Even our favorite products, the ones we'd come to rely on, had room for improvement. It'd be nice if they could hold up longer, cure faster, coat better, apply easier, and—since we all know boat ownership creates a mini maelstrom in your pocket—cost less. So we took everything we knew from 35 years of customer feedback, combined that with our own boating knowledge, and after a few years of rigorous R&D, TotalBoat was born. Launched, rather. By boaters, for boaters.
Need help? The members of our TotalBoat Tech Team are boat owners who really know their stuff. So whether you're trying to figure out what to buy or what's the best solution for your particular project, they have years of hands-on training and experience—and a passion to help you succeed.
Click to play video
✅ Stone Broke Adventure
Stephen Waller
Jamestown Distributor
Looking for specific info, customer reviews.
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Customers like the finish, functionality, and ease of application of the household varnish. They mention it produces a beautiful finish, works great, and is easy to work with. Some appreciate that it dries quickly and allows for multiple coats in minimal time. Customers also mention it's durable and stays looking great.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the finish of the product. They mention it's smooth and easy to apply, and produces a beautiful finish. Some say it has a nice gloss and stays looking brand new. Customers are also pleased with the slight amber color and sheen. They say it behaves like a spar varnish and dries quickly.
"was easy to apply and looks fantastic " Read more
"Really made my project look beautiful " Read more
"...Brushes on easily and looks fantastic " Read more
"...-leveling, dries in 2 hours which is a plus in my book, has a beautiful glossy finish , easy to sand and durable to the outdoor environment...." Read more
Customers like the functionality of the product. They mention it works awesome, has excellent application qualities, and the results look great. Some say the application and resultant finish meet all expectations.
"... Very pleased with the results ." Read more
"... It worked great ." Read more
"I'm so glad we found this product. Its amazing ." Read more
" Works great . Used it on the wood on an old canoe. Excellent product!" Read more
Customers find the varnish easy to apply. They mention it works great, is super easy to work with, and sets up fast. Some say it goes on nicely and dries fast.
"was easy to apply and looks fantastic" Read more
"... Brushes on easily and looks fantastic" Read more
"...It was easy to use . I made a bar top for a tiki bar and used this to finish the bar top. Very pleased with the results." Read more
" Easy to apply , has an excellent finish quality and has turned out to be quite durable months later" Read more
Customers like the product for its fast drying time. They mention it allows for multiple coats in minimal time and dries very glossy.
"...What I love the most about this varnish is it's self-leveling, dries in 2 hours which is a plus in my book, has a beautiful glossy finish, easy to..." Read more
"...The stuff looks great & dried quickly for spar varnish . I brushed on 3 coats...." Read more
"...Gleam 2.0 is very different than typical spar varnish - It dries in one hour , self-levels quickly, and you can put down three coats easily in a..." Read more
"...It has rained a few times since it was used and water beads up , doesn't penetrative...." Read more
Customers like the durability of the varnish. They mention it's attractive, durable, and stays looking great. Some say it'll make a fantastic protective shield and is totally water-proof. They also appreciate the consistency and hard, smooth finish when cured.
"...my book, has a beautiful glossy finish, easy to sand and durable to the outdoor environment ...." Read more
"...It seems to be a very duerable finish .4 stars because you need very adequate ventilation when applying this...." Read more
"Easy to apply, has an excellent finish quality and has turned out to be quite durable months later" Read more
"This vanish is far from the best best. It doesn't holdup as it should to the sun and weather. After about 6 months it started to crack and peal...." Read more
Customers like the smooth finish of the varnish. They mention it goes down extremely smoothly, flows onto the wood, and is easy to apply. Some say it stays fairly soft for several days until it completely cures, and it's hard as nails when dry.
"...But after applying it for week now, sunny everyday, no rain, low humitdity , highs near 90, I believe it is mostly urethane based...." Read more
"...using a natural bristle wood stains and finishes brush - it went down extremely smooth -- the bush glided along the wood like it was lubricated and..." Read more
"...remark: while the product dries indeed very quickly, it stays fairly soft for several days until it completely cures." Read more
"Fast drying allows for multiple coats in minimal time. Smooth and easy to apply. Produced a beautiful finish. Very pleased...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the value for money of the household varnish. Some mention it's worth the money, while others say it'll be a little expensive.
" Very nice product " Read more
"...It is definitly not value for the money , it is expensive." Read more
"...Bottom of can was rounded. Got lucky the can wasn't leaking. Wonderful product though," Read more
"The can looked like someone hit it with baseball bat!!!!! Very expensive stain !!!!! To show up like that!!!!!" Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the thickness of the varnish. Some mention it's very thin and almost water-like, while others say it has thinned out in a few bad places and has low solids.
"I found it to be a bit too thin and drippy for a large vertical surface, so I won’t use it again on the transom of my antique boat, but it has nice..." Read more
"...This stuff is amazing. First, it's perfectly thinned right out of the can -- making it glide on so smoothly, you'll wonder if it's really varnish...." Read more
"Great varnish, little hard to handle as it is very thin going on , like old style tung. Produces a wonderful finish...." Read more
"...It has thinned out in a few bad places ...." Read more
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..
Looking for the best yacht insurance ? Buy your sailing yacht insurance online at Admiral Marine, or contact our expert team for advice.
Varnishing your yacht is an essential part of its care and maintenance. The benefits are twofold: yacht varnish protects your boat from the elements, while also giving it a beautiful shiny finish. But with so many different yacht and marine varnishes to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your boat.
In this article, we’ll run through some of the most popular types of yacht varnish on the market to help you choose the right option.
Yacht varnish is an extremely durable solvent-based coating that is designed to protect the wood that yachts are made of and stop it decaying over time. Most varnishes are made up of a penetrating oil, resin and solvent. Although most yacht varnish is applied with a brush, it is possible to buy yacht varnish spray.
There are many different types of finish to choose from, so you’ll need to know a little about them to decide which is the best yacht varnish for you.
