the Italian Sea Group, in 2022 bought the yacht’s manufacturer, Perini Navi, which launched the ship in 2008.
Mr. Costantino said that if some of the hatches on the side and in the stern, or some of the deck doors, had been open, the boat could have taken on water and sunk. Standard procedure in such storms, he said, would be to switch on the engine, lift the anchor and turn the boat into the wind, lowering the keel for extra stability, closing doors and gathering the guests in the main hall inside the deck.
At a news conference on Saturday, almost a week after the sinking, investigators said the yacht had sunk at an angle , with its stern — where the heavy engine was — having gone down first. The wreck was found lying on its right side at the bottom of a bay, about 165 feet deep.
12 guests occupied the yacht’s six cabins. There were also 10 crew members.
Open hatches, doors and cabin windows could have let in water during a storm, according to the manufacturer.
Open hatches, doors and
cabin windows could
have let in water
during a storm,
according to the
manufacturer.
Source: Superyacht Times, YachtCharterFleet, MarineTraffic
By Veronica Penney
Water pouring into open hatches or doors could have contributed to the sinking, experts say, but that on its own may not account for the speed at which such a large boat vanished underwater.
Asked about the hatches at the news conference, the authorities declined to comment on whether they had been found open at the wreck.
The authorities have also not specified whether the boat had been anchored, whether it was under power at the time or whether its sails had been unfurled.
The Bayesian had a keel — the fin-like structure beneath a boat that can help stabilize it — that could be retracted or extended, according to its manufacturer. On some yachts, keels can be raised to let the large vessel dock in shallower water, and extended downward to help keep a boat level.
But like the hatches, the status of the keel alone may not explain why a large ship sank with such precipitous speed. Investigators have not disclosed what divers may have seen at the wreck, aside from saying divers had faced obstacles like furnishings and electrical wiring in tight quarters. Officials want to raise the wreck to better examine it, a process that may take weeks.
Ambrogio Cartosio, the prosecutor in charge of the case, said at the news conference that it was “plausible” crimes had been committed, but that investigators had not zeroed in on any potential suspects.
“There could be responsibilities of the captain only,” he said. “There could be responsibilities of the whole crew. There could be responsibilities of the boat makers. Or there could be responsibilities of those who were in charge of surveilling the boat.”
It remains unclear what kind of emergency training or preparation took place before the disaster, or what kind of coordination there was during it. So far, none of the surviving crew members have made a public statement about what happened the night the ship sank.
Prosecutors said they want to ask more questions of the captain and crew, who have been in a Sicilian hotel with other survivors. They said that neither alcohol nor drug tests had been performed on crew members, and that they have been allowed to leave Italy.
Prosecutors also said they were also investigating why the captain, an experienced sailor, left the sinking boat while some passengers were still on board.
Besides possible manslaughter charges, the authorities are investigating the possibility of a negligently caused shipwreck.
The bodies of five passengers were found in one cabin, on the left side of the yacht, the authorities said. The five were most likely trying to flee to the higher side of the boat and were probably sleeping when the boat started to sink, they said.
Two-part lpus rate highest for durability and gloss retention..
Our topside-paint test panels have endured three full years of 24/7 exposure to the elements, and the time has come for their final evaluation. Testers have annually scrutinized the paint swatches and rated the topside coatings on gloss retention, flow out, scratch resistance, and anti-oxidation ability. In this final round of evaluating, we will also compare the panel results with the products real-world performances aboard our test boats.
Our goal from the start of this test was to take a variety of promising topside coatings and apply them to boats in our test fleet-sailboats, dinghies, and other craft-and set up an in-situ test to validate or contradict our panel testing. These field tests have put paint systems through more realistic punishment in a true working environment. And the comparison between real world usage and static testing helped us validate both a wide range of the paints tested and the testing protocol itself. (See Field Test Findings” on right)
Testers reported on the application of these paints in the August 2008 issue and rated their performance in the November 2009 and February 2011 issues. Now, at the three-year mark, testers can offer some interesting observations about specific paints and paint types.
For the long-term evaluations panel test, we applied two coats of each paint to carefully prepped sections of fiberglass panels. The panels endured identical weathering, and the swatches were washed with a mild soap before inspection. All ratings are relative to the field.
