Marine Varnish?

[kurt_rose]

Quick question guys. I'm making am exterior sign from mahogany. Can I put a marine type varnish over BLO? I really want the grain to pop and figured blo would do it, but am a little concerned what top coat to use. It's going to be in a coastal environment and want to hold up. All input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[jTr]

Kurt,
I've done lots of outdoor furniture finished with marine varnish. Here's what I'd do:
1> Epifanes brand "high gloss marine varnish". Lots of choices in their line up, but nothing beats this original formula. Follow instructions implicitly, especially the number of coats (5-6). $30 avg price per quart, but you will be thinning lots, so it goes a long way. Shelf life is exceptional.
2> I would not put BLO on it. This is a true varnish with plenty of oils for a deep tone of it's own- long drying time and 50% thinned as instructed for first coat = long slow soaking of that gorgeous wood. Oily woods are toughest to keep a topcoat sticking to = wouldn't introduce an oil before adding a film forming finish.
3> Easy to refresh the surfaces once a year with a quick 220 sand and a 30% thinned coat. Each refresher is another layer of protection = longevity. Worth it if this is a really nice project you'd like to refer future clients to.
4> Some advocate first coat of CEPS (clear epoxy penetrating sealer ). Theory goes, this wood repair epoxy will "bond" your varnish to the new wood. My experience says perhaps on soft wood, but no appreciable difference on hardwoods.

Forget the home improvement store spars - 6 months life at best, especially in harsh environments - I mean completely peeling off the wood. Epifanes is a 100 year old formula used on the boats floating on saltwater - it doesn't get any better.

Best of luck!

Jeff

[jTr]

Kurt,
Couple application notes:
- You can spray - thin as necessary, typically 30% all coats. Just use a true mineral spirit paint thinner - green substitutes DO NOT work.
- If you must brush, get a good one, but a sprayed finish is absolutely gorgeous.

Jeff

[2Egress Sound & Design]

I lived aboard my sailboat for over 5 years and used to have a business rebuilding classic sailing boats. It was all I would use and it never let me down.

I used to know the U.S. distributor of Epifanes his name is Doug....(can't recall the last name) their main office is located in Maine in Thomaston I believe.
They are a Dutch company and they know about water and yachting.
Their product is used on mega yachts and classic yachts the world over.

It is the real thing and I have never found a product better.

Good luck!

[kurt_rose]

Thanks Guys. Epifanes it is. Just ordered some.

[kubotaman]

Stupid question but what is BLO?

[Brian Harnett]

Stupid question but what is BLO?

Boiled linseed oil

[kubotaman]

Thanks!!!!!!!

[Brady Watson]

Boiled linseed oil

Yeah thanks...Didn't want to go into Sherwin Williams asking for some BLO...they might get the wrong idea! :D

-B

[ssflyer]

LOL - :eek::D

[danhamm]

Good info, good humour, good thread..http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif

[bruce_taylor]

Would of never guessed boiled linseed oil. LOL