Designed by Freepik https://www.freepik.com/
There are various brands that produce yacht varnish. Here are a couple of the most popular:
Screwfix is a retailer in the UK that sells a variety of products, including hardware and building supplies. They may carry different brands and types of yacht varnish. Yacht varnish provides resistance to water, UV rays, and other environmental elements. Yacht varnishes often contain additives to enhance their durability and performance in marine conditions.
A durable, long-lasting marine varnish for wood that flexes with the movement of the wood and resists peeling and cracking. This varnish is slightly more pricey than the Screwfix varnish, but gets great reviews. You can buy the Ronseal brand of yacht varnish in B&Q and other retailers.
Varnishing a yacht is fairly straightforward, if a little time-consuming. First you’ll need to carefully sand down the entire surface that you want to varnish to get it looking smooth. Then use a soft brush to wipe off any excess dust and debris, since you don’t want it getting trapped in the varnish.
Finally, use a paintbrush to coat the yacht with varnish. Leave it to dry for the recommended amount of time on the tin, then apply additional coats as required. Always check the instructions of your varnish type, and if unsure consult with an expert before starting.
Yacht varnish is solvent-based and contains toxic chemicals, which means it should not be used for varnishing animal enclosures (for example, rabbit hutches or reptile enclosures).
Admiral Marine is a trading name of Admiral Marine Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 306002) for general insurance business. Registered in England and Wales Company No. 02666794 at 1st Floor, One The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6DG
If you wish to register a complaint, please contact the Compliance and Training Manager on [email protected] . If you are unsatisfied with how your complaint has been dealt with, you may be able to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS website is www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
+44 (0)1722 416106 | [email protected] | Blakey Road, Salisbury, SP1 2LP, United Kingdom
Part of the Hayes Parsons Group
Two-part varnishes leading in durability as long-term test reaches 24-month mark..
Like spotting land after a long passage, were glad to say that the end of our long-term exterior wood finishes test is finally on the horizon. Time, weather, and Southwest Floridas unrelenting sunshine have clearly taken their toll on the test panels over the last 24 months, and as the evaluation moves into its third year, only 19 of the original 54 test products will continue on in our survival-of-the fittest finish matchup. Given that most wood coatings are rarely expected to last longer than two years in the marine environment-particularly in super-sunny locales-its no surprise that we’ve seen more significant changes in the coatings in the last six months than we had in previous checkups.
Our search for the ideal wood finish-relatively easy to apply, easy to maintain, lasts multiple seasons, and is affordable-began in 2007 when we took a look at the different types of exterior wood finishes on the market, their pros and cons, and how easy they were to apply ( one-part varnishes , August 2007; varnish alternatives , October 2007; two-part varnishes , December 2007; teak oils and stains , April 2008). Launched in 2008, the long-term panel test aimed to determine which type of coating offers the best and longest protection and which products stand out among their peers.
We hope the comparison enables readers to decide which finish best matches their own taste, potential labor investment, and wood protection needs.
We’ve rated the test products every six months and reported on the coatings durability in the May 2009 issue ( six-month checkup ), December 2009 issue ( 12 months ), and January 2011 ( 18 months ) issues. Here, we offer the two-year report on the survivors.
Testers applied dozens of exterior wood finishes (22 one-part varnishes, six two-part varnishes, 18 synthetics and satins/varnish alternatives, and eight teak oils and sealers) to small panels of bare solid teak. Each was assigned a number for blind judging and was applied per manufacturers instructions. If makers gave a range for the number of coats to apply, testers went with the minimum.
Initial testing rated each products ease of application and original gloss and reflective qualities. In the summer of 2008, the test panels were mounted on a wooden rack (aka: The Rack), which was set up in an unobstructed area on the roof of the PS workshop in Sarasota, Fla., to ensure that all panels received the same amount of weather exposure. The top part of each panel was covered to create a control area that testers used for comparison over time. Every six months, we disassembled The Rack and rated the panels on how well their coating integrity, gloss, and color had fared over time with constant exposure to the elements.
The test was designed as an endurance test, a fight to the finish, so we have not done any maintenance coats or touch-ups to the test panels. These products can be expected to have much longer lifespans if they are regularly maintained.
Testers rate each panel on three long-term performance criteria: coating integrity, gloss retention, and color retention. Excellent and Good coating integrity ratings mean that no maintenance is needed; a Fair indicates that its time for a maintenance coat; Poor means the fat lady has sung, and the coating would need to be removed and re-applied. Excellent ratings are given only to those with an uncompromised coating. This time, panels with Poor and Fair- coating integrity were pulled from the test.
Color and gloss retention ratings are relative to the panels original finish. Initial gloss and ease of application are relative to the field within each coating category; these were assigned immediately after the panels were coated.
It was tougher to pick Recommended coatings at the two-year mark, as most wood finishes aren’t intended to go that long without maintenance. One-part varnishes that earned PSs recommendation this go-round were rated Fair for coating integrity (none rated better than Fair ) and had no Poor ratings. Recommended two-part systems rated Good or better for coating integrity with no Poor ratings. No varnish alternatives or teak oils/sealers were recommended at two years.
