All the old varnish is off the mast

[1937rogerdon]

So, what next ? Do I varnish again, paint or use one of the new stain type products.

 

[chart5011]

I've used Sikkens Ceetol on mine and it seems to last very well.
It doesn't crack like varnish so water won't get underneath.
Easy to apply.
I used natural but they also do a teak coloured version.

 

[Tranona]

Sikkens Novatech and Novatop. Just re-coated after 5years up and no breakdown. Use the light pine stain in the top coat.

I get mine from Brewers and they mix it on the spot. Cheaper than "Yacht" varnish as you don't need so much and easy to apply.

 

[Peterduck]

I've used Sikkens Cetol (Novatech and Novatop is not available in Australia that I could find) and would not go back to varnish. But then I had a retired fishing ketch, and the matt finish of these products suited it well. If you have one of the 'floating pianos' which are popular at Henley, then varnish, and lots of it, is obviously the right way to go. It's 'horses for courses'. If you do go with Cetol, read the Product Data Sheets that advise which underlayer to use with each top coat. I found that several coats of their HLS, followed by more of their (UV) Filter 7 produced a lasting finish which I didn't have to keep fussing with.
Peter.

 

[dur]

You have to decide whether you want a varnished finish or not! By which I mean that the "stains", which are very good, do not give a varnish finish, they give a thin-brown-paint finish. If you do go for varnish you have to do it properly - all the coats it says on the tin plus some and then a rub down plus a coat or two every season.
I like varnished spars so they would be the last to be painted if I were looking to save on maintenance time. Perhaps you are at that point though...

 

[Tranona]

The difference in finish between Novatec and traditional varnish is probably less than you imagine. If you do all your brightwork with it as I have done, the effect is pleasing and lasts well. Of course if you moor up next to a varnished boat the difference is clear, but moored in a block of white blobs it still stands out!

 

[ccscott49]

My masts are done with coelan, its good stuff if a tad expensive, but mine has lasted seven years so far and looks like it may last another seven!The booms I varnish, because its an easy job.

 

[laurance]

Cetol marine in clear is mid-sheen and the colour not to offensive. Novatec and Novatop combo is gloss and even the 'pine' is quite a stong colour, though it is this pigment that gives it such good UV resistance.
Filter seven over HLS is mid-sheen but again only available coloured, though is cheaper than the others.
Cetol: more time on the water, more beer money.
maintained varnish: beyond reproach, loverly to see - but there is more to life, see Cetol.