Gloss-retention testing included taking reflected light readings, in bright daylight, with a spot meter and reflected light meter; results were averaged. To test for oxidation buildup, testers placed a new cotton/polyester piece of cloth on a rotary disk and moved it slowly over each coating surface for 20 seconds, then noted any residue on the cloth.
To determine the hardness of each coating, testers used Gradcos pencil hardness test method: A roller device holding a pencil at a given angle was pushed across the surface of the coating; by using pencil leads of varying hardness, the coating was eventually scratched, and testers noted the hardness of lead required. We rated each performance on a 1-5 scale with 5 being the hardest. Tests were repeated five times.
To test for adhesion, testers used a scalpel to cut crosshatches through small sections of paint, then placed a piece of masking tape over the crosshatched surface, rubbed it and pulled it off. Paint pulling away from the surface detracted from the rating. All of the paints passed the adhesion test.
For the one-year report (PS, November 2009 ), testers evaluated abrasion resistance using a Scotchbrite scuff pad and 3 pounds of pressure; this test was conducted only on white paints. They used drops of dark tea (mimicking tannic acid, the culprit behind most waterline stains) to evaluate stain resistance.
All of the topside paints that weve been monitoring fall into four categories: conventional enamel, modified enamels, two-part coatings, and water-based paints for marine use. Our tests found that when it comes to ease of application, the one-part products stole the show. But the highest marks for gloss, hardness, and durability went to the two-part polyurethane coatings.
Our intentional use of the term coating stems from the way these long-chain, polymer-linking paints behave. In essence, they are more of a catalyzed resin than conventional enamel. The latter loses solvent through evaporation during its curing process, while the former goes through a molecular crosslinking process that leads to both extra hardness and a wet-looking, high gloss. One thing we did notice in this field of super performers was that they come with some tradeoffs.
For example, industry leader Awlgrip (an Azko Nobel company) is the manufacturer of coating systems marketed for professional use only. Because their two lines of paints are available to the general public at West Marine and other retail chandleries, we included them in the test. These are not DIY coatings for the inexperienced, but the skilled and practiced DIYer-those already familiar with fiberglass repairs, applying epoxy primers, and fairing a surface, and who know what sanding to perfection really means-may be ready to handle professional-grade products like Awlgrip.
The top-rated Awlgrip behaves much like the other two-part products in our paint reviews, and it delivers the very best results. The companys top-coat bifurcation gives users two different products and approaches to two-part painting, and its worth a closer look. The makers traditional two-part, high-solids, polyester-based linear polyurethane (LPU) coating is named Awlgrip and its acrylic, modified two-part polyurethane topcoat is Awlcraft. The latter is easier to handle and allows a user to fix flaws in the finish or spot repair damage that occurs at a later date. Sags, hangs, or a fly doing the backstroke just after the final coat is applied don’t result in as critical a failure as they do with Awlgrip. With Awlcraft, wet-sanding and touching up is not as much of a Michelangelo-level skill as it is with Awlgrip because Awlcraft is a bit softer and can be rubbed out and polished back to maximum gloss in the same manner automotive paints are handled. However, as with all softer acrylic-based LPUs, theres a drop in abrasion resistance when compared with polyester-based LPU paints like Awlgrip.
Between top-rated, top-priced Awlgrip and much softer, brush-friendly one-part enamels resides an interesting array of chemical innovation. Traditional enamels like those made by Z-Spar, Kirbys, and Sherwin-Williams delivered good initial gloss but most deteriorated over the three-year test run. The good news is that none suffered adhesion loss or excessive oxidation, and an open can of alkyd enamel doesn’t have the harsh chemical odor that two-parts have.
Interlux and Epifanes urethane modified enamels outpaced old-style paints and nudged ahead of Pettits EasyPoxy. West Marines Sea Gloss Pro also delivered great results. CrystaLacs Crabcoat was the only water-based product in our test, and from the start, gloss was not its strong suit. But Crabcoat does offer good adhesion, durability, and an attractive semi-gloss, and for those working inside or in tight confines, theres the bonus of a low VOC level. However, when it comes to comparing one- and two-part paints, its important to note that theres a significant performance gap between them.