PRODUCT | PRICE | AFTER 2 YEARS COAT INTEGRITY | GLOSS RETENTION | COLOR RETENTION | AFTER 1 YEAR COAT INTEGRITY | GLOSS RETENTION | COLOR RETENTION | INITIAL RATINGS EASE OF APPLICATION | GLOSS/ FINISH NOTES |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Epifanes Rapidclear | $26/ quart | Poor | Poor | Fair | Fair | Good | Fair | Excellent | Clear/satin |
Interlux Sikkens Cetol Marine (alone) | $25/ quart | Fair | N/A | Fair+ | Excellent | N/A | Good | Excellent | Opaque amber/ matte |
Interlux Sikkens Cetol with Marine Gloss | $25/ quart (Gloss $28) | Fair+ | Poor | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Opaque amber; clear overcoat/ Satin |
Interlux Sikkens Cetol Marine Light (alone) | $25/ quart | Fair | N/A | Fair | Good+ | N/A | Fair | Excellent | Opaque light amber/ matte |
Interlux Sikkens Cetol Marine Light with Marine Gloss | $25/ quart (Gloss: $28) | Fair+ | Poor | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Opaque amber; clear overcoat/ satin |
Interlux Sikkens Cetol Natural Teak with Marine Gloss | $26/ quart (Gloss: $28) | Fair- | Fair | Poor | Good | Good | Fair | Good | Golden-translucent, clear overcoat/ satin |
Le Tonkinois Bio Impression with Vernis | N/A | Fair | Poor | Fair | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Warm, dark amber/ high gloss |
West Marine WoodPro Plus Semi-Gloss | $30/ quart | Poor | Poor | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Clear/ satin |
WoodPlus Marine Natural | $21/ quart | Fair- | Poor | Poor | Good | Good | Fair | Excellent | Reddish brown/ low gloss |
Ace Spar Varnish Gloss 16373 | $13/ quart | Fair- | Fair- | Good | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Good |
Coelan (with primer) | $145/ kit | Fair- | Fair | Fair- | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
Deft Defthane Poly Satin | $13/ quart | Fair- | Poor | Fair- | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Fair |
Detco Crystal | $41/ quart | Good- | Fair | Fair- | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Good |
Epifanes Clear High Gloss | $27/ quart | Fair- | Fair- | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
Epifanes Wood Finish Gloss | $36/ quart | Fair | Poor | Fair | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
HMG K Type Varnish | $30/ liter | Poor | Poor | Poor | Excellent | Good | Fair | Good | Excellent |
Interlux Goldspar Cllear | N/A | Fair+ | Fair- | Fair+ | Good | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
Interlux Jet Speed | N/A | Fair | Poor | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
Interlux Schooner | $23/ quart | Fair+ | Fair- | Poor | Good+ | Good | Fair | Good | Good |
Le Tonkinois No. 1 | $35/ liter | Fair- | Poor | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
Le Tonkinois Vernis | $33/ liter | Fair+ | Fair- | Fair+ | Excellent | Fair | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
Minwax In/Outdoor Helmsman Spar Urethane | $17/ quart | Fair | Fair | Poor | Good | Good | Fair | Excellent | Excellent |
Pettit Bak V-Spar 2053 | N/A | Fair- | Poor | Poor | Fair | Poor | Fair | Excellent | Excellent |
Pettit Z-Spar 2015 Flagship | $30/ quart | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
Pettit Z-spar Captain's Ultra Clear 2067 | $30/Quart | Fair+ | Fair | Fair | Excellent | Good | Fair | Excellent | Excellent |
Pettit Z-Spar Captain’s 1015 Traditional Amber | $28/ quart | Fair- | Poor | Fair | Excellent | Good+ | Good | Good | Good |
Pettit Z-Spar Captain’s EZ Care 1016 (Woolsey) | N/A | Fair | Fair- | Good | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Good |
West Marine 5-Star Premium | $32/ quart | Fair- | Poor | Fair | Excellent | Good | Fair | Good | Excellent |
TWO-PART SYSTEMS | |||||||||
Bristol Finish, Traditional Amber | $70/ kit (1 quart) | Poor | Fair | Good | Fair | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
HMG Acrythane XSC | $45/ liter | Fair | Good | Fair+ | Good+ | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
Honey Teak with overcoat | $2/ sq. ft. | Fair- | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
Interlux Perfection | $60/ kit (1 quart) | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
Nautiking NautiThane | $120/ kit (1 quart) | Good | Good- | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good |
Smith Five-Year Clear | N/A | Good | Good | Fair | Good+ | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
What a difference a season makes! With the exception of a few two-part products, the test coatings had lost their sparkle at the two-year mark. Ratings slipped across the board. The UV abuse had obviously taken its toll, sucking the life out of most of the coatings, particularly the clear finishes.
Those clinging to life with Fair coating integrity are still protecting the wood, but they’ve lost their looks. In the real world, all of the one-part varnish and varnish alternative test panels would be due for a maintenance coat, and some-like HMG K Type Varnish, West Marine WoodPro Plus (rebranded Epifanes Rapidclear), and Ace Spar Varnish-would be overdue.
The biggest overall decline was within the one-part varnish test group: Not a single one rated better than Fair for coating integrity or gloss retention, and nearly half of the test field was retired after this rating round. Just six months before, eight of the 19 products rated Good for coating integrity and six rated Good for gloss retention. In 12 months, seven dropped from an Excellent coating integrity to a Fair.
The one-part varnishes offering the most protection after two years are Detco Crystal, Le Tonkinois Vernis, and Pettits Z-Spar Captains 2067. However, their extended protection comes with tradeoffs: Detco rated only Fair for application, Le Tonks gloss started to slip after one year, and Pettits 2067 started losing its original color after 12 months.
One hardware store varnish has surprisingly held its own over the long haul: Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane. At half the cost of the Recommended one-part varnishes, Minwax slacked in the color retention department, but it has proven its multi-season durability.
Four of the nine varnish alternatives have been voted off The Rack after two years, and none performed well enough to earn our recommendation for two-year wood protection.
The Cetol products are still at the head of the pack, albeit a somewhat mangy-looking pack. The cloudy, opaque look of the Cetol Marine and Marine Light products may not appeal to everyone, but the fact they’ve maintained their color for more than a year is a good example that higher-solids finishes tend to offer better UV protection.
The Cetol Natural (with gloss) test panel fell from a Good coating integrity six months ago to being dropped from testing. Its performance mirrors what we’ve seen in the field: Give it a little loving once a year with a scrubby pad and a fresh coat, and it’ll last the long haul.
Its taken two years, but the two-part varnishes are finally starting to show their age. Surprisingly, the first products to be dropped from this group are two that performed well in past PS tests: Bristol Finish and Honey Teak. This is likely because the life of a wood finish in Florida is always going to be shorter than in our past test locales in New England.
