Comparing Different Varnishes For Your Boats Brightwork

[@chewyboy]

I have a request for this video could you please post that board in a high UV exposure area over the summer and then at the end of the summer give us an update and show us how they handle that please

[@stevengunter8845]

love this video, I'm currently doing a total refit on a Catalina 25. But I'm confused; at the 8:00 mark you start talking about interior and exterior environments and Gloss vs Semi-Gloss / Flat finishes. It seems that the Semi Gloss or Flat would be better suited for exterior use due to bright sunlight, while the high Gloss for the interior. Can you clarify?

[@jacquesfloirat2642]

For the exterior finishes, it would be nice to know how they last under the elements (ex: sun). Seems to be the most important factor for choice of product. As Always, great work! Thanks.

[@VacFink]

I was thinking the same thing. A separate board with a full course of application then left outside to wear in the sun and temp swings, maybe update 3-6 months to show any developments. I love to start my Sunday projects with this show in the morning.

[@kevinfisher1345]

Generally speaking, as long as they are designed for exterior, they will all work fairly well. Which one works better is hard to say without testing, but they should all do well EXCEPT for the matte finishes. Those which again if designed for exterior will be ok, but as Andy stated, with those flatteners added to them, they will (again generally speaking) not last as well as semi-gloss / gloss finishes. It is diluting the varnish.

[@brianmitchell9890]

great video! this really helps explain the differences to people new to marine varnish

[@bill_4888]

Once again, great video! For my 25 year maintenance challenge with a mahogany toerail on a 41 ft fiberglass cabin cruiser (that is 46 years old), Epiphanes Gloss Varnish seems to hold up the best, and like you, I have tested and compared many brands. Simply put, there are no bad marine varnishes out there, but many different environmental factors and personal preferences. Again, great video with excellent demonstration and dialogue.

[@TheDecguy]

Bill _ I’m guessing it might be a CC 41 Commander? I’m still using Captains Gloss on my 1968 CC 31 Commander. Fiberglass hull but all mahogany interior.

[@SV_Aroo]

Thanks for the review. I much prefer Pettit's Flagship Varnish over their Captain's Varnish, and even more over the Epifanes varnish, gloss in all cases. If I want a rubbed effect, I'll rub it out. I haven't tried the new Total Boat products. I know Jamestown Distributors sponsors you, and that's great, but for a head to head comparison you really need to use similar products, preferably gloss if you're only going to do one. A gloss will always win a subjective ranking of appearance, look clearer, better saturation, etc.

[@brianscarborough8642]

Andy, I'm currently using Halcyon on a project. It will gloss up, but doesn't seem to fill the wood grain as much. Or holds foam brush strokes a little bit at least on okoume ply. I can get you pictures of 4 coats on douglas fir, for a nice semi finish, and 7 or 8 coats on okoume and cedar. Less grain to fill on the cedar, so it comes across smoother.

[@davidstone3768]

For interior, non- marine applications, they have wood fillers, such as for luan doors that alleviate that issue.

[@DokterRoetker]

Yes, finally a video without fibreglass :D

[@ursulacody5406]

I’m a new live aboard yacht owner. I’d like to refinish a few panels and steps. This is for indoors, what would you recommend for the grit of sandpaper? I so enjoyed your informative video.

[@WreckDiver99]

Interesting video. I find it interesting about the "High Gloss Finish not for Inside"...I was at the boat show last year in Detroit, and all cabin cruiser boats had VERY HIGH gloss finishes in the interior where they had wood items. I always tended to use a Satin for OUTSIDE items, and Gloss for interior (though it would change based on what the item is).

[@tarivard]

I have used Epiphanes matte for interior. Love the product - it needs to be thinned to apply as it is very viscous. A review on interior colour coats would be awesome. I am refinishing the interior of my sailboat and want to paint the v-berth and aft-cabin battens white (semi-gloss or satin white)

[@richardmauch1042]

Question: let’s say using a gloss finish in a canoe build to show off the woods used. Would you lay this under or over epoxy or would it be by itself? Or would you mix them?

