Varnish??

[Ticktack]

Hello all,
I’m refinishing my tiller & rudder & have always used Captains varnish in the past.
I was curious if there are any of the newer finishes that might hold up better or is varnish still the way to go?
Thanks!
Tom

 

[LVW]

I think the concensus here is two coats of epoxy, two of varnish to protect it, and light sanding and re-varnishing every season. Over decades, polyurethane has proven itself.

 

[Ticktack]

I think the concensus here is two coats of epoxy, two of varnish to protect it, and light sanding and re-varnishing every season. Over decades, polyurethane has proven itself.

Sounds good,
Just curious,
Is epoxy & polyurethane the same thing?Is polyurethane considered varnish?
Thank you!

 

[tag]

2-part epoxy (like West Systems or TotalBoat) is not the same as polyurethane.

 

[LVW]

Of my 7 used Sunfish, rudders and boards came with some finish.

On only two, I'd sanded all the finish off. One coat per [busy] season can be an acceptable treatment.

 

[Ticktack]

Of my 7 used Sunfish, rudders and boards came with some finish.

On only two, I'd sanded all the finish off. One coat per [busy] season can be an acceptable treatment.

Yes, same here as far as most of the rudders & tillers on my 3 sunfish just need maybe light sanding & a fresh coat.
I’m tempted to use a water base UV polyurethane because of easy cleanup. Do you think the water base finish would adhere to the original finishes ( I’m assuming they were finished with oil base) or would it be better to go with an oil base varnish?
Thank you!

 

[LVW]

Yes, same here as far as most of the rudders & tillers on my 3 sunfish just need maybe light sanding & a fresh coat.
I’m tempted to use a water base UV polyurethane because of easy cleanup. Do you think the water base finish would adhere to the original finishes ( I’m assuming they were finished with oil base) or would it be better to go with an oil base varnish?
Thank you!

In the 1980s, water base finish was a tremendous gift to interior painters. (Furniture, walls, ceilings).

I doubt water based varnishes would adhere to oil-based varnishes, but I don't have any experience with water based products in a marine environment.

Some discussion of compatability should appear on the product's packaging.