The other two-parts are still holding up well, with Interlux Perfection and Nautiking Nautithane offering uncompromised protection and better-than-expected gloss after 24 months. Perfection has been reformulated since the test began and is now sold as Perfection Plus.
The temporarily discontinued (since 2009) Smiths Five Year Clear has also proven to be a top-notch finish, but its not available at this time.
While HMG Acrythane XSC didn’t earn our Recommendation this time, it was a top 18-month finish, it still looks good, and it costs less than the Nautithane.
After two years of testing, we’ve come to accept that perhaps there’s no Holy Grail of exterior wood finishes. It would appear, unfortunately, that we can’t have it all: easy to apply, easy to maintain, long-lasting protection, and a budget-friendly price tag. The reality is that, like much in life, wood protection is all about compromise and balancing your needs with your wants.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and the boat owner who finds gratification in the wet, glossy look of a two-part varnish borne of painstaking preparation and careful application will weigh our test data much differently than the one who regards brightwork maintenance as a masochistic endeavor. For the latter, we recommend seeking out a varnish alternative (easy to apply, easy to maintain) that suits your tastes. With modest maintenance, the Cetol products with gloss overcoats have proven to be the most durable.
For areas where slippery-when-wet coatings wont do, Cetol Natural (without gloss overcoat) or our top-pick teak oil, Star brites Tropical Teak Sealer (classic teak) should be considered. The Star brite will need to be reapplied every three or four months.
If you’re looking for a harder, more abrasion-resistant finish that’ll make it past the year mark, check out the top one-part varnishes like Detco Crystal or Pettits Z-Spar Captains 2067. Boat owners in sailing areas that see less sunshine than our Florida test site should also consider Pettits Flagship 2015 or Captains 1015. One-part varnishes require a little more work upfront and quick attention when they are scratched or dinged, but they also offer a more traditional, high-gloss look. The one-part varnishes in our test slipped dramatically after a year and half, so we suggest an annual maintenance coat, whether they look like they need it or not.
As this test has shown, when it comes to long-lasting protection and gloss, two-part varnishes just can’t be beat. They may be a pain to apply-and should you let the coating fail, you had better invest in a heat gun-but their durability is unmatched.
The top two-part after two years of testing was Interlux Perfection. Because we’ve not yet tested the reformulated Perfection, the top pick honors go to Nautikings Nautithane. While its price tag ($120 per quart kit) is a bit hard for most of us to swallow, Nautithane earned across-the-board Good ratings after two years.
Practical Sailor often supplements panel testing with product challenges aboard our test boats to see whether top products still earn their keep in the real world and to try out new products. Two such evaluations are our exterior wood finish tests.
In the January 2011 issue, we introduced a head-to-head matchup of varnish alternatives—market-newcomer PolyWhey from Vermont Natural Coatings versus perennial favorite Interlux’s Sikkens Cetol Natural Teak—that had been applied to our Cape Dory 25 test boat. For that test, we’ve just let nature run its course: no band-aid touchups, no maintenance coats, no freshwater rinses, no TLC at all.
Comparatively, we’ve been testing Cetol Natural aboard our Chesapeake Bay-based Union 36 test boat, where it was laid on with the Cetol gloss overcoat in 2008; in this evaluation, testers have applied annual maintenance coats and given the coating regular TLC. Here’s the latest on both of these tests:
In the fall of 2010, testers applied three coats of Caspian Clear PolyWhey to the coamings and companionway trim on the Cape Dory, which is sailed several times a week and lives on a mooring in Sarasota Bay, Fla. We also applied Cetol Natural to the boat’s toerail, and previously had applied it to the tiller and forward hatch trim.
PolyWhey is a unique wood finish that uses whey protein, a by-product of the cheesemaking process, as a binder. It’s touted as a more eco-friendly and more sustainable coating than petroleum-based polyurethanes, which can have up to 75 percent more volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Consistently among the top varnish alternatives in PS’s tests, Cetol Natural is not as muddy-looking as its predecessors, Cetol Marine Light and Cetol Marine—like the Caspian Clear, it allows the wood’s natural grain to show and has a low gloss.
As far as application, both the Cetol and PolyWhey are quick and easy to apply, with much shorter recoat times than hard varnishes and less (or no) sanding between coats. The main difference that we found in these two finishes was with durability.
The PolyWhey turned out to be a much softer coating than the Cetol. It held up for about two months, but after three months, it was in need of a recoat, and at six months, it needed a total takedown—and Cetol had emerged as the death-match victor.
The PolyWhey on the coaming was the first to go: Where crew backs often lean against the wood, the finish was all but gone after four months. The PolyWhey on the companionway slides held on for about that long, but by six months, they were ready for a do-over as well.
The Cetol on the toerail was in need of a few touchups after six months, mostly in areas where fenders and docklines came in contact with it. But the tiller and hatch trim were still fairly well-protected almost a year after application. Although we’d recommend a maintenance coat at this point, testers plan to see how many more months we can eek out of the coating before we reach the point of no return.
Bottom line : We applaud VNC’s efforts to offer a “green” wood finish—and their creative recycling of dairy industry “trash”—but we can’t recommend it over Cetol for an exterior coating in the marine environment.
Testers applied three coats of Cetol Natural with Cetol Marine Gloss overcoat to the Union in March 2008. Once a year, we scuff it up with a 3M pad, give it a freshwater rinse, and brush on a maintenance coat.
Compared to a clear, glossy varnish, it looks decent and the maintenance regimen is more realistic for our tastes and available time. However, one downside to softer, varnish alternative coatings—even those with an overcoat—is that they don’t stand up as well as hard finishes to dings and abrasion. Example: The Union’s toerail has one place in need of touching-up where a fender line wore away the finish. (See photo above.)