[@bghastings9878]

Can you cover the Gleam with cotes of rubbed finish, for interior canin soles?

[@1240enzo]

So where in this list of marine woodwork finishes do products such as Alwood, and Le Tonkin oil fit. From what I understand, products such as Epiphanes and Alwood require both a primer coat to start with and thereafter upto 10 coats of the finish. As i also understand this isn’t a requirement with Le Tonkin oil. To date, my first hand experience is with finishes such as Cetol Sikkens marine varnish and spar marine varnishes. I have used Sikkens for a number of years on the teak trims on deck and asides occasionally (once/twice year requiring some minor refinishing, so far it’s held up really well. My experience with spar marine varnishes is that they look nice but when exposed to high UV they tend to fail within 1-2 yrs. I am interested in Le Tonkin and perhaps Epiphanes in the longer run. The other finishes listed in this video aren’t available out here in Tassie.

[@JamesWhite-tg4kw]

So what have you found to work better on a small exterior deck on my fishing boat to mount a trolling motor on. Thanks for any help you can provide

[@brianmiley2109]

Do you use any of the varnish alternatives like Cetol or TB Marine Wood Finish? A comparison of application and durability would be very interesting.

[@JenkinsBoatWorks]

well done, thanks. I just ordered the Halcyon.

[@willjarvis7512]

If I use a gloss that’s cut with the reducer over a piece of wood with some words painted on it, would it mess up what was painted on the wood at all? I’ve never used a reducer so just concerned about that. Thanks!

[@_noname617]

buddy of mine used high gloss on interior red/black checkered house floors, they popped nice with natural light

[@davidstone3768]

My personal experience is the gloss finishes on floors wear down to a satin finish quickly. They look awesome initially but not after a year. Not sure what they use on gymnasium floors but that stuff would be ideal.

[@trkstr400]

You mention using these for interior applications. Would you recommend using any of these for refinishing an interior cabin sole on a boat?

[@Seawizz203]

Hi Andy. I used the Lust Matte on my cabin sole about 3 - 4 years ago. I do like the finish for the sole because it is less slippery than the high gloss finish that was previously on it. Being that it is a sailboat traction is a big plus while healing, as you know. I thinned the first 50% with thinner, the second about 25% and the final 3 coats were full viscosity. All coats were the Lust Matte. I didn’t think to build with gloss. What I like about it is it’s a local company as I live close by and I like to support local businesses. Also, I liked the quick build that lust provides. I was able to apply a coat about every 2 to 3 hours at about 65 degrees F. I sanded the last 2 coats with 220 then 320. It looked great when done. The down side, it started lifting in spots last season, a problem I have never had when using a varnish on the interior. The boat is reasonably dry with the exception of the sole in front of the head where some water from showering does get on the sole when exiting and near the companionway from rain and spray when sailing. I don’t know if the problem was that I did not use a sealer on my first couple of coats? Not sure, anyway,in all other applications of Total Boat Products Ive been very happy with, but this one’s durability didn’t seem to stand up to the test. Again, it may have been not using a sealer first....FYI, I’ve been in the painting field all my life and have owned boats for forty years, so I have a bit of experience with finishes. I just thought I would let you know. I would certainly give it another chance. I have to do some exterior bright work this season and I will try the gloss as I am out of the Epifanes I had been using. Again, the quick build is a selling point. I will advise on the durability. Get back to me in 3 or 4 years..lol.

[@fissh29]

I am curious as to the durability of varnishes...I have been a painter for 30+ years and have seen paint and varnish in homes get worse and worse...is the marine industry the same...I just switched epoxy from west system to Total boat, so would like to use all their products...good reviews...thanks for your input...I have plenty of projects coming up!!!

