which yacht varnish

[ColinR]

I want to re-varnish my cabin woodwork and wondered if anyone has any recommendations? I dont know what was previously used and except for some areas round hatches ad companionway the existing varnish is in pretty good nick so I dont want to have to remove it all, just rub down and put anothe couple of coats on top. In the worst areas I will strip back to the wood. I haven't been very impressed with the so called yacht varnish I've bought over the years from DIY centres when used externally. I really want a satin finish and for it to last. The stuff thats on there is looking good after 20 years, I wish I know what it is. Any ideas gratefully recieved!

Colin

 

[davel]

Le tonk

 

[sbrockman]

Agree with davel, Le Tonkinois available from http://www.tradboats.com/paintvarnish.html
Have been using the stuff for some interior work and washboards and am impressed by the finish.

 

[whiteoaks7]

I've used Blackfriars floor varnish, although I have to say the company doesn't recommend it I think it's the best stuff ever.

Note also that 'Yacht varnish' bought in places like B+Q comes with a warning not to use it in marine environments!!!!

 

[LittleShip]

 

[Twister_Ken]

Fan of Epifanes meself.

 

[michael_w]

Another vote for Epifanes.

 

[Lahara]

Sorry for this being slightly off-topic but do any Australian correspondents to this forum know where Le Tonkinois oil is available in Australia?

 

[Greenheart]

Are there any not-very-expensive, tough varnishes? I need a small quantity for timber parts of my launching trolley. I don't care about finish or colour - as long as it's really durable.

 

[TQA]

Yet another vote for Epithanes.

My interior is finished in this and other than high traffic areas or areas that get the Caribbean sun it is standing up well.

I am a full time liveaboard with a cat.

 

[Greenheart]

Yet another vote for Epithanes. My interior is finished in this and other than high traffic areas or areas that get the Caribbean sun it is standing up well.

Hmm...thanks for that, but Epifanes is (as far as I can see) massively expensive. My trolley will see some hard work, but needn't look good - any cheap but effective solution will suit.

 

[prv]

Hmm...thanks for that, but Epifanes is (as far as I can see) massively expensive.

He probably wasn't answering you, he was answering the ancient thread you've dragged up. It always causes confusion as people don't notice it's old

Pete

 

[alahol2]

Are there any not-very-expensive, tough varnishes? I need a small quantity for timber parts of my launching trolley. I don't care about finish or colour - as long as it's really durable.

Just go into your nearest 'shed' and pick a can of their 'Exterior varnish' preferably oil based (not water). It will be as good as anything exotic on a launching trolley.

 

[Greenheart]

Thanks for that. I guess it needn't be very high-spec - a trolley does hard work, lives outside and mayn't be very carefully rinsed with fresh water, but won't be immersed for long.

I'm not sure why waking up an old thread should irritate new or old posters...isn't it fair to expect chaps who knew the subject then, to know it still?

 

[PhillM]

Dan, if you want durable, why bother with varnish. Why not paint with something hard wearing. Yacht stuff like Danboline would be fine, but is not the cheapest, but I guess so would any exterior house paint would do.

 

[Greenheart]

Thanks, good idea. I don't expect my 1 litre of Interlux will be enough for the boat's decks, and another can will be too much...so I'll end up with enough over to do the trolley too.

 

[Tranona]

If you want it to look sort of brownish and a bit shiny then a porous woodstain is the way to go. Plenty in B&Q to choose from. Avoid varnishes designed to give a cabinet style finish.

If you want to find out more about what lasts and what does not last take a trip to WH Smiths for this month's Classic Boat which has a review of their long term test programme on bright finishes.

 

[Greenheart]

Thanks Mr T. Actually, given that it's for the launching trolley, appearance is the least of my concerns - I just don't want the wood to start softening and giving up under load.

 

[Tranona]

Thanks Mr T. Actually, given that it's for the launching trolley, appearance is the least of my concerns - I just don't want the wood to start softening and giving up under load.

Then why varnish it? Can't be much wood on a trolley and if it is hardwood rot and softening is unlikely to be a big problem. Just sand it, prime and top coat with an exterior paint.

 

[Greenheart]

The whole cross-piece is a substantial baulk of wood, of which type I don't know. But I'm planning to lengthen the load-carrying support sections with decent marine ply - at the moment most of the boat's weight has been pressing on a narrow bar for ten months, which can't be good for the hull. So as well as covering the existing timber, there'll be a few square feet of new ply to seal. Paint may well be the easiest answer, thanks.