Bottom line : The Cetol Natural with overcoat has held up very well. While applying the topcoat may mean added effort, both our panel tests and test-boat evaluations have shown that the coating will last much longer and need fewer bandaids if the soft Cetol is protected with the semi-hard topcoat.
Teak oils and other naturally based finishes like PolyWhey, need maintenance coats every few months. Their chemical cousins, however, like Cetol, have proven they can offer good protection with only annual nurturing and the occasional touchup.
18 comments.
I’m surprised you didnt include Alwood from Awlgrip
Search Awlwood on the website. We have a couple reports. October 2014 (chandlery), and June 2015 issues. Download the PDFs, because the tables haven’t been loaded online yet. It is broadly comparable to Sikkens Cetol.
opps, Awlwood not alwood
All very interesting……The “bottom line” is just flush the line in fresh water.
Thank you for the great info. I am going order year of Practical Sailor.
What is your opinion of covering a 2 part varnish with a one part?
It is certainly a comprehensive test. I’ve taken the journey of sticking with one of your “good” one part varnishes, Epiphanes Wood Finish gloss 10 coats with Epiphanes final two matte finishes. I’ve been quite impressed with it over the past 8 years on both my Cape Dory Typhoon and my Alberg 30. My conclusion is, read your directions carefully and be patient through all phases of application. Teak requires a caregiver! Great read especially during this pandemic period.
Great review. Your test is useful for me because I want to buy but dont know which product is the best. I must say that I like all of those mentioned above and price is really cheap. It’s always good to hear other input.
You missed out Pettit’s Gold, a water-based varnish. I have used it, and it’s great. For long life? Too soon to tell. Cetol has mostly been a disaster, especially with the Gloss overcoat. Applying Cetol can be tantamount to vandalism.
That’s really nice post. I appreciate your skills. Thanks for sharing.
Did you continue with testing to date, I am after a product that want yellow or bloom because of constant direct sunlight. I am in the North West of Australia where the temp at it’s coolest is 30+ Celsius for a couple of months and peeks over 50 + Celsius for a lot more than the couple of cooler months.
I use Rust-Oleum 207008 Spar Varnish. So much better than those water-based varnishes. This stuff protects almost forever. We used to use this kind of spar varnish in the Navy to protect the woodwork exposed to salty air.
The Interlux Varnish became my favorite varnish on teak fixtures when I tried it out 2 years ago. This is because of the immense difference it makes in the way it lends my pulpit or anything made of teak with a sophisticated, good-as-new finish.
It’s strange that you call out Pettit Z-Spar Captains 2067 as a top performer in the conclusions, but it’s not shown in the chart. Those Pettit products that are included in the chart don’t appear to be top performers. I’m confused.
After less than a year the Bristol finish I used on my boat looks terrible and will have to be removed. The folks at Bristol are absolutely no help at all. Their disclaimer is that they know nothing about boats. I most strongly advise against using this product for marine application. I have photos taken immediately after application, two months after, and eight months after if anyone is interested. By the way, the problem manifested on well prepped old teak and well prepped new teak. Could have just been a bad batch of finish but as I said, the folks at Bristol were no help. I ADVISE AGAINST USING BRISTOL FOR MARINE APPLICATIONS
I’m certain that the analysis of marine varnish was expensive and time consuming but one area that could benefit many subscribers if it was conducted continuously. Practical Sailor is the only place that I can rely on for accurate, up-to-date information on the products I need and use.
This is an important maintenance topic to me. Maintaining brightwork is a lot of labor. This article was last updated in June 2020. I would appreciate an update. I have been using Epifanes clear high gloss varnish for the last five seasons. It gives a good finish but it needs to be touched up one a year even though my boat is under cover for six months of the year. I sail on Lake Erie.
Hi Darryl, I’ve been reading about the new clear wood finishes that are UV cured for furniture. They often topcoat with a “nano” finish. Is this new technology suitable for the marine environment? It sounds too good to be true, easy application, no waiting time, resists scratching… Thanks
Log in to leave a comment
Latest sailboat review.
Applying Ronseal Trade Yacht Varnish to wooden garden features is a fantastic way of prolonging them. It can be used on all smooth planed exterior wood and offers incredibly tough protection against damage and decay – whilst still highlighting the timber’s natural colour thanks to its clear formula.
The appetite for incorporating natural materials throughout the home and garden is on the up – and as such, we have seen a rise in the number of people interested in garden features such as wooden pergolas, hardwood furniture and rustic wooden details.
When speaking to customers about their ideal garden designs, don’t shy away from incorporating these wooden elements for fear of them warping or decaying in the unpredictable British weather. With the correct preparation, timber can offer the durable and long-lasting finish customers are after.
What is Yacht Varnish?
Yacht Varnish is an incredibly durable solvent-based varnish that was originally used to on boats to protect the wood and prevent it from decaying over time. Nowadays, this type of product is more commonly used for exterior household projects, when you are looking to give timber a high-gloss finish that lasts.
Once applied, Ronseal Trade Yacht Varnish is tough and will protect timber against everyday knocks and scratches as well as harsh weather conditions to prevent cracking, peeling and blistering. What’s more, it is formulated to protect the wood from the damaging effects of the sun and prevent it from discolouring, fading or greying over time. This makes it ideal for features such as wooden pergolas, doors and window frames that are exposed to the elements all year round and ensures that they will last for years to come.
Why choose Ronseal Trade?
Cleverly, Ronseal Trade Yacht Varnish has been formulated to offer the excellent weatherproofing and durability you would expect from a solvent-based varnish but without the long re-coat times. Impressively, it offers around half the re-coat time of a typical solvent-based varnish; it is rainproof in just four hours and it can be re-coated in as little as eight hours. This means that time on site and disruption to the customer can be reduced.
To find out more about Ronseal Trade Yacht Varnish click here .
Free Shipping On All Orders!
Lust Rapid Recoat Marine Spar Varnish
Halcyon Water-Based Marine Varnish
FREE SHIPPING with a minimum puchase of $1,200.00 You are $10.00 away from your free shipping!