[@Seawizz203]

Sail Oria complete refit I think just the opposite. Marine products have improved dramatically over the years. If anything, it’s more confusing because there are so many to choose from. With marine varnishes and epoxies, I believe you’re only going to get so many years out of them no matter what. Brightwork is exposed to UV rays and salt water and will only hold a finish for so long. The better prep you do, as with painting, the longer it will last but it will fail at some point. In the end, marine products have greatly improved over the years. Also, don’t let my experience with Lust from Jamestown Distributors keep you from using it. I think it failed because I didn’t use a sealer first. Instead I just thinned the varnish and maybe not enough. Live and learn. Good luck.

[@MiloYellowknee]

It’s been three years… Looking for that update!

[@JamesWhite-tg4kw]

​@@MiloYellowknee good luck lol

[@peterengel7885]

I have used a board like yours for different stains. One part with raw stain next to stain with varnish. The most important part is to have them labeled especially because of my short memory.

[@georgelawton9075]

Hi Andy: What happened to rebuilding the Bertram! Did I miss a video that it sank! Regards George

[@boatworkstoday]

We'll be back on the bertram in a couple more weeks. Going to be doing a painting demo showing roll and tip application with Alexseal paints then back to building out the interior of the Bertram (have to build up the boat funds to pay for the Coosa lol)

[@samwestoby140]

What do you think about rino liner in the back of the boat

[@VicariousAir]

Are you going to finish the wheel / floor project anytime soon?

[@larryjarrell3362]

Would this work wood truck bead?

[@Maineiac1955]

I know this is off topic, I don't have access to PVA to coat over fresh gelcoat-Can I put down a layer of paint to seal out the air till it cures?

[@Matucks]

How does the durability and hardness hold up with the Halcyon? From you experience is it just as durable as epoxy? I'm spraying small pieces of wooden jewelry thats multiple layers of 3mm wood. I'm thinking to apply about 3-5 coats of the Halcyon. I called the sales rep and he said its harder than epoxy but I need a

[@rayphoto7358]

I have experimental idea by using Cabot 140.0003460.055 Oil Stain and Totalboat Halcyon clear on my back porch deck. Build by pressure treated pine wood. It’s absolutely dry and ready to stain or seal. What do you think, will it work? Looking forward for your thoughts. Thanks!

[@baltimoreprotectionservice6155]

I also want to know how they stand up against the sun... Who has the best uv additive

[@mikebrockman8338]

Have you ever tried a 2 part varnish? I have always wondered how well they would work?

[@VW.907]

That epaphanes looks nice. Personally.

[@tomelew8465]

Awesome video! Thanks.

[@katejackson524]

Do you recommend sealing raw teak prior to using cetol and then a varnish for gloss?

[@jens5934]

Awesome, vintage Boatworks! Thank you.

[@jorgensalomonsson6739]

have you tested to do the buildup with a cheap varnish and topcoat with a high quality?

[@stevefarmer6607]

I noticed you were using the chip brushes. Every time I use those for finish work I get shedding. And the brush hairs in my stains and finish drive me nuts. Do you use those when doing finish work, or was it used just on this sample?

[@boatworkstoday]

I was only using chip for this demo; for actual finish work I'd be using a Corona Heritage brush :-)

[@MikeSheasheaDtree]

I have an old aluminum 12 foot boat I am going to sail, I had a cherry tree on the property and made rudder, what would YOU seal it with? TIA

[@drewthompson7457]

I've used several high quality marine varnishes. I haven't found they last 2 yrs. I switched to Helmsman Spar Varnish from the big box stores. It lasts quite well for a season of exterior. I use gloss, and for the interior I rub I with powdered pumice to flatten it. It was wasteful to throw out part cans of expensive stuff as it went bad in the can.

[@JamesWhite-tg4kw]

Did you keep it inside. Shouldn't go bad

[@brentmeyer4162]

ever work with AWL Clear?

