UV stable varnish? Is there such a thing?

[cygnusv]

I did my stern rail with Le Tonkinouis 2 years ago and it now looks a real mess. UV has crozzled the varnish.
I thought Le Tonk was a high quality varnish but clearly it is not UV stable. Can anyone suggest a suitable varnish that will look good and stay sunshine proof?

 

[vyv_cox]

I find that International Woodskin lasts reasonably well in Greece. A lot better than the varnish that was previously applied. The International booklet on paint products gives UV resistance guides but I cannot seem to find it on their website.

 

[VicS]

I find that International Woodskin lasts reasonably well in Greece. A lot better than the varnish that was previously applied. The International booklet on paint products gives UV resistance guides but I cannot seem to find it on their website.

Not what you are referring to but this may be of interest http://www.yachtpaint.com/LiteratureCentre/varnish-guide-info-interlux-eng.pdf

Bit out of date though I tink

 

[Concerto]

I did my stern rail with Le Tonkinouis 2 years ago and it now looks a real mess. UV has crozzled the varnish.

It is supposed to be UV stable. https://www.letonkinoisvarnish.co.uk/varMain.html On their FAQ page they say in areas of high UV like the Mediterranean, it can show signs of deterioration but a rub down and fresh coat solves this.

I found on a wooden bench at home that is varnished with Le Tonkinoise varnish and I had the same problem of crazing in a small patch from some bird carp. So the problem is probably not UV, but something that has dropped on the surface. So I suggest you have a chat with them.

 

[alahol2]

Been using Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 for donkey's years. Pine colour does not mask the colour of the underlying wood. Gives a nice 'silk' finish. Easy to maintain. Lasts for years.

 

[PetiteFleur]

Been using Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 for donkey's years. Pine colour does not mask the colour of the underlying wood. Gives a nice 'silk' finish. Easy to maintain. Lasts for years.

I've also used Sikkens, pine colour on the stern toerail and it looks good. Gave another coat this year after 2 yrs use and I'm pleased with it.

 

[Tranona]

Generally oil based varnishes are not particularly UV resistant no matter what the manufacturer says, although some do have inhibitors to reduce the effects such as those sold as spar varnish.

Porous coatings such as the Cetol and Woodskin already mentioned are far superior, but by their nature do not give a gloss finish. However as you may have noticed if you have used them on things like doors and window frames on a house they have a life of several years even in exposed locations.

So, the choice is there - if you want durability then go the woodstain route, if high gloss finish and short life or constant maintenance use a traditional varnish. The alternative of 2 pack does have better UV resistance, but is not easy to apply and if it does fail is difficult to repair.

 

[MM5AHO]

"Generally oil based varnishes are not particularly UV resistant
Read more at http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?484810-UV-stable-varnish-Is-there-such-a-thing#lgWpcSlq16cCzYut.99..."

what do you mean "oil based" ?
Aren't all "varnishes" today polymers?

 

[Tranona]

"Generally oil based varnishes are not particularly UV resistant
Read more at http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?484810-UV-stable-varnish-Is-there-such-a-thing#lgWpcSlq16cCzYut.99..."

what do you mean "oil based" ?
Aren't all "varnishes" today polymers?

Le Tonkinois describes itself as a "natural oil varnish" - mainly linseed oil with no solvents or chemicals.

So, no, not all "varnishes" are the same, but many of the simple one pack are oil based and very different from the porous woodstains that offer a longer life.

Well worth finding the various articles written by Richard Hares in PBO and Classic Boat over the years on the subject. His conclusions are reflected in my observations above and are in line with my own experience.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I've also used Sikkens, pine colour on the stern toerail and it looks good. Gave another coat this year after 2 yrs use and I'm pleased with it.

Another vote for Sikkens. Either Filter 7 or HLS plus, depending on the finish required.

 

[Plum]

Been using Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 for donkey's years. Pine colour does not mask the colour of the underlying wood. Gives a nice 'silk' finish. Easy to maintain. Lasts for years.

+1

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Plum]

I did my stern rail with Le Tonkinouis 2 years ago and it now looks a real mess. UV has crozzled the varnish.
I thought Le Tonk was a high quality varnish but clearly it is not UV stable. Can anyone suggest a suitable varnish that will look good and stay sunshine proof?

I have been using Blakes (now Hempel) twopack varnish on my wooden mast for many years and the last time i gave it two coats was nearly 7 years ago. Tha mast has not been down since. It is still good and shinny.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk