Epifanes vs. #96 Schooner for Teak

[jsdiggs]

I have decided to go for the show-boat look and will be varnishing the exterior teak on my pseudo-classic bass-style power boat. It will be exposed to the NE elements for June-Sept only. Does anyone ahve opinions about Epifanes vs. #96 Schooners? Thanks.

[drift montana]

I have not used the Epiphanes, but I can speak for the Schooner, as well as the Captians and Flagship. I found the Schooner to be much easier to apply consistently than either the Captains or Flagship. Especially when thinned about 10% with the Interlux Brushing Thinner (333?). I never was able to get the Captains or Flagship to level very well. Epiphanes has a very high solids content. I've spoken to numerous folks who found it difficult to work with without thinning it significantly.

Just my 2cents.

Good Luck!

-Tony

[Jay Greer]

I have had good results with Flagship as well as Epifanes. I have also tried Schooner and feel that the latter varnishes give better protection. Being acostomed to using traditional varnishes, I find both of these new "coating systems" require a different technique to apply them effectively. My first impression was that since they spread like snot, thinning is needed. My favorite thinner still is turpentine and it works better than the recommended thinners, giving less pull to the strokes.
The material will level itself and give a nice finish if you take the time to lay it on carefully.
Still, I should mention that there is one traditional varnish, available in states that have not banned it, Behr Spar Varnish. It goes on like silk and ten coats will last much longer than one would expect. I did a test on my own mast and let it go for three and a half years. All that was needed was a light sand and two fresh up coats. If you can find Behr Spar Varnish, I think you will really like the way it handles and lasts and lasts.