After three years of testing, its become clear that two-part paints are in a league all their own. All two-part coatings we evaluated had more shine and better adhesion at the three-year point than any of the single-can options. That said, there was a grouping of top single-part urethane modified enamels that surprised us with their durability and, to a lesser extent, their shine.
Interluxs Brightside and Epifanes Mono-urethane are case in point, and in our third-year panel evaluation, they earned high marks as all-around paints when it came to ease of application and durability. Perhaps the best test of their tenacity was how well they held up on the cockpit sole of Technical Editor Ralph Naranjos Ericson 41. (See Field Test Results on right) These paints have endured 3 years of sailing travails plus the onslaught of icy winters and boiling hot summers. The gloss has diminished some, but their adhesive quality as nonskid paints and waterway topcoats has been impressive.
When all was said and done, theres no question that the professional approach to a two-part paint makeover yields the best-looking results. However, there are a few shortcuts that do work and a few that should be avoided. One-part urethane modified enamels like Brightside, Epifanes Mono-urethane, and Pettits Easypoxy deliver handling convenience and a surprisingly long-lasting finish. Boat owners who have mastered the handling challenges of a two-part LPU sprayed finish can get close to the like new look of a professional paint job. But keep in mind that these coatings contain aggressive solvents and other unfriendly chemicals. Covering up and wearing an appropriate respirator and eye protection are part of the process.
We were glad to see that results from our three-year panel testing showed a strong correlation to our field test findings. The winners in both test groups paralleled paints highlighted in previous years. One of the biggest surprises, however, was that traditional enamels held their own, retaining good adhesion, despite losses in gloss retention. On the panels, all of the paint products remained well adhered, but a few failures in the field could be linked to shortcuts in preparation. We demonstrated that those looking to lessen the chances of ending up with flaking and peeling paint should consider using an epoxy primer and above all, follow manufacturer surface prep guidelines as closely as possible.
This weekend I saw my first example of a “vinyl wrap” as a topside application, on a 50’ Fontaine Pajot (sp?) catamaran. Almost overnight the boat Was transformed from an ordinary, dated, white hulled cat, to a like-new boat in a striking gray finish. How does this system compare to other topside finishes like traditional gel coat and two part finishes?
Hello D.N.; thanks for the update on the topside paints but one question. I used EZpoxy polyurethane on my 1967 Morgan 24 this year and noted they offer the Performance Enhancer to increase hardness and durability. I used it as they advised and am happy with it thus far. The results are noticeably harder and cure faster and (for those who desire it) there is a higher gloss… Why have i heard nothing about the combination in various reviews including yours? It is an easy to work and forgiving topcoat…why no notice?
i am wondering about using an oil based exterior finish that is NOT a marine product… obviously these are much cheaper… any testing on this?
I have restored, modified, and repainted a few boats in my amature days. Full disclosure I am a former marine mechanic and have taught technologies for 20 years. Brightsides has been an overall disappointment to me. In 4 attempts at repainting my Bluenose 24, (my brother in law is a rough landing skipper) I only had the gloss come up once. The other three times the paint kicked too early or just cured dull. In putting an epoxy bottom coat on my Shark 24, with Pettit epoxy, that claims to cure even down to 5 celsius, the paint started kicking on the roller leaving a bumpy mess like a teen’s complexion. Pettit replaced the product and after exhaustive grinding off the previous mess, it happened again. Pettit is off my list forever. Epifanes has been my go to choice for my trawler yacht, a Mainship Mk1. It has been the best experience of them all. Using a roll and tip method, the brush strokes did not level out leaving noticeable lines up close. I contacted Epifanes Canada and they now recommend just rolling, and they are right. Just roll it on and it’s great. Yes the mono urethanes are softer, but they are so much more user friendly when rolling on. A factor when some drydock locations would not allow spraying without building a full enclosure. After my first season, a green dockhand caused a minor scratch with improper line handling. I called Epifanes and they advised just tape of a trapezoid shape around the scratch and repaint it. You will have to get real close to see the tape line. BAM! it worked just like they said. I now do not fear docking scratches as I know I can successfully with little fuss repair them during drydock times, or even afloat if need be. I have no investment in any of these products. I am Epifanes sold. Awlgrip is too fussy for a DIY boatyard job. Unless you want to fork out big bucks, accept the 4 foot test. If it looks great 4 feet away, be happy.
