Which varnish for floorboards?

[NormanS]

I expect that this has all been gone over in the past, but you know what the search facility is like.

The interior flooring on my boat is the usual ply with a VERY thin veneer of teak with lighter lines every 50mm or so. It has been coated with "varnish)? when new, but is now understandably showing signs of wear. I am aware that the veneer is so thin that I can't hope to remove all the marks, but I would at least like to give it a light rub down, and give it a coat or two of clear satin varnish to freshen it up.

Some advice re appropriate product would be very welcome. Quick drying would be a huge help, but what about Water Based?

As an example, I looked on-line at a local supplier, and they quote:

Flag quick drying PU floor varnish. 2.5l .............. £18.01
Rustins quick drying water based floor varnish. 2.5l £29.95
Ronseal diamond hard floor varnish. 2.5l ................£36.95

There seems to be a tremendous difference in price, for what would appear to be similar products. Is it justified? Price is not the main decider, I want something which is fairly easy to apply, is quick drying, gives a good finish, and is going to last for years. All helpful comments very welcome.

 

[JimC]

When my teak & Holly veneered floorboards needed re-varnishing I sought the advice of the professional painters in the maintenance dept of the large factory where I worked. They recommended this http://www.johnstonestrade.com/products/product-display/floor-varnish . I used the satin finish version. It looks well and has proved very hard wearing. After about 5 years no sign of wear even at the bottom of the companionway steps where the original varnish soon wore through. Can't remember the cost but it was nothing out of the ordinary. You'll probably have to go to a Johnstone's trade centre to get it but there are plenty of these all round the country. It's not to be confused with the consumer product here http://www.johnstonespaint.com/paint-types/johnstones-woodcare/quick-drying-floor-varnish.html which is not as hard wearing.

 

[aslabend]

I've used http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Painting+%26+Decorating/d150/Floor+Finishes/sd2975/Polyurethane+Varnish/p97143 (satin) and it seems hard wearing, quick drying and easy to apply.
My cabin floor was was only supposed to be temporary (it was lacquered fake cherry veneer on Formica) when I put it down and when the lacquer was scuffed through I threw a couple of coats of flag on it and it still looks ok now (two years later). My floor is nothing special so any good varnish would probably improve it but I'd pleasantly surprised how well the flag lasted.

 

[sailorman]

I have just used Rustins via amazon in 1 ltr tins ( based on better in 2 lots ) I was staggered @ the diamond hardglaze cost & refused to pay. results = to hardglaze

 

[Tranona]

Used the Ronseal. Very pleased, but small boat, and therefore small amount so extra price not so important.