Wooden Boat People

By McKenzieDriftBoat.com

Varnish Selection

I am new to the boat building/maintenance world. I have owned my boat for a little over two years and I'll be starting some needed maintenance work very soon. I am wondering what finishes people like?

Here is what I am looking at:

- Z-Spar Flagship
- Epifanes gloss clear varnish
- Bristol

Anyone have a preference? Pros or cons?

Has anyone used Bristol?
I talked to Sandy about using Bristol, I like the idea of quick dry time and no sanding between coats (not that I'm lazy, just strapped for time usually) and that it withstands the elements nicely...but I've read some bad reviews.

I appreciate any suggestions and advice.

Brent

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Randy Dersham on January 16, 2010 at 10:06am

Ha, I took the drift boat because I didn't want to get wet.

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Permalink Reply by Brent Ross on January 16, 2010 at 1:27pm

Thanks Ray!
How would you rate the UV protection compared to Z-Spar?

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Permalink Reply by Charles Ray Heater on January 17, 2010 at 9:08am

Brent:

I have used the Z-Spar a lot in the past. Now it may have changed in the past 20 years but I have found that compared to Epifanes the Z-Spar has less "body". In my unscientific opinion the more "body" a marine varnish has the more likely the UV protection. The more varnish on a surface should mean more protection. I find that giving your boat 2 coats of varnish every year (or more) is good maintenance. This practice would be a lot of work for the owner if the boat has varnish inside as well as outside. Thats why we recommend oiling the inside.

Ray

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Permalink Reply by mitchell on January 17, 2010 at 10:31am

Varnish here inside and out. The outside is a breeze to sand and varnish. The inside is a bear. It involves way to much time, sand paper, dust, mask, noise and beer.

Would I be wacked to think I could remove 40 years of varnish then oil?