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. 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. 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. Find My Store. The process of applying polyurethane varies depending on the product’s base. Spar varnish is made with a base of natural oil such as tung, linseed or soya. 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. Polyurethane varnish is highly durable. It will look awful at first, but water-based poly has an amazing ability to pull tight as it cures, like shrink wrap. Low-odor, low-VOC formula cleans up with soap and water. However, it also “flattens out” the wood grain, and unlike oil-based finishes, does not enhance the grain. This varnish is typically sturdy, resistant to harsh weather conditions and practically applied to unpainted wooden spots, particularly on vessels. Although painters sometimes refer to oil- or water-based polyurethane finishes as varnishes, the term varnish usually refers to a clear oil-based … I’ve recently switched to an HVLP system and have been using General Finishes 450 exterior water-based acrylic varnish. 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 … Helmsman Clear Water-Based Varnish (1-Gallon) Compare; Multiple Options. Spar-Marine Varnish will dry to touch in 4 to 6 hours. Go to previous page. absorbers. The longevity of your boat and the way it looks depend on the quality of the products you use for its maintenance. 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. Water-based varnish dries very quickly. 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. Exterior or marine varnish is no more water or watervapor resistant than interior varnish. It is resistant to heat, chemicals, and wear and tear such as scratches. Finally, more heat-tolerant but also higher in toxicity. Review these guidelines before making your final selection at the home improvement store. The brush marks will disappear—promise. 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. Varnish can be used to protect, preserve, and enhance paint. 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. Varnish provides … Marine varnish is also known as spar varnish. This traditional marine varnish is based on tung oil, phenolic-modified alkyd resins and maximum U.V. Its low toxicity, however, means that it’s equally safe to use near the entryway on exterior doors and trim. 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! Water based polyurethane uses water as a thinning agent and also begins to cure as the water dries. Application of water-based varnish does not pollute. It offers superior flow and durability. 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. Don't worry too much about the appearance of the wet finish. Fax: 207.354.0387. Reapply. Oil-based polyurethane is a highly durable finish, but it is also easy to apply. Polyurethanes were invented in the 1930s and have found their way into many home improvement products like foams, glues, finishes, and caulks. This is specifically formulated for marine exposure and generally contains phenolic and alkyd resin, as well as Tung oil for its components. In essence, it is a well-known ext… Epifanes Clear Varnish, known around the world, is considered the ultimate in high gloss finish. Sand lightly between coats with fine sandpaper (220 grit) to produce a finer finish and promote adhesion. Toll Free: 800.269.0961 With so many options, how can you pick the right polyurethane for the job? Go to next page. Thomaston, ME 04861 USA, Epifanes N.A, Inc., 411 Hannah Street TotalBoat Lust Marine Varnish, High Gloss and Matte Finish for Wood, Boats, Outdoor Furniture (Hig… 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. It offers superior flow and durability. Apart from that, it protects the wood from water that is why it was originally used on wooden boats, etc. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. The oil is combined with resins, solvents, UV protector and driers to create a shiny surface. 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. For water-based varnish, use only synthetic bristles, as water causes natural bristles to splay. The high solid content and water resistance of varnish make it particularly apt for use on water-exposed outdoor decks, deck chairs, and boats. 1. Model #132150000. Dry time at 65F: Dry in 12 hours, recoatable in 24 hours, Epifanes N.A. In addition, it has excellent flexibility and water resistance in all climate conditions. If you want a rich color without having to reapply coats, an oil-based poly is your best bet. Drying time is much better with the water-based and getting a professional finish is much easier with the HVLP than brushing. Advantages of Water-Based Varnish. Despite its ability to serve as a wood sunblock, it’s not all sunny when it comes to varnish. It has outstanding protection for all marine and household woods and can be applied to Interior and exterior woods above the waterline. D.I.Y. The two main choices when it comes to finishes for doors are polyurethane and marine finish. Most water-based polys contain only 30 to 35 percent solids, compared with the 45 to 50 percent solids in oil-based products. The formulation of the product allows it to move with the wood throughout each season. For optimal results, apply varnish in several layers using a natural-bristle brush. Resealable, easy-pour pouch prevents messes and waste. 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). Returns policy. When it comes to polyurethane, you have two choices. Compare; Find My Store. It builds up quickly as well because it has a high solid content. A dollop of UV inhibitor is also added to protect the finish. Oil-based polyurethane is the cheapest option, followed by water-based polyurethane, followed by varnish. So, to answer your question, varnish is varnish. By Manasa Reddigari and Bob Vila. However, not all varnishes are suitable for a project. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. How to Dry Tacky Varnish. Under ideal drying conditions, allow 8 to 16 hours before recoating. I brushed on the Helmsman and applied at least 3 coats. It has outstanding protection for all marine and household woods and can be applied to Interior and exterior woods above the waterline. Durable one-part marine varnish dries to a UV-stable, gloss finish that accentuates the wood grain and improves clarity—even after multiple coats. Oil-Modified urethane provides a flexible coating that applies easily Minwax. Technical Info, Community News, and Online Shop! Helmsman Gloss Oil-Based Varnish (1-Gallon) Item #290324. 15. Traditional varnish (sometimes called Spar Varnish or Marine Varnish) is a resin in an oil base with solvents. If varnish is not applied correctly or dried completely, it can peel, crack, or form bubbles that leave wood more susceptible to environmental damage. Instead, just like the color of the wood, the grain tends to look more as it does in its natural, unfinished state. Polyurethane and traditional varnish are two popular finishes that cure into durable protective coats when applied. 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. Yacht (Marine Spar) This variety of varnish is for use on yachts and boats. Dimensions Returns & refunds We will gladly assist with returns and exchanges of this product in accordance with our returns and exchanges policy. With all the modern advances in coatings -- polyurethane, shellac, urethane, or varnish -- some confusion about formula is to be expected. PU Clear 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.