[@jefverbeelen9026]

Hi Andy, which of these varnishes would you recommend for a cabin sole please ? I have some scratches in my floor and would like to give them a new finish. Great channel by the way. I have watched many of your videos. thanks

[@boatworkstoday]

For an interior I prefer a satin finish. Something like the Halcyon or the Gleam 2.0 Satin would be my choice. Halcyon will have very little smell while Gleam is more of a traditional coating which will have a solvent odor to it

[@jefverbeelen9026]

@@boatworkstoday Thank you very much Andy!

[@sonnylange3051]

Andy would you recommend total Boat Halycon Clear for a cabin sole? I want to keep the high gloss.

[@regionvoices6607]

The tech guy at Total Boat said the UV protection of the GLEAM Gloss is higher than the GLEAM Satin For exterior use he recommended 5 coats of GLEAM Gloss and a topcoat of GLEAM Satin What is your opinion Using it on Rough Sawn Cedar shutters that I built Problem was standard Spar urethane varnish didn't hold up to the elements

[@JamesWhite-tg4kw]

How did it work out for you seems to me you could just keep adding Coats of the gloss and maybe sand a little to dull it down

[@P943044S]

Hi, advice please... Just been varnishing for the first time and thought things had been going well however we had a few days of rain and where water pooled the varnish has turned white and can be rubbed off with thumb pressure. On flat surfaces the varnish is fine except where it abuts one of these areas, then I can see it pealing back even on a vertical surface... solutions please anyone? Matt, new to boats and boat problems...

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

Hey Andy, which one of these would you recommend over the epoxy coated okume marine plywood I’m using on the inside of the little lapstrake sailing dinghy I’m building? (Wow, is that a run-on sentence)!

[@boatworkstoday]

For an interior I'd go with Gleam in a satin or semi-gloss. Personally don't like high gloss in that situation as the sun glare can be brutal lol ;-) Ultimately though it comes down to the appearance you're looking for ;-)

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

Thanks Andy!

[@paulcupach9930]

Really Good Video.

[@highpockets82]

Thank you

[@daveh681]

Years ago I followed your advice from a previous video on brightwork. 2 or 3 layers of West System epoxy with 3-5 layers of Epifanes high gloss varnish on top. It turned out amazing and looked like 30 coats of varnish. I remember back then the 209 hardener stated it had extra UV protection but now it says extra slow hardener. I personally love the high gloss of the Epifanes but It feels more like a spar varnish than a hard durable finish. I would love to see some more reviews on brightwork including durability and how to achieve the best finish in the marina without spending weeks and weeks and having to redo it every season.

[@mikebrockman8338]

I have wanted to try the West System epoxy with varnish over it. I have never heard any reviews of how well that worked, glad to hear you were happy with the results.

[@whitecapmadness7181]

I bet it would be a nightmare to strip, next time?

[@petersongallery]

@@whitecapmadness7181 You are correct!! Tackled neglected section of exterior done that way. Verged on impossible to get the milky ugly epoxy off. Hard as glass and resisted all attacks from heat, strippers and sanding. Finally had to loose teak thickness by belt sanding to clear wood. Yep Nightmare.

[@JamesWhite-tg4kw]

​@@petersongallery So you don't recommend using the epoxy with a varnish overtop of it

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

Show idea: pigments. I've bought a blue. Can't wait to try it

[@frederickgagne7495]

Well done! Very interesting and I have some newbie questions... I am considering using Epifanes rapidclear for my build coats before applying the Epifanes rubbed effect for my interior, what are your thought about the rapidclear for the building? Would you recommend thinning the rapidclear? Thank you !! :D

[@JamesWhite-tg4kw]

Been 4 years now. Nice to get a answer huh. It's all about the money

[@davemall1]

It appeared as though the gloss had a heavy orange peel. Was that just the lighting, surface or something else?

[@boatworkstoday]

It had not been sanded at all. After 3 build coats you're typically able to sand everything down smooth as glass and apply another couple coats to totally finish it off :-)

[@Tillersweep]

Great comparison and the production quality of the video was terrific. However, for the comparison shot a moving POV would have been great. One shop light was reflecting off one sample and gave the impression that the others were not as glossy.