Total Boat on deck. A forty years old non skid started to erode. Sanding was almost impossible: it grinned all sand paper and the majority of wheels. I decided to deal extensively and degrease. And coat of Total primer ( same color as the original ) was applied. A second coat after two days did not offer nay adhesion advantage, using the metal comb scratch and peel testing method. It was followed by one coat of Total Boat Wet Edge (white) mixed with 33% Total Boat Non Skid ( Light grey to match the primer ). I added 50% of Interlux flattening agent. The result is very satisfying. I liked the non-skid : its material does not settle as much as other manufacturers like Petit. This system will be easy to maintain if necessary. It took 5 hours per coat on a 36ft deck, trapping included. The temperature was above 65F. and the humidity was low. There was high wind that accelerated the drying process. I’d be interested to read Practical Sailor writing on Total Boat products. This system was tested against test panels of Petit and Interlux. I did not see any major difference in adhesion nor ease of application.
Before tackling ANY large painting project, paint a few 1-to 2-foot panels, playing with rolling, tipping, and specifically, the working temperature and amount of thinner.
Never push the low temperatures or high humidity. Follow the instructions or the odds will incline against you. I avoid paint projects both spring and fall in cold climates–the weather is just not dependable enough. Instead, I target that part of the summer when the wind stinks anyway and sail in the off-season.
I’ve always been able to get the finish I wanted. I pick the weather, dial in the thinner, buy the best rollers and brushes, and prep ahead of time so that I can easily finish in one push.
As for non-marine finishes, Rustoleum Gloss Protective Enamel is dependable for little projects like brackets and backing plates. I always keep a can of white handy–exact color matching is not vital on small things. It takes fewer coats than yacht finishes and seem to hold up about as well. Every hardware store has it.
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How We're Testing the Marine Varnishes. Testers applied dozens of exterior wood finishes (22 one-part varnishes, six two-part varnishes, 18 synthetics and satins/varnish alternatives, and eight teak oils and sealers) to small panels of bare solid teak. Each was assigned a number for blind judging and was applied per manufacturers instructions.
5. TotalBoat 482869 Lust Marine Varnish. TotalBoat is a household name in the marine industry as far as paints and varnishes go. This is the brand's best offering if we're going to consider fundamental factors like durability, shine, and value for money.
A traditional marine spar varnish — albeit a good one — is Interlux's Schooner Varnish. With an alkyd base, 47% of tung oil solids, and UV inhibitors to boot, this product is a well-balanced one-part product that is suitable for a variety of uses. This product can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed. Reasons to buy.
Two-Part Varnish: Make your boat shine with two-part varnish. This high-performance product is composed of a resin and hardener that when combined, form an incredibly long-lasting finish. ... Reviews of the Top 10 Best Marine Varnish for Wood1.TotalBoat Lust Matte Finish Marine Varnish - Editors' Pick.
2. Rust-Oleum 207008 Marine Varnish - Best Durable Marine Varnish. Rust-Oleum Marine Varnish will add natural beauty to the wood and deliver a crystal-clear finish. Although it's an oil-based formula, the amber color will darken over time, leaving you with a more superior finish.
TotalBoat Gleam Marine Spar Varnish is a high-quality, high-gloss varnish that provides excellent protection for wood surfaces. It is formulated to resist UV damage, water, and weathering, making it ideal for marine environments. The varnish is self-leveling and offers a durable, clear finish.
When working outdoors, it is best to varnish in the morning after the dew has dried. Varnishing in the late afternoon or early evening can lead to a loss of gloss and improper drying. ... Boat Reviews. Review: Xquisite 30 Sportcat Top 10 Best Boats 2024 Nominee. The new Xquisite 30 Sportcat looked like a drag racer, tugging at her dock lines at ...
3. TotalBoat Lust Marine Varnish. I received this totalboat gleam marine spar varnish; it was love at first sight! I immediately started to use it, and upon the initial application, I love how it enhances the woodgrain feature of my boat.
This varnish is slightly more pricey than the Screwfix varnish, but gets great reviews. You can buy the Ronseal brand of yacht varnish in B&Q and other retailers. ... The type of varnish that is best for your boat will depend on the type of wood your boat is made from and the finish you are looking for. Tung oil varnish is a safe bet for most ...