Shipping, taxes, and dicount codes calculated at checkout.
FOR BEAUTFUL BRIGHTWORK
CHOOSE GLOSS OR SATIN
MAXIMUM UV PROTECTION
EASY TO USE, DRIES FAST
Couldn't load pickup availability
Gleam Spar Varnish has clear gloss and satin finishes that enhance the shine and durability of the surfaces they’re applied to. Gloss Gleam is very shiny and very smooth. It’s a little easier to clean, which makes it great for hand rails and trim. Satin Gleam brings out the natural beauty of the wood grain with a finish that’s much less shiny but no less durable. Satin was designed to boost the beauty of interior woods. It can also be used on deck areas that may become slippery when wet. Both Gleam finishes seal the beauty in and block the ravages of sun and moisture.
This one-part marine varnish goes on easily, without much thinning. More solids are applied to the surface, resulting in a more durable, UV-stable coating that lays down flat with fewer air bubbles to knock down by tipping. Unless you’re in extreme temperature conditions, you should only need to thin the first coat as a sealer coat.
As layers of Gleam Marine Varnish are applied, the finish depth increases. This smooth surface can be sanded between coats and overcoated to build gloss or depth as needed, one coat at a time. Maintaining the finish is easy, too. Just apply a few maintenance coats every year to varnished areas that are exposed to direct sunlight.
FREQUENTLY BOUGHT TOGETHER
Special Brushing Thinner 100
Spray Thinner 101
See how easy it is to apply totalboat gleam.
TECHNICAL DATA
Watch More Videos
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Marine Wood Finish
Danish Teak Sealer
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can i apply gleam marine spar varnish directly over epoxy, how do i apply this varnish, how much coverage will i get per gallon of varnish, how many coats of varnish should i apply, how long should i wait to re-coat, can the totalboat gleam marine spar varnish be used over stained surfaces, is there a difference in application between gloss and satin finishes, does this varnish dry clear, or does it have a color, how do i maintain varnished surfaces.
Tough, marine quality, high gloss varnish for boats, yachts and exterior woodwork. Specially formulated to resist cracking and peeling.
View all : No Nonsense Yacht Varnish
Add to basket for...
Check stock in your local store
Add to saved list…
Specification | |
---|---|
Brand | No Nonsense |
Coating & Finishes Drying Time | Dries in 16-24 Hours |
Colour | Clear |
Coverage Per Litre | 17 m²/Ltr |
Finish | Gloss |
Interior/Exterior Use | Exterior |
Label Info 1: Signal Word | Warning |
Label Info 2: Hazard Statements | H226 - Flammable liquid and vapourH304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.H312 Harmful in contact with skinH317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.H318 Causes serious eye damage.H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness.H351 Suspected of causing cancer.H361fd (Fertility and Unborn child) Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child. |
Label Info 3: Precautionary Statements | P102 Keep out of reach of children.P101 If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand.P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.P303 + P361 + P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.P403 Store in a well-ventilated place.P235 Keep cool.P501 Dispose of contents/container to … |
Label Info 5: Hazardous Chemical Content | Contains 2-butanone oxime. |
Liquid Base | Solvent-Based |
Manufacturer Guarantee | 2 Year Guarantee |
Pack Size | 1 |
Paint Application | Wood |
Parent Colour | Clear |
Pieces in Pack/Case | 1 |
Product Type | Yacht Varnish |
Volume | 750 ml |
Hazardous - Delivery unavailable for any offshore location.
Safety Data Sheet (COSHH)
Shop by category.
Yacht varnish clear high gloss, interior & exterior, marine & boat varnish, vintage varnish yacht varnish clear high gloss, interior & exterior,5, 10 & 20l, rustins yacht varnish, finest all weather wood finish, gloss/satin, 250/500ml/1l, yacht varnish gloss finish 151 tin weatherproof 180ml, 151 yacht varnish 300 ml tin interior or exterior gloss finish weatherproof, thomson yacht varnish clear high gloss, interior & exterior,5 litres tin, 300ml 151 yacht varnish tin interior or exterior gloss finish weatherproof, ronseal exterior yacht wood varnish - gloss or satin - all sizes, clear yacht varnish spray exterior interior waterproof all purpose 250ml, barrettine yacht varnish 1l marine quality highly durable uv resistant varnish, 4x clear yacht varnish spray exterior interior waterproof all purpose - 250ml, yacht varnish by flag paints, tough flexible uv resistant | satin & gloss finish, barrettine yacht varnish 2.5l marine quality highly durable uv resistant varnish, 2x clear yacht varnish spray exterior interior waterproof all purpose - 250ml, 300ml matt gloss yacht varnish interior exterior protection metal wood paints, rustins yacht varnish - satin or gloss - all sizes - free p&p, barretine yacht varnish clear gloss 1 litre interior & exterior high durability, rustins yacht varnish gloss - clear, 500ml for all weather wood finish, all purpose spray paint aerosol matt gloss metallic chalk wood car metal plastic, ronseal exterior yacht varnish available in satin/gloss 250ml, 500ml, 1l, 2.5l, ronseal exterior long lasting yacht varnish satin gloss finishes all sizes, all purpose clear varnish spray paint tin matt gloss yacht polyurethane diy, small jobs varnish paint 180ml tins clear gloss yacht antique pine dark oak, 300ml yacht varnish matt wood high gloss finish interior exterior solvent-based, 300ml gloss finish non drip paint tin varnish exterior interior hard drying new, ronseal yacht varnish exterior long lasting - all sizes | fast & free | top sel, 3 x 250ml clear yacht varnish spray exterior interior waterproof all purpose new, 👉 ronseal varnish indoor & outdoor – rainproof layer clear, pine, teak,, all purpose clear yacht varnish spray exterior interior waterproof 400ml., 4 x yacht varnish spray paint aerosol auto car lacquer wood metal 400ml, 300ml clear gloss varnish tin yacht varnish matt