Boat Building Forum

Find advice on all aspects of building your own kayak, canoe or any lightweight boats

Re: Material: Varnish preferences
By:Rob Macks
Date: 3/10/2003, 10:38 am
In Response To: Material: Varnish preferences (Mark de Araujo)

: What is your favorite varnish for over epoxy on stripped boats? I have always
: use z-spar captains varnish, but I see that z-spar also has a flagship
: varnish. And what about epifanes gloss varnish. They all claim superior uv
: protection. Do some of these varnishes change the color of a boat more
: than others?

: thanks
: Mark de Araujo

I've tried them all. I've also used two part systems, water based finishes, just about everything.
For me the Z-spar Captain's varnish has the best combination of qualities. It brushes wonderfully,
flows into a near perfect glassy surface and has a color that compliments the warmth of the wood.

Every finish will have different qualities that may or may not work for you.
I found the Flagship varnish did not brush as well and I was not as happy with the results.
It's hard not to succumb to the claims of more this or that.

I've a friend who loves Epifanes. He talked me into trying it. I used it on a boat.
It took four days before it began to dry. This is a classic example of varnish/epoxy
incompatibility. I had to remove the Epifanes and start over.

The first coat of finish will always take longer to cure because of its interaction with the epoxy.

Your first step should always be to find out from the epoxy manufacturer what finishes
are compatible with their resin.

I agree with Nick. The Captain's is not as durable as some other finishes, but then a kayak is a small
fast revarnishing job. A new coat every year or two makes your boat look brand new!

If it's working well, don't fix it!

All the best,
Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.laughingloon.com

Messages In This Thread

Material: Varnish preferences
Mark de Araujo -- 3/10/2003, 7:21 am
Re: Material: Varnish preferences
greg root -- 3/12/2003, 8:59 am
Re: Material: Varnish preferences
Don Lucas -- 3/12/2003, 10:01 am
Re: Material: Varnish preferences
Don Lucas -- 3/11/2003, 7:03 pm
Re: Material: Varnish preferences
Ken Katz -- 3/11/2003, 5:40 pm
Re: Material: Varnish - "Off the Shelf?"
Gordon Snapp -- 3/11/2003, 10:16 am
Varnish - "Off the Shelf?" Sure.
Paul G. Jacobson -- 3/11/2003, 9:37 pm
Re: Material: Varnish - "Off the Shelf?"
Kurt Loup, Baton Rouge -- 3/11/2003, 10:58 am
Re: Material: Varnish - "Off the Shelf?"
Don Lucas -- 3/11/2003, 10:45 am
Are Different Varnishes Compatible?
Ken -- 3/10/2003, 9:58 pm
Re: Are Different Varnishes Compatible?
Rob Macks -- 3/11/2003, 10:24 am
Re: Material: Varnish preferences
Rob Macks -- 3/10/2003, 10:38 am
Re: Material: Varnish preferences
Bert -- 3/10/2003, 9:22 am
Re: Material: Varnish preferences
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- 3/10/2003, 9:03 am