Epifanes Varnish

Does anyone have experience with Epifanes "no sanding needed" Woodfinish Gloss varnish on West System epoxy coated plywood?  Due to the dropping temps here in Michigan, I'm hoping it will speed up finishing my boat.  Not going for professional results here.


Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by tungsten on September 26, 2014 at 7:18am

No experience with the stuff but remember to wash the surface first, just in case of any blush.

I've always wanted to try the auto clear rattle can stuff,may be easier to apply not sure.

Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on September 26, 2014 at 7:42am

Austin, on the woodenboatforum.com there are multiple discussions on varnish. Epifanes seems to have a good reputation. I don't remember any discussions on the particular type you have mentioned. You might find some helpful information there. They have an extensive amount of information.

Rick N

Permalink Reply by Mike Baker on September 26, 2014 at 8:41am

Hey Austin,

I have only used Epifanes clear varnish and it was excellent, but that was in the summer. I typically stay away from traditional varnish and use polyurethane. It sounds like you are thinking of using rapid coat or rapid clear. It is recommended with both of those products that you finish with a coat of clear varnish or poly for added protection. Epifanes has a one part poly (wood finish gloss) as well as a two part that I would probably use before the rapid coat products. I have had excellent results with system three spar urethane and ended up putting a coat over the Epifanes for some added protection. I might try the wood finish gloss on the next boat that I clear coat.

Heed what Tungsten said about washing, waiting a week is a good idea as well. You should have no issue going over West especially if you used 207.

Mike

http://www.bakerwooddriftboats.com/

Permalink Reply by Austin Waggoner on September 26, 2014 at 9:22am

Thanks Mike, Rick and Tungsten.

Here's the exact quart I have ordered. http://www.epifanes.com/page/wood-finish-gloss

Am I better off to wait until warmer weather next spring or will 60 degree temps be OK?

Permalink Reply by Craig Campbell on February 6, 2015 at 1:51pm

Hi Mike,  Was wondering what type of poly you were using in place of varnish and what kind of results you are getting, particularly long term.  I've done a lot of varnishing over the last several years on a couple of different boats and besides it's final appearance (if done correctly) and its UV inhibiting trait, I see nothing positive with the stuff.  I've heard talk of Bristol recently...any thoughts?

Permalink Reply by Mike Baker on February 6, 2015 at 7:09pm

Hey Craig,

The one I like is System Three Spar urethane. It has more body than other urethane's I have tried and gives excellent results with roll and tip. Had it on my skiff about 4 years and holding up well. This boat gets pretty abused. Have it on a drift boat but only a bit over a year.

I have heard that Bristol is excellent but a bit tricky to apply (never tried it).

Mike

Permalink Reply by Mike Baker on September 26, 2014 at 10:48am

Yep thats the one I was thinking of. I think you will be O.K. with 60 deg. but it will take a while to dry and because of that dust will be an issue. You can always add a coat or two when the weather warms up again.

Mike

http://www.bakerwooddriftboats.com/

Permalink Reply by Phillip Westendorf on September 27, 2014 at 7:18pm

Austin,

I have seen this recently and as Rick Suggests did some research on this new Epifanes Wood Finish Gloss Varnish & was advised if you use it, finish with the last coat with their Clear Gloss Varnish.  I've used only Epifanes Clear Gloss Vanish over West's 105/207 with excellent results.  You can review technical reports , FAQ's and several videos on Jamestown Distributor's web site.

I recently added two coats ( no's 9 & 10) to the bottom of my canoe, after two weeks cure (gotta let the solvents evaporate)  I wet sanded it by hand with 1500 paper and then with 2000 grit liquid polish and a foam wheel buffed it and this is what I got.  See below. Smooth as a new baby's butt.  It's good from 50* F to 85*F, so we're good to go for a couple of weeks here in Michigan.

This stuff is Great!  

Dorf

Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on September 28, 2014 at 5:39am

Dorf: Beautiful piece of work.  How many hours do you think  it took to get it looking like that?

Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on September 28, 2014 at 9:00am

I could be a smart alek and suggest that he started the canoe when he was just a little whipper snapper. Dorf, your work is immaculate, you set the bar very high. Great work, it looks wonderful, but after knowing you for a couple of years now I wouldn't expect anything less.

Rick N

Permalink Reply by Phillip Westendorf on September 28, 2014 at 6:54pm

Thanks Rick.  Immaculate, that's a little heavy but I'll keep trying.

Dorf

Permalink Reply by Phillip Westendorf on September 28, 2014 at 6:51pm

Lawrence,

Thanks for the kind words.  For the two recent coats I had two days (12-14 hrs.) in just the sanding and polishing after applying the varnish (3 hrs.).  Also about 6-7 hrs in preparation for the varnishing.  Not an "All you gotta do" proposition.

I did it prior to taking it to the Les Cheneaux Islands Antique Wooden Boat Show in Hessel. Mi last month where I had hoped to find a buyer.  I still have it...

Dorf

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