I love the smell of varnish in the morning.....

[Romeo]

Good morning.I have finished all the prep on our clinker rowing boat. Next step will be to slap on the varnish. As usual we will be going for a working boat finish, not a concours finish. This boat sits on a mooring at the back of a very full harbour, with a bit of bump and grind being inevitable.So, for those of you who use actual varnish on your wooden boats, what brand do you use and why? I have half a tin of Hempel Classic left, but my pal is banging on about how lovely Coovar sea plane varnish is.

 

[Poignard]

Epifanes Rapidcoat. A decent looking, durable finish with ease of application and maintenance. :encouragement:

 

[PCUK]

Hempels Dura-Gloss.

 

[Redwing228]

Always used to use Blue Peter 'Original' but have started to use this from Premier on the Redwing's hull:-
https://www.premiermarinepaints.co.uk/buy/premier-classic-yacht-boat-varnish/31

 

[tidclacy]

http://www.arthurbeale.co.uk/

 

[Humblebee]

International Woodskin perhaps? I've been using it this past year or two. It gives a good, if not concours, finish, is easy to apply and easy to touch up if damaged.
I've used Coovar "Yacht and Seaplane"varnish, seems fine but not exceptional. Favourite varnish at the moment is Flag quick drying satin floor varnish but I've only used it in doors, may not be suitable in the open.

 

[sideshowbob]

Teamac 'Teamalak' Yacht varnish which you can buy from your local agricultural suppliers. If not we have also used Epifanes with excellent results

 

[wombat88]

Humbly I would suggest that everyone has their favourites.

I use something ordinary, for example International Original.

Why? Because I know how it handles and what to expect. I am sure there are better varnishes but the quality of a finish is really down to preparation of the surface, absence of dust, thinning of coats and methods of application.

It is all a bit bonkers, we spend ages producing wonderful varnished finishes on our boats and then mistreat them in a truly awful environment. Life is to short to get hung up on it all!