Poly is just a type of varnish. It’s specially designed to protect the wood from water exposure and a variety of weather elements. Spar-Marine Varnish will dry to touch in 4 to 6 hours. It is not a fire hazard. Cetol™ Marine Synthetic Varnish by Interlux®. It offers superior flow and durability. But although they’re often referred to interchangeably, each one has distinct uses and offers varying levels of protection from environmental elements. Up your woodworking IQ and learn which product is best suited for your next project, so you’ll be able to attain the perfect protection from start to finish (pun intended). Review these guidelines before making your final selection at the home improvement store. Forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture. Compare; Find My Store. Helmsman Clear Water-Based Varnish (1-Gallon) Compare; Multiple Options. Oil-based polyurethane is the cheapest option, followed by water-based polyurethane, followed by varnish. Toll Free: 800.269.0961 Shipping ADD TO CART. PU Clear It has natural UV protecting properties. This traditional marine varnish is based on tung oil, phenolic-modified alkyd resins and maximum U.V. With so many options, how can you pick the right polyurethane for the job? The longevity of your boat and the way it looks depend on the quality of the products you use for its maintenance. It is resistant to heat, chemicals, and wear and tear such as scratches. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. A coat of durable wood finish on your hardwood floors, fine furniture, and outdoor decking can mean the difference between a long, lustrous lifespan and one cut short by the passage of time and exposure to the elements. Thomaston, ME 04861 USA, Epifanes N.A, Inc., 411 Hannah Street While water-based paints are durable, they last longer if properly protected with a finish, such as varnish. Polyurethane, available in both oil and water-based options, is similar to liquid plastic, and it does provide some protection for wood. Its low toxicity, however, means that it’s equally safe to use near the entryway on exterior doors and trim. There’s an option for everyone: DIYers have the choice of a water- or oil-based resin (and one in between) as well as sheens from flat to satin to glossy. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. 10 Best Marine Varnish Reviews [2020] with buying guide. How to Dry Tacky Varnish. It offers superior flow and durability. If varnish is not applied correctly or dried completely, it can peel, crack, or form bubbles that leave wood more susceptible to environmental damage. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Satin, Container Size: 250ml, 500ml, 1000ml, 5000ml Sand lightly between coats with fine sandpaper (220 grit) to produce a finer finish and promote adhesion. Minwax. It is semi-thick, tends to flow off brushes nicely, imparts a warm amber color to surfaces, and is easy to re-apply over old varnish providing that the old varnish is not too badly degraded. You may have heard varnish used as a generic term for any finish, but traditional varnish describes an older form of finish that contains alkyd resin, oil, and solvents. Water-based varnish dries very quickly. Instead, just like the color of the wood, the grain tends to look more as it does in its natural, unfinished state. Don't worry too much about the appearance of the wet finish. Model #132150000. The process of applying polyurethane varies depending on the product’s base. Remove sanding dust. For water-based varnish, use only synthetic bristles, as water causes natural bristles to splay. Sun Block For Wood Most spar/marine varnishes will contain other important additives, such as UV blockers, that give the wood that extra bit of protection it needs in harsh conditions. Add To List Click to add item Minwax® Interior Water-Based Clear Ultimate Wood Floor Finish Polyurethane - 1 gal. Inc., 70 Water Street Application: Brush, Roll or Spray They create a flexible, strong, and resilient bond which makes them perfect for sealing wood which moves and flexes as well suffers heavy foot traffic. The choice of sheen, from glossy to something more flat, comes down to personal preference, but there are certainly common usages where one is preferable to another. for pricing and availability. However, not all varnishes are suitable for a project. The high solid content and water resistance of varnish make it particularly apt for use on water-exposed outdoor decks, deck chairs, and boats. D.I.Y. This traditional marine varnish is based on tung oil, phenolic-modified alkyd resins and maximum U.V. Varnish can be used to protect, preserve, and enhance paint. Compare; absorbers. Marine varnish is also known as spar varnish. Sku # 5557864. . This is specifically formulated for marine exposure and generally contains phenolic and alkyd resin, as well as Tung oil for its components. Find My Store. Most water-based polys contain only 30 to 35 percent solids, compared with the 45 to 50 percent solids in oil-based products. 