water based two pack varnish

[keyhavenpotterer]

The build of my new RAID41 is getting close to decisions being needed about finishing varnish.

Have had good success with International two pack Perfection varnish over epoxy coated plywood. Has proved very tough in use.

A water based two pack varnish would be much nicer to apply in terms of fumes and brush cleaning. One such as this

http://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/wood-finishes/varnish-and-lacquers/two-pack-varnish.htm

Has anyone had good success, or the opposite, with these water based two pack varnishes.

Brian

[Lew Barrett]

It might well be that in general terms, the answer is "no."

Someone will probably come along to argue with me, but in general, I suspect that boat builders and restorers are loath to use water based clear finishes. My experience with water borne (single part) products in other than marine projects has been disappointing. But two part products are outside of that experience. Probably not a very satisfying answer...but I felt like breaking the silence on this.

[Jay Greer]

Twenty five years ago, the President of the Deft Paint Co. who is a member of my family by marriage, told me that eventualy all paint products would be water based. That is certainly evident by the current difficulty in obtaining marine oil based varnish or paints that can be applied with the ease and durability that their predessesors once displayed. For that reason, I am not loath to use water based products. Certainly in the sign trade I have used artists acryics and polymer coatings that have out lasted oil based equivalants nearly three to one. I would be open to testing two pack varnish against traditional varnishes that are schedualed for a put up or shut up test that I plan to begin this spring.
Jay

[Ted Ford]

System Three WRU Topcoat - waterbased, two part - comes in a clear gloss and satin finish. They recommend this as a clear finish over epoxy coated wood.
See: http://www.systemthree.com/members/tds/WR-LPU_Topcoat_TDS.pdf

I've had good luck with their water based primer and intend to use the clear finish over an epoxy finished kayak. Apparently you can spray 3 coats in 1/2 a day in the right conditions. Since the clear coat does not fill defects, I will fair carefully and sand to 320. Will let you know how it turns out.

[Windsong]

As long as what you varnish with this product stays inside your home you should be fine. If what you varnish is going in water out side in the elements use what has proven to work for over 100 years. Its your time and hard work that is at stake. Choose wisely. The easy way out is always the harder way back.
Good luck.
Lars

[mcdenny]

I used the System 3 product for a couple of boats but decided it was so hard to keep a wet edge that I went back to Epiphanes. Fast dry, easy clean up, no smell was nice but just too fussy for me anyway.

[Lew Barrett]

And that's been my experience with one part as well; stuff ends up looking ropey.

[MiddleAgesMan]

IIRC Wild Wassa (a pro from Oz) recommends and uses a two-pack water based varnish that is available there. He mentioned the brand at some point but it was unfamiliar to me.

Just because it is water based doesn't mean it is more likely to fail in a marine environment. I would guess 90 percent of the exterior finishes applied to our houses are water based, probably more.

[kc8pql]

Waterbased varnishes, either one or two part, work best if sprayed.

[MiddleAgesMan]

If that is true Perfection varnish is an exception. Roll or brush.

[keyhavenpotterer]

Waterbased varnishes, either one or two part, work best if sprayed.

Thanks for that. I have a pal who was a pro spray painter.

General view seems to be against water based at this time.

Perfection is NOT water based. RAID41 has a large expanse of hull side to varnish and hence the worry about keeping a wet edge.

Do people use the grey foam epoxy rollers ofr rollering two pack varnish? I could see this as being much quicker, laying a deeper layer and giving more chance to keep a wet edge?

Thanks for replies so far.

Brian

[pcford]

Do people use the grey foam epoxy rollers ofr rollering two pack varnish?

1. Don't use two part varnish on traditionally planked wooden boats.

2. Use yellow Tiz rollers. Grey rollers are much too thick.