UV resistant varnish

[bluedragon]

All the external wood is epoxied, and over this I use a yacht varnish to protect the epoxy from UV attack. About 2 years ago I used Blakes Favourite Varnish for this, as it is flexible, goes on nicely and dries quickly, but where exposed to direct sun most of the day, it's all flaked off. As it's OK elsewhere, I assume this is UV attack on the varnish. So, which varnish (preferably one-pack rather than 2-pack PU) has the best UV resistance?? All the different types have UV absorbers, but I imagine some are better than others. Any advice before I re-do the job this year?

 

[lw395]

Best advice is to get a cover!
Perfection 2 pack or Ultravar are the best, but are 2 pot.
I use Perfection on my carbon mast.
2 years from a 1 pot varnish is pretty good imho, we give our masts a coat every year.
The epoxy does need protection.

 

[SwedishLass]

I have epoxied coachroofs treated annually. Sand to key and then 3 coats of international goldspar PU in quick succession usually over 3 days piccy .
Seems to do job for me, I find the key is being able to seal the edges by varnishing first and then deck painting.

 

[Tranona]

Gougeon Brothers (West) recommend spar varnish which is what International goldspar is.

However single pot varnishes dry to an inflexible film sitting on top of a rigid epoxy substrate. As soon as the film breaks it will flake off.

Best solution for low maintenance is to strip back to bare wood and use a porous woodstain like Sikkens. However, you have to forgo your high gloss in favour of a sheen. No contest in this trade off for me. For example it means I can leave my wooden mast up for 5 seasons and still only need to rub down and recoat!

 

[planteater]

I've used Le Tonkinois over epoxy to give a gloss finish. No problems whatsoever after 2 years of exposure.

Also it's easy to spot repair if problems do arise in the future.

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

I'm a fan of Le Tonk' too.
has lasted where other reputed yacht varnishes have not.

 

[bluedragon]

Noticed today in the chandlers that Epifanes have a varnish with "extra" UV stabilisers. Anyone tried that?

 

[Kelpie]

Can you use Sikkens over marine ply?
I'm tarting up the topsides of my Wayfarer and have bought some Duragloss, since the deck is liekly to be stood on, be chafed by ropes, and generally abused.
However I like the idea of a porous stain which can be topped up as needed, without being stripped down.

 

[bluedragon]

I use a saturant type product on the cockpit locker lids for the same reason (walked on). I find I need to re-do this at least once, often twice a season....but it only takes a quick rub down and apply more finish with a rag...about a 15 mins job. But elswhere, I do like my glossy varnish.