25. Varnishes of all types are prone to bubbles and different application processes each … Given the unattractive consequences of poorly protected wood surfaces and the annoyance of frequent refinishing, it’s smart to do your homework first to ensure that you’re doing your best to preserve these valuable features. for pricing and availability. The two main choices when it comes to finishes for doors are polyurethane and marine finish. Go to previous page. Midland, ON L4R 2G4 Canada, Phone: 207.354.0804 This varnish is typically sturdy, resistant to harsh weather conditions and practically applied to unpainted wooden spots, particularly on vessels. Durable one-part marine varnish dries to a UV-stable, gloss finish that accentuates the wood grain and improves clarity—even after multiple coats. For oil-based varnish, use a natural-bristle brush such as china bristle (hog’s hair), or a synthetic (commonly nylon/polyester) brush with flagged bristle tips. Here are 10 best varnishes you can … Water-based varnish does not amber over time, and keeps the color of your wood truer than an oil-based finish would. Low-odor, low-VOC formula cleans up with soap and water. Despite its ability to serve as a wood sunblock, it’s not all sunny when it comes to varnish. Reapply. Water-based poly should be laid down with a couple of quick strokes. Polyurethane is recommended over varnish for hardwood floors. Yacht (Marine Spar) This variety of varnish is for use on yachts and boats. Please Note: Prices, promotions, styles and availability may vary by store and online. Traditional varnish (sometimes called Spar Varnish or Marine Varnish) is a resin in an oil base with solvents. Marine spar varnish is simply the best choice for exterior use. absorbers. Overview Minwax® Water Based Helmsman® Spar Urethane is a crystal clear, water-based finish that is specially formulated to protect wood against nature's toughest conditions. Dry time at 65F: Dry in 12 hours, recoatable in 24 hours, Epifanes N.A. Despite its sometimes milky appearance in the can, polyurethane goes on clear and—in just one or two coats—cures into a scratch- and abrasion-proof hard plastic that is versatile enough for most indoor projects. It has outstanding protection for all marine and household woods and can be applied to Interior and exterior woods above the waterline. Most varnishes are polyurethanes of some type, but 2-part products have a harder finish. Spar varnish is made with a base of natural oil such as tung, linseed or soya. Technical Info, Community News, and Online Shop! Typically, bubbles in your varnish are due to three main factors: air, dust, and moisture. Go to next page. Advantages of Water-Based Varnish. Oil-Modified urethane provides a flexible coating that applies easily Water based polyurethane uses water as a thinning agent and also begins to cure as the water dries. The brush marks will disappear—promise. Polyurethane. Varnish provides … Overnight drying is recommended. Drying time is much better with the water-based and getting a professional finish is much easier with the HVLP than brushing. In addition, it has excellent flexibility and water resistance in all climate conditions. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. When it comes to polyurethane, you have two choices. Fast-drying water-based polyurethane and its newer water-based oil-modified cousin can be applied with a fine-bristle brush, foam roller, spray, or rag. Polyurethane varnish is highly durable. Returns policy. Resealable, easy-pour pouch prevents messes and waste. 1. Exterior or marine varnish is no more water or watervapor resistant than interior varnish. Built to simplify your boat maintenance Specially made for marine applications. I’ve recently switched to an HVLP system and have been using General Finishes 450 exterior water-based acrylic varnish. Helmsman Gloss Oil-Based Varnish (1-Gallon) Item #290324. What is a marine varnish? For optimal results, apply varnish in several layers using a natural-bristle brush. I brushed on the Helmsman and applied at least 3 coats. A dollop of UV inhibitor is also added to protect the finish. Polyurethane and traditional varnish are two popular finishes that cure into durable protective coats when applied. For general work, use a chisel-edge brush (Photo A). Interior varnish is harder and more protective so should always be the varnish of choice for furniture used indoors. It has outstanding protection for all marine and household woods and can be applied to Interior and exterior woods above the waterline. Apart from that, it protects the wood from water that is why it was originally used on wooden boats, etc. Oil-based polyurethane is a highly durable finish, but it is also easy to apply. Epifanes Clear Varnish, known