varnish wood interior exterior, johnstones woodcare outdoor yacht varnish - clear gloss - 750ml and 250ml, sadolin yacht varnish (gloss), 300ml clear matt, gloss & yacht varnish tin paint interior/exterior use, clear gloss clear matt clear yacht varnish spray paint exterior interior aerosol, all purpose clear yacht varnish spray exterior interior waterproof 250ml, clear yacht varnish 250ml spray exterior interior waterproof all purpose, 180ml yacht varnish gloss finish paint interior and exterior coatings for wood, clear yacht varnish tin paint 300ml quick drying paint for wood, metal, plastic, ronseal yacht varnish satin or gloss 250ml, 500ml, 1litre, 2.5 litre, all-purpose aerosol spray paint matt gloss satin primer metal wood plastic 400ml, thomson yacht varnish clear high gloss, interior & exterior,5 ltrs, yacht varnish gloss paint interior exterior 151 coatings gloss wooden 180ml, all purpose spray paint aerosol matt gloss satin primer metal wood plastic, 180ml gloss finish non drip paint tin varnish exterior interior hard drying new, yacht varnish clear high gloss interior & exterior for wood marine and boats, clear yacht varnish spray paint aerosol auto car lacquer wood metal 400ml, yacht varnish 500ml clear gloss protect external sailing ketch boat wood timber, ronseal yacht varnish gloss 250ml by ronseal | same day dispatch | fast & free |, rustins yacht varnish available in satin or gloss finish all sizes available, 6 x clear yacht varnish spray can exterior interior waterproof all purpose 250ml, all purpose paint aerosol matt gloss satin textured auto metal plastic wood, rustins yacht matt,gloss,satin polyurethane varnish interior hard wood cork, yacht varnish gloss finish 180ml waterproof, 4 x clear yacht varnish spray exterior interior waterproof all purpose - 250ml, all purposes stain varnish protection interior exterior seal clear gloss sprays, best selling, hammerite 5092965 metal paint smooth aerosol black 400ml, smith & allan cedol wood preserver 20l, bartoline creocote timber treatment - 4l, dark brown, creoseal plus dark 20ltr (oil based) creosote substitute, rye oil cedar decking oil - 20l, hammerite 250ml one coat kurust bottle, bartoline creosote oil based wood treatment 4l light brown fence decking, sandtex ultra smooth masonry paint 5l - pure brilliant white, limited time deals, sandtex - masonry paint 5l - ultra smooth - quality waterproof - all 24 colours, ronseal 9l fence life plus garden shed & fence paint uv potection-all colours 9l, dulux weathershield exterior satin paint for wood metal 750ml -2.5l all colours, cuprinol - anti slip decking stain hard wearing - 2.5l - all colours, ronseal 9l one coat life quick dry garden shed & fence paint all colours, briwax wax polish 5 litre 5 ltr all colours available. original formula lt 5l, dulux - quick drying satinwood paint for wood & metal - all colours - 750ml, dulux - quick drying gloss paint for wood & metal - all colours & sizes.
Shop white paint.
Dulux paint apple white matt or silk emulsion various finishes 2.5 litres, dulux paint buttermilk matt emulsion various finishes 2.5 litres, dulux paint fine cream matt or silk emulsion various finishes 2.5 litres, dulux paint ivory matt emulsion various finishes 2.5 litres, dulux paint ivory lace matt emulsion various finishes 2.5 litres, dulux paint jasmine white matt emulsion various finishes 2.5 litres, hammerite 5084863 gloss metal paint smooth black - 250ml, osmo 3060 1l door oil - clear satin, more to explore.
Save on kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. Thresholds apply. Look out for the offer tag on qualifying products. Shop now >
See more Wood varnish
Painting & decorating
Wood varnish
Sold & shipped by Home Direct
Available online only and not stocked in B&Q stores
Size option
Product information.
Johnstone's Outdoor Clear Yacht Varnish is the ultimate solution for protecting and enhancing the beauty of your wooden boat or other outdoor wooden surfaces. This varnish is specially formulated to provide superior protection against the harsh outdoor elements, including UV rays, saltwater, and weathering.
With its easy-to-apply formula, Johnstone's Outdoor Clear Yacht Varnish provides a crystal clear finish that allows the natural beauty of your wood to shine through, while also providing long-lasting protection against scratches, stains, and other types of damage. Its exceptional durability ensures that your boat or outdoor wooden surfaces stay looking great, even in the harshest of conditions.
Whether you're a boat owner or simply looking to protect your outdoor wooden furniture or decking, Johnstone's Outdoor Clear Yacht Varnish is the perfect choice. With its exceptional clarity, durability, and ease of application, you can trust Johnstone's to provide a flawless finish every time, giving your wooden surfaces the ultimate protection they deserve.
Introducing Johnstone's Outdoor Yacht Varnish - the ultimate solution for achieving a stunning and long-lasting finish on your outdoor wood surfaces.
Crafted with the highest quality ingredients, our advanced formula is specially designed to provide superior protection against the harsh outdoor elements, such as UV rays, water, and extreme temperatures. Whether you're updating your deck, railing, or boat, Johnstone's Outdoor Yacht Varnish is the perfect choice.
Our yacht varnish provides a tough, durable finish that is resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. With its smooth and easy-to-apply consistency, this varnish will glide onto your outdoor wood surfaces effortlessly, leaving a professional-looking finish that you'll be proud to show off.
And, thanks to its fast-drying formula, you won't have to wait long before enjoying your newly refinished outdoor space. Plus, Johnstone's Outdoor Yacht Varnish is available in a range of finishes, from high gloss to satin, so you can achieve the look you desire.
So why settle for a mediocre outdoor finish when you can have a yacht-quality one? Transform your outdoor wood surfaces with Johnstone's Outdoor Yacht Varnish and enjoy a beautiful, long-lasting finish that will impress. Order now and experience the difference for yourself!