[@MrRoach-yo3mz]

Cool Stuff, Im clueless when it comes to finishing wood on a boat, I turn boat customers down instantly when asked to do their woodwork too.... I finish the guitars that I build but the wood types are completely different..... Cool video Mr. Andy, you taught this jaded old glass man something new! ..... Thank You Much

[@boatworkstoday]

I didn't know you build guitars!?! That's awesome ;-)!

[@gary5831]

what about a cost comparison?

[@horaciostjeward]

tanx for the nice videos, starting work on my victoire 22 soon, your channel is my guide. :-)

[@firstnamelastname2149]

Interlux?

[@matthewmillar3804]

Goes to show what I know about boating. I thought "brightwork" meant chromed surfaces. 🙃 I have a ways to go before I start working on boats, so I have time to learn.

[@davidkennedy3050]

Still waiting on supplies for the boat I guess. That was me last month on my boat repair.

[@davidstone3768]

A little disappointed in this video. What I was really looking for was a great product that would hold up for years to UV Ray's. I thought helmsman spar urethane would be good but it was peeling and warn off in a year (or less). My next attempt was going to be an epoxy product. Any recommendations?

[@MrBluoct]

Magic in a can 🤔

[@williamargueta1764]

I use epifanes is the best

[@scotthogue717]

We need a wooden boat video any thing will do.

[@garyknable1155]

Nice but it would of been nice if you would have taken the tape off between the samples

[@todmills]

I believe a gloss finish is less susceptible to mildew, for those who face that issue in their area.

[@Scramasax]

A tip for factory like finish for the interior: Start by applying high gloss clear coats. Then light sanding. Then apply the last coat by a spraycan, matt or semigloss.

[@drewthompson7457]

I live with a cat. I use gloss varnish for the interior wood. I let the last coat cure for a couple of weeks, then "sand" with 0000 steel wool with teak oil as a lube. This removes the gloss and cat hair, leaving a smooth satin finish.

[@Skyrmir]

Instead of storing it somewhere, set it outside your shop in the sun and weather somewhere then take a picture once a month.

[@chrishelmkamp4931]

Ok next test put it in the sun and see what has the best UV resistance.

[@WildRoverSailing]

Put them out in the sun for the summer and see how they perform.

[@sylvaingagnon3211]

Andy, do you have any involvement with the choice of advertising on your channel? The conspiracy theory ads are disturbing. You’re an intelligent person so it makes me ask this question.

[@PaulBostwick]

I'm pretty sure the advertisements are driven by separate algorithms. Which means some how they think your pattern of watching is likely to make you interested in their message. Which is something about them and about you and about KZbin. But I hear you, it is disturbing.

[@theotherfinnegan9955]

the Bertram the Bertram

[@orelygarcia]

🧡💯😎👍👍🍕🍺⭐

[@oceannavagator]

I prefer an oil finish for boat interiors simply for it's ease of freshening up. I can repair a scuff in seconds with a simple wipe of a oiled rag. As good as exterior brightwork can look, I will never again own a boat with very much of it. Way too much maintenance to keep it looking good.

[@paulbriggs3072]

You're still not comparing like with like. You're comparing satin with gloss with water based, etc.

[@CaptMarkSVAlcina]

I just hate being first

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Easiest thing to do is not finish any of the wood and let it crack and pickle for 25 yrs like the previous owner of my WWP. 🤦🏻‍♂️⚓️😂

[@BUCKSK1]

Comic Sans. Yikes

[@billallen7716]

If you're going to compare 6 products make all six products the same glass level if I want to see how that builds up and what that glass level is going to look like they all have to be the same come on give me a break

[@earthman3000]

I have been using Le Tokinois varnish on my exterior. It seems to fade away rather than dry out and get flakey when old….does Gleam flake when old and dried out? Would have have take it all the way down to wood if I wanted to redo my bright work or could I apply over Le Tokinois? Thanks

[@JamesWhite-tg4kw]

So which one do you feel is the better product to help with the flaking from the elements