around the world, is considered the ultimate in high gloss finish. Then, allow this traditionally slow-drying finish to sit for at least six hours under fair weather conditions to give your wood surfaces a photo finish! to your list. After use, water-based varnish is easy to clean up. A clear varnish developed to protect exterior marine timber from harsh elements Provides powerful UV absorption for longer lasting protection Protects exterior timber from salt and fresh water spray, wind and UV rays Protects timber from darkening and discolouration Polyurethanes were invented in the 1930s and have found their way into many home improvement products like foams, glues, finishes, and caulks. However, it also “flattens out” the wood grain, and unlike oil-based finishes, does not enhance the grain. A flexible marine grade timber varnish with high gloss designed to withstand the rigours of sun, water and harsh outdoor treatment. Contains UV blockers to reduce the sun's graying and fading effects. Gloss or In essence, it is a well-known ext… Manasa Reddigari, Bob Vila, The Best Post-Holiday Deals for Your Home Refresh Resolution, The Most Frequently Asked Questions of 2014, The Dos and Don'ts of Air-Drying Everything You Own, 13 DIY Squirrel Feeder Ideas for Your Yard, Often used to finish hardwood floors, the newer. When applied to wooden surfaces indoors or out, varnish cures into a thin and glossy film with a faint yellow or amber tint, similar to the finish achieved with oil-based polyurethane. However, when you look at what it really offers, it’s easy to see that this is not the ideal solution for your door. Most professionals agree that water-based varnish is the best product to use over paint. Rust-Oleum Marine Coatings Spar Varnish is an exterior urethane that provides maximum protection against sunlight, water and sea spray on trim, railings, furniture and other wood boat surfaces. The formulation of the product allows it to move with the wood throughout each season. Spar varnish protects the wood from water, heat, stain and solvent discoloration. Finally, more heat-tolerant but also higher in toxicity. Today, yacht varnishes also include UV-resistant components, making them excellent for use outdoors. Specifications . Dimensions Returns & refunds We will gladly assist with returns and exchanges of this product in accordance with our returns and exchanges policy. Application of water-based varnish does not pollute. By Manasa Reddigari and Bob Vila. It does not affect the color of the surface on which you applied it. 15. Prior to the introduction of polyurethane to wood finishes most varnishes were simply alkyd varnish which created a nice hard finish, but the addition of polyurethane resin to the formula added scratch, heat, solvent, and … It is known for being a very outstanding wood finishing varnish that was primitively developed for coating the sailing ship’s pole of wood. With all the modern advances in coatings -- polyurethane, shellac, urethane, or varnish -- some confusion about formula is to be expected. A variant of varnish known as spar or marine varnish offers both UV protection and flexibility, which makes it a favorite among DIY woodworkers, who can confidently apply it to soft woods like pine that bend under extreme conditions. Minwax. Although painters sometimes refer to oil- or water-based polyurethane finishes as varnishes, the term varnish usually refers to a clear oil-based … Pro Series Water-Based Varnish. There are many other brands of outdoor oil-based varnish, but the ingredients list is usually much more revealing than the words on the front of the can. If sandpaper gums up, allow more dry time. TotalBoat Lust Marine Varnish, High Gloss and Matte Finish for Wood, Boats, Outdoor Furniture (Hig… Disadvantages of Water-Based Varnish What Kind of Varnish is Best for Exterior Use? It protects the wood from harmful ultraviolet rays and it also protects the wood. Polyurethane is like a liquid plastic, often either a pure synthetic plastic or a blend with resin. Works above the waterline; apply to exterior wood boat surfaces. Ask anyone who has ever used Epifanes High Gloss Clear Varnish and you will learn why it is considered to be the world's best spar varnish. Fax: 207.354.0387. This website uses cookies and other tracking technologies (also known as pixels or beacons) to aid your experience (such as viewing videos), as well as “performance cookies” to analyze your use of this website and to assist with marketing efforts. The oil is combined with resins, solvents, UV protector and driers to create a shiny surface. It builds up quickly as well because it has a high solid content. Water-based paints, such as latex and acrylics, are desirable because they are much safer and dry much faster than oil-based paints and do not require toxic solvents for cleanup. 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