Poll: Life after Behr Spar Varnish

[willin woodworks]

pfffft ...how do you pronounce Epifane?

Var-nish

[jpatrick]

I chose to use Epiphanes because I like the look and sound of the name. Seemed like as good a reason as any. Flagship sounds rather navy or political like. Man O' War, the same. Behr... well who can find it? Besides, does it poop in the woods?

Jeff

[Yeadon]

I think Steven Bauer must have the last unopened gallon of Behr in the world. A big responsibility, if you ask me.

[pcford]

We might have a poll of the best way to remove 12 coats of varnish every 3 years .

The best way to proceed is to have someone who knows how to varnish do the job.

[David G]

There have been several excellent products mentioned here. I first ask if my client has a preference. So I've used an assortment of varnishes and similar products.

But I don't recommend that approach. Instead, for most boat owners, I strongly suggest you pick one of the reputable brands/products and get as good as you can with it.

FWIW -- My own go-to is Interlux Schooner #96. Unless I'm doing something where ambering is undesirable. Then there are some other choices available. I grab McClosky's if it's handy. Pick a varnish. Pick a brush type. Get some of the recommended solvent. Using them consistently will yield far better results than hopping around in a search for 'better'.

[pcford]

There have been several excellent products mentioned here. I first ask if my client has a preference. So I've used an assortment of varnishes and similar products.

But I don't recommend that approach. Instead, for most boat owners, I strongly suggest you pick one of the reputable brands/products and get as good as you can with it.

FWIW -- My own go-to is Interlux Schooner #96. Unless I'm doing something where ambering is undesirable. Then there are some other choices available. I grab McClosky's if it's handy. Pick a varnish. Pick a brush type. Get some of the recommended solvent. Using them consistently will yield far better results than hopping around in a search for 'better'.

davidg, you don't mention Cetol. (?)

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

Epifanes. Always rub down between coats. That’s 14 coats.

[Nicholas Carey]

Le Tonkinois is not on the list.

That's an awfully nice varnish.

[pcford]

Epifanes. Always rub down between coats. That’s 14 coats.

Hey! You trying to confuse the boys, Andrew?!

[pcford]

Le Tonkinois is not on the list.

That's an awfully nice varnish.

Because I don't speak French I would not be able to read the instructions on the can.

[StevenBauer]

I think Steven Bauer must have the last unopened gallon of Behr in the world. A big responsibility, if you ask me.

Jim Drake might have some, too. We each bought a case when it was getting scarce.

[Edward Pearson]

A few other marginal gains...

Beside Schooner original, I use a Harris stain/ varnish brush. Clean it in Intetnational’s solvent then store it bristles suspended in a jar of linseed oil (not boiled) that doesn’t skin or oxidise (only very slowly). Coz its a tung oil based varnish its kinda ok to store the brush in oil. When i do some more, take it out swill it off in some Internationals solvent again then dry it then go to the boat. Brush is always clean/ supple and its more eco than chucking brushes and you can use a nice one. I think I got that from the woodenboat series finishing book. Cut off any stray bristles before using it. Doesnt seem to loose shape suspended in the linseed oil.

I also have to say, some course paint filters (amazon) strain out any lumps easy, though with the bags, now that seems to be fixed as its not going off in the resealed tin, even upside down. With the bags you just sqeeze any air out and seal it. About a £1 bag.

Getting some tack rags also seems to eliminate that last bit of dust and improves the finish. Then picking my day...windless grey overcast if possible. Just leaves those black flies...

Dip my brush in the clean undisturbed - no bits picked up from the boat or bubbles - right hand side of the decanted varnish container, and remove excess or whatever on the left side of the plastic tub so dont pick that back up.

It’s A Pee Fanny.

[MoePorter]

We might have a poll of the best way to remove 12 coats of varnish every 3 years .

...

[David G]

davidg, you don't mention Cetol. (?)

I find Sikkens Cetol Marine to be a perfectly acceptable 'clear' finish for brightwork. Impressive longevity. But wasn't the OP asking about varnishes?

Also... Your comments about the horrible orange are outdated. They don't make that product any more. They make 3 versions of the base (color) coat. And then the clear topcoat. One of which resembles the original fluorescent orange goop a bit, but much muted. My preferred flavor is the Natural Teak.

[wizbang 13]

For this thread, I am speaking of Cetol Gloss.
I have mentioned "Cetol Orange" a few times , knowing it is a novelty.
Cetol Gloss dries clear, shiny, fairly hard ,very slowly, and outlasts any other product here,imo.
bruce

[pcford]

I find Sikkens Cetol Marine to be a perfectly acceptable 'clear' finish for brightwork. Impressive longevity. But wasn't the OP asking about varnishes?

