Le Tonkinois

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Billy_Mizzen

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I’ve been looking into various finishes for Billy Mizzen’s Mahogany coach roof and other bright work, and so far I’m fairly sold on “Le Tonkinois”. Has anyone here used it and if so, what are your thoughts/recommendations?

I’m not looking for a super-yacht standard finish, just something rugged, easy to apply and maintain! Any suggestions would be greatly received.
 
I think it is excellent stuff, generally pretty tough and you can get a fantastic finish very easily. But it is expensive, it does go off in the tin and I have never got to the bottom of why I was getting some local crazing after a season. (QV various threads).

I would use it again for sure but as the new boat is all Epifanes I will stay with that (at least for the time being) and see why so many favour it.
 
I used it both internally and externally at the start of last season. I applied 5 coats and have had no problems with crazing. Interestingly I opened the tin today and it has not gone off, there is no skin on it at all. I think the stuff you buy now is an updated and improved version. I have every intention of using it again.
 
I have been using Le Tonk for some time now... previously I was on Deks Ojlie which gave an excellent finish... but wasn't really practical for repairing localised dinks which needed multiple coats of No. 1 followed by No 2.
With Le Tonk its a case of cleaning up the area then applying. One of its best features is that brush marks disappear and it can be used over most products with some preparation
The new Vernis Le Tonk does keep much better in the tin. Goin back to a half-can of the old stuff always meant decanting what remained of the liquid off skin. Self-discipline is not a strong point but I now make sure to decant into a container for use and seal the can asap. after a squirt of blow-torch (unlit) propane to displace the air.
CB carried a test of various varnishes and, by memory, Le Tonk got a commendation with the only criticism was loss of gloss.
Le Tonk with a drop of industrial alcohol (meths) makes a good renovator for interior brightwork, rubbed in with a lint-free cloth.
You will gather I am sold on the stuff. It is more expensive, but in the long run its cost effective as it survives longer between strip-downs.
 
I prefer epifanes. But was going to try le tonk on an old McNulty dinghy I was going to buy. We will see what happens.
 
[ QUOTE ]
How many coats did you use and was the ‘Crazing’ substantial?

[/ QUOTE ]

First varnish from bare wood I tend to do exactly what it says on the tin. Would have been 5 at least coats. Subsequent years 1 or two after a good rub down.

The crazing was very localised. One place on the forward side of the base of the mast, one on just one rudder cheek for the six or 8 inches above the waterline. It appeared to be just the surface coats but when I left it for a second year on the rudder it did start to break through. Had long emails with the Murkins and a discussion here but never found a good explanation.

This was pre the new formulation so maybe it won't happen again and as has been mentioned the new stuff is less prone to going off which the old seemed to do unless you got every last bit of air out of the tin before putting it away.

I've been looking for the old thread on the subject but its not coming up on the new google search and the user name search has gone (or was that in a different forum?). Progress!
 
I managed to unearth the old thread yesterday and it mainly concerned the fact that it has a tendency to go off in the tin! It appears the new stuff doesn’t suffer in this way to quite the same degree?

On the price issue it must be at least comparable if not cheaper than Epifanes? I think I’m sold…Mainly on the grounds that it seems pretty low maintenance and you can get a good finish! (And any thing concerning a wooden boat which can be described as low maintenance gets my vote)
 
Ahem!

Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior Varnish

A durable and flexible solvent-based coating for the decoration and protection of exterior woodwork. It contains UV filters which protect against strong sunlight and its high build full gloss finish lasts for up to 3 years.

* Up to 3 years protection.
* Durable and flexible film, which resists cracking, flaking and peeling.
* Contains UV filters which protect against strong sunlight.
* Suitable for exterior use only.

Coverage: Smooth wood: 16m² / litre / coat (normally 2-3 coats on new / bare wood)
Colour range: Clear Gloss
Application method: Brush.

I have used Le tonks in the past and it gives a great finish, mine still went off in the tin and almost lasted the year. I have moved to this now and it is as good a finish as Le Tonks.

As I used Weathershield for the paint (and wont use anything else) I thought it would be a good idea to try it, I'll let you know at the end of the year.

Tom /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
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