Your Favourite Varnish, and Why?
- Thread starter Major_Clanger
- Start date
Poignard
Well-known member
I don't like varnish which is too shiny because it can end up looking like plastic. Also it shows up every imperfection in the varnished surface and with my boat being over 50 years old it has plenty of imperfections! 
waynes world
Well-known member
I am not exactly a joiner more a faffer, well thats now my new name Captain Faffer as all i do is faff about. I had off cuts so made a table, now i like it i need to buy more Iroko and Sapele to make a berth table lol.
But thank
I don't like varnish which is too shiny because it can end up looking like plastic. Also it shows up every imperfection in the varnished surface and with my boat being over 50 years old it has plenty of imperfections!
With Le Tonkinois you can add something, i forgot now what but it gives it more of a matt finish.
lw395
Well-known member
I don't like varnish which is too shiny because it can end up looking like plastic. Also it shows up every imperfection in the varnished surface and with my boat being over 50 years old it has plenty of imperfections!
I think a mirror shine has its uses, but wouldn't want it everywhere.
I've just done some wood at home using 3 coats of International 1-pot polyurethane gloss, with one coat of Johnstones satin polyurethane on top. I like the result, good depth and a smooth finish with no excessive shine. It will also be hardwearing and UK resistant too.
I did a coffee table the same way some years ago and it's lasted well in robust everyday use.
Another table has a couple of coats of Ronseal and 6mm of toughened glass on it...
Horses for courses. The waterbased floor varnishes are pretty good. 2-pot international is what I'd want on a wooden Jon Turner Merlin. Or a carbon mast. A tung oil based varnish would be better for a wooden mast or bits of boat that I'd expect to move with humidity.
matthewriches
Active member
You put yourself down too often. There’d always be a job here for you if you were closer!
I need a new table as I bought a “teak” table after seeing them at the Southampton boatshow and it was absolute garbage so ended up going back.
Gelomat Is what you add to the Le Tonkinois. We played around with it if I remember it was too expensive commercially but it is a lovely finish!
I need a new table as I bought a “teak” table after seeing them at the Southampton boatshow and it was absolute garbage so ended up going back.
Gelomat Is what you add to the Le Tonkinois. We played around with it if I remember it was too expensive commercially but it is a lovely finish!
MM5AHO
Well-known member
I'm a convert to LeTonkinois too. Last 6 years and then only needs 1-2 overcoats. Doesn't crack, chip, flake ,peel. Very easy application and its possible to adjust the gloss level. It's a mixture of Tung Oil and Linseed oil boiled together. Can be used in all sorts of conditions. I've applied it at sub-zero temps. Takes about 2 days to dry at that temp, or about 2-4 hours at 20C. Self leveling, so that brush marks disappear. Clean up is turps, but best not thinned. I've used it on the blade of my self steering too - good for underwater. I've used all those other prodycts mentioned in other posts, and think this stuff is better than them all.
Yes. My favourite varnish is the brand I have just laboriously scraped off, so I can put on some sane coating, such Cetol Filter 7 (same as Woodskin, but more choice of tints).
(And I count myself firmly inside the faction of those who enjoy maintaining old boats, as well as sailing them..)
ghostlymoron
Well-known member
I've always used Ronsons Yacht Varnish. Reasonable finish, durable, cheap and widely available. To me the suitability is in the name
LittleSister
Well-known member
My favourite varnish is other peoples'!
alahol2
Well-known member
I stick with Cetol Filter 7 for external varnish. Been using it for near 30 years now.
Poignard
Well-known member
waynes world
Well-known member
You put yourself down too often. There’d always be a job here for you if you were closer!
I need a new table as I bought a “teak” table after seeing them at the Southampton boatshow and it was absolute garbage so ended up going back.
Gelomat Is what you add to the Le Tonkinois. We played around with it if I remember it was too expensive commercially but it is a lovely finish!
Thats the stuff Gelomat from Le Tonk. I may well try it on the interior walls if after three coats its to glossy. Dont want it to glossy all around.
What size design is this table you would want making ? Just curious at the minute
I want to varnish the interior asap so if you say it goes on fine in sub temps then i will get it done. I have a load to do before May. Then i am ready to line it out.
matthewriches
Active member
What size design is this table you would want making ? Just curious at the minute
1200x 500mm ish. Teak or Iroko, preferably Teak. Could even send YOU the teak by courier!!
Shame you weren't London or South Coast based as that's where I'm backwards and forwards to and from at the moment.
I want to varnish the interior asap so if you say it goes on fine in sub temps then i will get it done. I have a load to do before May. Then i am ready to line it out.
waynes world
Well-known member
Not sure if your still following the blog but i will be launching this May and i need to put all my time into the boat i have to get it done, never know could be sooner. Send me some pics and ideas of the style and design you want and i will see what i can do. And if i am able to do it. Dont want to say i can do it to a good professional finish and i cant. Dont like to let folk down.