Varnish Test and Teak

[Jorodeta]

When is the final result due from the Classic Boat Varnish Test?

We are made entirely out of Burmese Teak (Hull, Deck, Cabin) and irrespective of who applies the 14+ layers of varnish it disappears in a few days on entering the tropics or around a year in this climate. Anyone who met us on our last trip laughed whenever we spent every moment in port sanding and applying new coats - and we cried when we lost within 3 days south of Canaries most of the varnish on the cabin! The Hull now having been painted white!

We have tried many of the traditional brands, also very expensive dutch versions and homemade versions when in far away places - all the varnishes suffered the same.
We are now trying Sikkens Novatech and to date have not seen any change in finish, after nearly a year in N.Europe.

Has anyone else got ideas for a "breathable" coating for wood or thoughts on Novatech (we have the base and top coats, but have only applied 4 base coats at present?
Epoxy and other similar sealants that do not allow the wood to breath, will cause us problems in certain climates with wood.

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[ccscott49]

Englander is also all teak and iroko, the hull is iroko and painted, the rest is teak and "varnished" I use for all places hard to sand and re-finish (bulwarks etc) Coelans, its a gernman product, expensive, but wonderful stuff, breathes etc. I am slowly re-covering all my varnish (when it needs removing) with this product and swear by it. Its been on my douglas fir masts now for 4 years, in the meddy and is as good as the day it was put on. Get a book with the product of how to use it, follow the instructions, but apply at least three coats of primer. You will be amazed, believe me. By the way I'm in the meddy!

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[MapisM]

"allow the wood to breath"

I've heard many opinions on this subject. Black & white, with the whole gray range in between.
I finally gave up trying to find some sort of "scientific" truth.
Just as an example, have a look at the second of <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.bristolfinish.com/FAQ.htm>these</A> FAQs.

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[PeterWillis]

Varnish test on its way

You won't have to wait long - the next instalment of the Varnish Test is due in the March issue (out mid-Feb). Not the 'final' result though - the Test continues ad infinitum, or until the original applications are deemed to fail (and in fact there are plans to replace failed products with new candidates, so it could run forever).

 

[roh]

Re: \"allow the wood to breath\"

Have you used Bristol Finish, with the dollar so cheap at the moment it might be worth giving it a go. Anything to get away from sanding between each coat !!

 

[MapisM]

Re: \"allow the wood to breath\"

No, I don't have any direct experience on it.
Actually, I asked around some time ago (see this thread).
It seems that it's almost unknown outside the US.