This long-term exposure test began with reports on the application and original finish of more than 50 products in the August 2007 (one-part test varnishes), October 2007 (varnish alternatives), December 2007 (two-part varnishes), and April 2008 (teak oils and stains) issues. Our first evaluation of the coatings durability was reported in May 2009.
Yacht Varnishe Reviews. 1. Johnstone's Woodcare Outdoor Yacht Varnish. Check Price. British paint giants Johnstone's have a history dating back to 1890 and make some of the most trusted and best exterior wood varnish products available right now. We're familiar with their amazing range of colours and finishes, so it made sense to test out ...
Schultz's advice for varnishing is simple: Use the traditional stuff. If starting with bare wood, thin the varnish to start and lay on the coats. "Ideally, apply seven or eight coats, then add a coat in a few months. That way you always have a new coat. It's better than doing ten coats all at once.".
It not only improves the beauty of the wooden part of the boat but is also a very effective protective coating. The durability of the "Rust-Oleum 250141H Ultimate Spar Varnish" is outstanding compared to other varnishes. It can also be used in the interior parts of the boat in places like doors, interior floorboards, etc.
The two-part varnish test launch is the third installment of an ongoing report on our marine exterior wood coatings test, which began with an introduction to one-part varnishes (August 2007), followed by our synthetics and wood stains review (October 2007).The two-part teak coatings being tested are the Bristol Finish Traditional Amber, Smith & Co.s Five-Year Clear, HMG Paints Acrythane XSC ...
Cleverly, Ronseal Trade Yacht Varnish has been formulated to offer the excellent weatherproofing and durability you would expect from a solvent-based varnish but without the long re-coat times. Impressively, it offers around half the re-coat time of a typical solvent-based varnish; it is rainproof in just four hours and it can be re-coated in ...
Polyurethane boat varnish - is much more hard-wearing than oil or water-based yacht varnishes. Stronger than oil-based or water-based yacht varnish, polyurethane yacht varnish tends to dry quickly and offers an ultra-hard surface that is resistant to impact, scratching and denting. This yacht varnish type has a high gloss tough finish so it's ...
Fundamentally, there are five main ingredients in marine varnish, and they are: Oil - The oil provides a soft, shiny, and natural look to the wood. Resin - Resins add a glossy effect to the wood. It also makes the color and grain of the wood shiny, giving it that elegant look. Solvent - Solvents serve two purposes.
Clean prepared surface using a shop vac with brush attachment, then wipe down with a soft rag lightly wetted with the solvent recommended on the varnish can. Lightly wipe with a tack rag right before application. Allow coats at least 24 hours to dry. Later coats need 48 hours to cure properly before being sanded again.
Top 12 Marine Varnish Reviews. 1. TotalBoat Lust Marine Varnish. It is the best marine spar varnish for me as it keeps my boats looking good. By following the manufacturer's instructions, I'm able to get the desired finish. Thanks to its classic spar formula with a modern twist.
Most boat owners prefer the sheen of an oil or film finish, even though this is unnecessary. 3. Tung Oil Varnish. Tung oil boat varnish is what some yacht owners refer to as the classic varnish. It's referred to in this way because if you're unsure of what your boat needs, this is a classic, middle of the road, safe bet.
A gleaming paint job remains an icon of yacht-quality maintenance, and paint makers spin the transformative ability of what comes in their cans. The good news is that there's still some truth in advertising. After a close look at the latest paint systems, Practical Sailor testers offer a report on just how user-friendly topside paints have ...
Made in the USA. Ideal for use on exterior wood surfaces above the water line, including trim, railings and wood furniture. Oil-based formula expands and contracts with changing weather conditions. Dries to the touch in 2 hours and covers up to 150 sq. ft. Durable coating provides excellent resistance to UV, salt and mildew.
But the $40 million sailing yacht sank within minutes and with fatal results: seven dead, including the British technology billionaire Michael Lynch, his teenage daughter, four of Mr. Lynch's ...
6. Our topside-paint test panels have endured three full years of 24/7 exposure to the elements, and the time has come for their final evaluation. Testers have annually scrutinized the paint swatches and rated the topside coatings on gloss retention, flow out, scratch resistance, and anti-oxidation ability. In this final round of evaluating, we ...