"spar varnish"

Dave Speer

Dave Speer

Active member
Yup "spar varnish" is in quotes for a reason. Lots of people talk about it. I have dived deep into the internet high and low various times for a few years trying to figure out what this mythical creature is.

I was recently suggested a new wood prep for oil painting: 1/3 OMS, 1/3 Spar, 1/3 Ronan's. I would like to give it a shot. AND I would like to do a couple birds in that almost stain-like finish where the grain shows through.

So. Where can I get "spar varnish." I don't care to hear about products that are no longer in production (Val Oil). Where does a guy who doesn't have a stash of unobtanium go to get said spar varnish for sealing a bird? What is the exact product name? Where is it obtained?
 
Dave,

Here is a good article explaining some of the differences and the whys of using spar varnish over other types.
http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/articles/difference-between-spar-varnish-and-regular-varnish/

IMO, for sealing applications where you will be painting over it the best and cheapest is a combination of Linseed Oil and Turpentine/mineral spirits. I believe the linseed oil can I have calls for 30% linseed oil and 70% turpentine. I used this ratio when sealing a bare cedar floor for my skiff. Dries overnight and you can put on multiple coats. I have tried going 50/50 and even higher percentages of linseed oil but the more oil the longer it takes to dry.
 
Hi Dave
This is chemical similar to val oil.
http://www.owatrol.com/pdf/technical-en-deks-olje-d1.pdf
For use above and below the water line.
Application wet on wet until wood is fully saturated, matte finish.
Noah's marine sells it.
 
I am assuming that you are looking for an old fashioned oil base spar varnish. Interlux Gold is one of this type, Z Spar Captains is another. These are probably the most widely used, of the traditional oil based varnishes. Labratory chemists have made dozens of modern, quick dry, hi build etc concoctions. The two I mentioned have stood the test of time and probably out sell most of the others in the professional marine industry, Rich
 
As has been said, spar varnish is the name given to old-fashioned oil-based varnish. There are lots of brands sold. Some of the popular ones are Epifanes, Captain's (Z-Spar), Flagship, Rivoli, and Man-O-War. Some hardware stores also carry their own house brand. The MinWax can shown in a post above, labeled "Spar Urethane", seems misleading. Nobody I know would call a polyurethane product "spar varnish". The term is usually used to differentiate between oil-based varnish and clear polyurethane. If your instructions are to use spar varnish I would recommend not using polyurethane. That would include polyurethane with the word "spar" in the title.
 
Hey, Merlin, the name tells you what it was originally used for. If you add some turps to regular oil painting varnish, you CAN reduce the gloss.
 
Dave : Local hardware store in town has readily available McCloskey's "Man-O-War" spar varnish in both satin and gloss finish. If not available in your area, you can purchase it on Amazon .
Regards,
Ken Zaborski
 
Practical Sailor staff recently conducted a two year wood slat exposure test in the south Florida sun for both spar varnish and two-part wood sealer treatments. Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane held up well into the second year of exposure. Pretty decent price point as well, when compared to the other spar varnish formulations that displayed similar longevity and protection.
 
For sealing wood, it's gotta work..Have been using GAC700 as a sealer for hollowed stuff, and it appears to work just peachy. I would think the spar is a lot more compatible with oils, unless you are painting with acrylics, then the urethane base would be better.
 
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