Also... Your comments about the horrible orange are outdated. They don't make that product any more. They make 3 versions of the base (color) coat. And then the clear topcoat. One of which resembles the original fluorescent orange goop a bit, but much muted. My preferred flavor is the Natural Teak.

Well, ok. As the Frenchies say: "chacun à son goût."
Never used it. Never will. Why go to all that prep work, and then top it with a finish, which to me, is inferior.

[pcford]

https://youtu.be/wNJ-hBA_-80?list=RDgjOGaDseKgw

[Nicholas Scheuer]

Deks is easier for patching a ding because it's a softer finish. For #1 it's just a case of rubbing on more 1. For bright #2 all you have to do is lightly sand, rub in a couple of coats of #1, then apply a couple of coats of #2.

Fisheries Supply does not sell Deks Olje. I feel like maybe I've seen it at the Northwest Maritime Center Chandlery in Port Townsend. (Though it's not listed in their store.) What do you like about it?



Erpifert.

Duh.

[Chris Woodward]

DSC_0110.jpg

Interlux #90 Original.
Brushed on with a cheap handled brush that has good natural bristles. I clean the brushes and use them 10-12 times then throw them out. The only cost $15 so not a major investment.

[StevenBauer]

Why no mention of Lust?

0D21AC81-DCC4-400F-A2CF-DF44E744D188.jpg

https://www.totalboat.com/product/lust/

[Nicholas Scheuer]

[





QUOTE=Andrew Craig-Bennett;6695778]

Epifanes. Always rub down between coats. That’s 14 coats.[/QUOTE]


Stunning! But do you get to use it between coats of varnish?

[Ted Hoppe]

^

[pcford]

[





QUOTE=Andrew Craig-Bennett;6695778]

Epifanes. Always rub down between coats. That’s 14 coats.

Stunning! But do you get to use it between coats of varnish?[/QUOTE]

The drying time per coat will increase with additional coats.
A customer once wanted twelve coats of varnish on his Chris. (not 13, not 11) I usually coated until the grain was full then a couple more. Did not count. I would guess 7-8-9

[Yeadon]

I use Cetol gloss over numerous "varnishes".
Bingo is Cetol Gloss over epoxy

The little bit of bright on Woody is Cetol Gloss over Cetol "orange"

and of course Wonderland is all Cetol Gloss over Cetol orange

Woody is a fun boat. The Cetol looks great on her. Nice dog too.

[pcford]

DSC_0110.jpg

Interlux #90 Original.
Brushed on with a cheap handled brush that has good natural bristles. I clean the brushes and use them 10-12 times then throw them out. The only cost $15 so not a major investment.

Nice work. I used to use foamies for the build coats, then switch to an inexpensive brand which does not drop bristles...sorry, can't remember brand...they were about 5-6 bucks wholesale then just toss 'em.
Warning! Do not buy badger brushes. If you want to spend a lot of money on a brush, go to a professional painters' supply house.

[wizbang 13]

The Fooler

[Bobcat]

I'm currently having pretty good results with McCloskey Man o' War on my spars and tiller.

That's what I am using

[pcford]

That's what I am using

It is a wonderful handling finish...there are some issues with longevity...

It is very pale, at times that can be an issue.

[pcford]

Saddened by the refusal of Home Depot to carry Behr Super Spar Varnish, I'm curious what varnish my fellow forumites are using. Let's poll the crowd. My poll contains varnish products carried by Fisheries Supply in Seattle.

Feel free to add your own product suggestions in the comments.

Shopping at Home Depot? Are you aware that the company is owned by Satan?

[gazzer]

So my local Home Depot sells Behr Spar Urethane. I take it that this is not the same varnish that was earlier marketed by Behr. Or is it? I've used Pettit Captain's for years and like it a lot. I've run out and need to buy more hence looking at other products.

[StevenBauer]

So my local Home Depot sells Behr Spar Urethane. I take it that this is not the same varnish that was earlier marketed by Behr. Or is it? I've used Pettit Captain's for years and like it a lot. I've run out and need to buy more hence looking at other products.

Hmm, an oil based urethane. $18/qt, $47/gallon. I’d say worth a try. Who’s going to step up and report back?

[Yeadon]

So my local Home Depot sells Behr Spar Urethane. I take it that this is not the same varnish that was earlier marketed by Behr. Or is it? I've used Pettit Captain's for years and like it a lot. I've run out and need to buy more hence looking at other products.

Not the same stuff. Though for a premium Steven could probably sell you a few ounces of the original nectar.

I'd just order more Captains.

[Boatbum]

pfffft ...how do you pronounce Epifane?

The manufacturer pronounces it Epi-faaan-ays

[wizbang 13]

yea but, they have a dutch accent. I can't even pronounce their cheese (post #16)

[pcford]