This isn't really a wood question, but I figured this is the best place
for varnish knowledge
A painter told me that Pratt & Lambert made the best spar varnish for my
garage door. He claimed that it had the highest level of UV blockers.
He must have been right, because that varnish outlasted others. The
problem I am having is that it is hard to find in my area.
So, the question I have is: "are there any reports that rate Pratt &
Lambert better than others?"
m pautz wrote:
> This isn't really a wood question, but I figured this is the best
place
> for varnish knowledge
>
> A painter told me that Pratt & Lambert made the best spar varnish for
my
> garage door. He claimed that it had the highest level of UV
blockers.
> He must have been right, because that varnish outlasted others. The
> problem I am having is that it is hard to find in my area.
>
> So, the question I have is: "are there any reports that rate Pratt &
> Lambert better than others?"
I haven't heard that specifically, but Pratt & Lambert does make good
stuff in general.
For spar varnish, I'd recommend going to marine supply shops to get the
best recommendations. Afterall, spar varnish's intended use is on
boats...
will
I suppose it depends on your application - but . . . the really best spar
varnish is a Dutch boat varnish called Epfanes - Now here on the west coast
of Michigan with all the boat places it is reasonably easy to get - but be
prepared - ever wonder why the bright work on a boat is so expensive - the
varnish is about $130 a gallon. So now it comes to balance - I use the
varnish to create a mirrored finish on a surface that is only a 1/4" wide
and a quart last for years - is the garage door needing of this quality????
Wayne
"m pautz" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:yiH3d.471565$%_6.303261@attbi_s01...
> This isn't really a wood question, but I figured this is the best place
> for varnish knowledge
>
> A painter told me that Pratt & Lambert made the best spar varnish for my
> garage door. He claimed that it had the highest level of UV blockers.
> He must have been right, because that varnish outlasted others. The
> problem I am having is that it is hard to find in my area.
>
> So, the question I have is: "are there any reports that rate Pratt &
> Lambert better than others?"
>
On Tue, 21 Sep 2004 16:04:12 GMT, "Lew Hodgett"
<[email protected]> calmly ranted:
>
>"Larry Jaques" writes:
>
>> Be sure to use Bloxygen (or equiv) in that can if you're
>> going to save it for that long. Varnish -will- skin up.
>
>Haven't you ever used the old propane trick?
Not yet, but I'm sure I will once this free can of Bloxy
is used up. Just be careful opening up the can, eh? ;)
----------------------------------------------------------
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* better time with a roller. ** http://diversify.com
----------------------------------------------------------
As one that has varnished acres of oak, mahogany and teak in four decades of
boat ownership and maintenance, I feel qualified to add my two cents worth.
Epiphanes has its advocates but it is expensive and takes a long time to
dry. My favorite is International Flagship varnish. I have tried Bloxygen,
propane, wax paper, storing the can upside down and a million other things.
My favorite way to preserve varnish from year to year is to NOT remove the
lid. I punch two holes in the lid. One is to pour through, the other is a
vent. Pour the varnish through a disposable strainer into the bucket
(disposable paper) you plan to use. The holes in the lid can be sealed with
#10 self tapping sheet metal screws. Invert the can briefly to coat the
threads and thats it. I have made a holder for the strainer and can because
varnish flows through a small hole about like honey does......SLOWLY. This
method saves varnish; you can use the whole canful! If anyone has a better
way, let me know.
Dave
"Wayne Cattanach" writes:
> I suppose it depends on your application - but . . . the really best spar
> varnish is a Dutch boat varnish called Epfanes - Now here on the west
coast
> of Michigan with all the boat places it is reasonably easy to get - but be
> prepared - ever wonder why the bright work on a boat is so expensive - the
> varnish is about $130 a gallon. So now it comes to balance - I use the
> varnish to create a mirrored finish on a surface that is only a 1/4" wide
> and a quart last for years - is the garage door needing of this
quality????
Check out Jamestown Distributors.
6, 1 liter cans for about $106.00 per last catalog.
Yes, it definitely is the high priced spread, but then again, the best
usually is.
HTH
Lew
"Larry Jaques" writes:
> Not yet, but I'm sure I will once this free can of Bloxy
> is used up. Just be careful opening up the can, eh? ;)
It's NBD, propane is heavier than air so it stays in the can till you stir
things a little.
OTOH, if you are stupid enough to still be smoking at this late
date>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Don't you just hate us ex-smokers who still rant?)
Lew
On Tue, 21 Sep 2004 18:07:03 GMT, "Lew Hodgett"
<[email protected]> calmly ranted:
>"Larry Jaques" writes:
>
>> Not yet, but I'm sure I will once this free can of Bloxy
>> is used up. Just be careful opening up the can, eh? ;)
>
>It's NBD, propane is heavier than air so it stays in the can till you stir
>things a little.
Yabbut, the hammer and your best chisel on the steel of
the varnish can...
>OTOH, if you are stupid enough to still be smoking at this late
>date>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
>(Don't you just hate us ex-smokers who still rant?)
I still rant, too, after 15 years. Luckily, I can't even
GO into a smoke-filled bar any more.
=====================================================================
-=Everything in Moderation,=- NoteSHADES(tm) glare guards
-=including moderation.=- http://www.diversify.com
=====================================================================
On Mon, 20 Sep 2004 23:50:43 -0400, "Wayne Cattanach"
<[email protected]> calmly ranted:
>I suppose it depends on your application - but . . . the really best spar
>varnish is a Dutch boat varnish called Epfanes - Now here on the west coast
>of Michigan with all the boat places it is reasonably easy to get - but be
>prepared - ever wonder why the bright work on a boat is so expensive - the
>varnish is about $130 a gallon. So now it comes to balance - I use the
>varnish to create a mirrored finish on a surface that is only a 1/4" wide
>and a quart last for years - is the garage door needing of this quality????
Be sure to use Bloxygen (or equiv) in that can if you're
going to save it for that long. Varnish -will- skin up.
----------------------------------------------------------
* Michelangelo would have made ** Website Programming
* better time with a roller. ** http://diversify.com
----------------------------------------------------------