Brand | Johnstone's |
---|---|
Colour | Clear |
Coverage | 9m² |
Location | Exterior |
Drying time | 1 h |
Recoat time | 2-4 hours |
Finish | Gloss |
VOC level | Low |
Base | Water-based |
Application method | Brush or roller |
Container type | Tin |
Volume | 750ml |
Product code | 5010426787190 |
Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website.
This may happen as a result of the following:
Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading.
Reference ID: 6f30473f-7462-11ef-9831-8edeaaf719e3
Powered by PerimeterX , Inc.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Description. This trusted varnish produces beautiful results! Formulated with a high solids content of Chinese tung oil, combined with non-yellowing, modified alkyd resins and blended with a perfect balance of UV absorbers. It provides high build and superior gloss, flow and durability. Excellent flexibility and water resistance in all climates.
TotalBoat-482869 Lust Marine Varnish, High Gloss and Matte Finish for Wood, Boats, Outdoor Furniture (High Gloss, Quart) 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,214 1 offer from $4999 $ 49 99
SKU: 520023. Durable one-part, water-based marine varnish dries to a UV-stable, gloss finish that accentuates the wood grain and improves clarity — even after multiple coats. Dries super fast, so you can apply up to 5 coats in a day, without sanding between coats. Low-odor, low-VOC formula cleans up with soap and water.
How to prepare wood for varnishing. You will need to remove old stain or varnish by sanding it down. Use 120 grit sandpaper and sand away the old finish. Wipe down the surface with white spirit and a cloth to remove the leftover dust. If your wood is brand new, you will need to sand it to remove loose wood and clean with white spirit.
SKU: 486489. The first one-part, high-gloss marine spar varnish that can be rapidly recoated without sanding between coats. Apply up to 5 coats in 1 day. Cures to a rich, warm amber. Great UV protection and gloss retention. Also available in matte. $30.99 - $129.99. Type: High Gloss.
Varnish is a film-forming finish that sits on the surface of the wood as it hardens and cures. It comes in a range of finishes - from high gloss to matte (flat, no gloss). The more coats you apply, the more it enhances the beauty of the grain. Wood oil is a natural-looking, penetrating finish that seeps into the wood fibers before it hardens ...
TotalBoat Gleam Marine Spar Varnish, Gloss and Satin Polyurethane Finish for Wood, Boats and Outdoor Furniture (Satin Low-Sheen Quart) 4.6 out of 5 stars 384 1 offer from $4748 $ 47 48
TotalBoat Gleam is a classic style marine spar varnish that not only withstands the rigors of life at sea, it also makes the ideal wood varnish and wood sealer for all of your outdoor wood furniture, bar tops, tiki bars, picnic tables, patio tables, Adirondack chairs, antique wooden truck beds and more.
Yacht varnish is an extremely durable solvent-based coating that is designed to protect the wood that yachts are made of and stop it decaying over time. Most varnishes are made up of a penetrating oil, resin and solvent. Although most yacht varnish is applied with a brush, it is possible to buy yacht varnish spray.
Prepare. Sand the wood using 120 grit paper. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling any dust. Wipe away dust with white spirit and leave to dry. Don't use in temperatures lower than 10°C. Stir well before use and test on a small area to check you are happy with the finish.
How We're Testing the Marine Varnishes. Testers applied dozens of exterior wood finishes (22 one-part varnishes, six two-part varnishes, 18 synthetics and satins/varnish alternatives, and eight teak oils and sealers) to small panels of bare solid teak. Each was assigned a number for blind judging and was applied per manufacturers instructions.
Yacht Varnish is an incredibly durable solvent-based varnish that was originally used to on boats to protect the wood and prevent it from decaying over time. Nowadays, this type of product is more commonly used for exterior household projects, when you are looking to give timber a high-gloss finish that lasts.
Gleam Marine Spar Varnish. SKU: 433509. High-quality, one-part marine spar varnish provides a beautiful, long-lasting polyurethane finish with maximum UV protection and water resistance on brightwork on boats, strip canoes, kayaks and more. Available in high gloss and satin. Forgiving formula makes great results easy to achieve. $28.99 - $119. ...
Product Guide. Product Guide - 5015332690060. Yacht Varnish - Specially formulated on Tung Oil to give maximum protection and durability to marine and other external woodwork. Available in Gloss and Satin. Has excellent adhesion and will not flake or peel when correctly applied. Ideal for exterior doors and window frames.
Write a review. Ask a Question. Tough, marine quality, high gloss varnish for boats, yachts and exterior woodwork. Specially formulated to resist cracking and peeling. Dries in 16-24 Hours. More Info. View all: No Nonsense Yacht Varnish. € 12.95Inc Vat. (€17.27/Ltr)
Boats and swimming pools both need ongoing maintenance to remain in good condition and look their best. Ace Hardware can help you tackle key jobs on your boat or pool care to-do list with a diverse assortment of boat paint and pool paint. There isn't a single type of paint that's right for every part of the boat.
Marine-grade paints are formulated specially to adhere to different materials and surfaces while withstanding moisture, UV exposure, and even submersion in water. Surface preparation is always a key in successfully applying boat paint but confirming the material that will be painted is the most important. Boat paint manufacturers have developed ...
Buy Yacht Varnish and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items
750ml. Product code. 5010426787190. Johnstone's Outdoor Clear Yacht Varnish is the ultimate solution for protecting and enhancing the beauty of your wooden boat or other outdoor wooden surfaces. This varnish is specially formulated to provide superior protection against the harsh outdoor elements, including UV rays, saltwater, and weathering.
Quick Build Multi-Color Primer, Activators & Converters. Odyssey® 60 Multi-Season Ablative Antifouling Bottom Paint. Awlcraft 2000 Acrylic Urethane High-Gloss Topcoat, Gallon. Discover top-quality boat paint including antifouling, topside, and primers for all your marine needs. Shop now at West Marine, Home Depot, and Wholesale Marine.