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Z Spar 1015 Captains Varnish is a high solids marine varnish that is a copolymerization of several different resins and drying oils - it has found remarkable acceptance by users throughout the world. Captain's Varnish is recommended for the highest quality work. It has outstanding gloss retention and all-around durability. It is considered by its many users to be the most durable varnish ever offered to the boating trade. Contains Ultra Violet absorbers and filters.
Number of Coats: Bare Wood- 4 minimum,
Existing Varnish- 2 minimum
Dry Film Thickness per coat: 1.5 mils (3.1 wet mils)
Application Temp: 40Deg F. Min., 90Deg F. Max.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Do not shake varnish. Stir gently before application, being careful not to
introduce air bubbles into the varnish. Z*Spar 1015 Captain's Varnish may
be applied by brush, conventional or airless spray. Thinning is not normally
required although on warm days use Pettit 120/T10 Brushing Thinner at 5-
10% by volume to ease brushing and maintain good flow and levelling. In
very warm weather (80Deg F and above) use Pettit 110/T11 Brush Flo Thinner
at 5-10% by volume to maintain good flow and levelling. When spraying,
use Pettit 121/T8 Spraying Thinner up to 20% by volume. Spray one even,
wet coat to minimize orange peel. Do not apply in heavy films or build coats
too quickly as solvent entrapment, blistering or wrinkling may occur. Do not
apply Captain's Varnish on extremely humid days or when rain is threatening.
Do not apply in the late afternoon when working outdoors as the wet
film may be adversely affected by dew. DO NOT apply this varnish to a
wood hull which has been dried more than one week under conditions such
as artificial heat. Do not use Captain's Varnish below the waterline on boats
that remain in the water. The moisture content of the wood should be a
minimum of 15% when varnished. This will eliminate expansion cracking,
micro-checking and gloss loss when the varnish is in service.
SURFACE PREPARATION
Wood must be clean, dry and properly prepared prior to varnishing. When
sanding wood, always sand with the grain. Use a vacuum, air hose, or tack
rag to remove all traces of sanding residue. Follow all surface preparation
steps carefully, avoiding shortcuts. Inadequate surface preparation will
virtually assure inadequate varnish performance.
Dry Time Hours
Set-to-touch
Tack Free
Dry Hard
90Deg F.
1-3 hrs
3-5 hrs
8-12 hrs
70Deg F.
2-4 hrs
5-7 hrs
12-20 hrs
50Deg. F
4-8 hrs
12-16 hrs
24-48 hrs
Ultra Violet absorbers and filters for long-term gloss retention.
Recommended for the highest quality work
Outstanding gloss retention and all around durability.
This is the prefered varnish when painting in a variable environment.
BRAND:
Pettit Z-Spar
Number Of Parts:
One Part
Type:
Varnishes
Questions & Answers about Z Spar Captain's Varnish:
2013-01-20A shopper asked: Is this clear or amber?
+Expand Answers
2013-01-22TERESA PHILLIPS: This is what I would consider Amber in color and I did not think it held up well in direct exposure to sunlight
2013-01-22MARVIN STILLE: Hi,
It is clear. I used it on a cedar strip canoe and teak furiture and was well pleased with the results. A high quality product.
Hope this helps.
Marv
2013-01-22WILLIAM SCHMIDT: It is very light amber in the can, but dries clear.
Thanks,
Bill
2013-01-22NATHAN SPEAR: Amber.
2013-01-22PETER MACFARLANE: It has an amber tint. I find that it enhances wood tones (primarily western red cedar and cherry, in my case) rather than obscuring or strongly colouring them.
2013-01-22KAREN MAIDHOF: It isclear but slightly amber which looks great with mahogany or teak dark woods. It gives a bit of an old fashion varnished wood boat look. I believe they have a clear one available.
2013-01-23MAC MCCASKIE: Amber
2013-01-23PATRICK MARTIN: The varnish is clear, but not ABSOLUTELY transparent; you will see an tinge of amber as you look through the can of varnish.... hope this is helpful.
Patrick Martin
2012-11-05RAY REID asked: Can i apply HIgh gloss Captains Varnish on oak that I have recently stained?
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2012-11-05CARL LIBBY: I applied it to recently stained mahogany. It came out beautiful. I will tell you that we applied 8 coats. When we finished it had a beautiful high gloss but the finish is soft and can scratch easy.
2012-11-05TOM PETERSON: Hi Ray,
I have been away from varnishing boats for a number of years but I do not believe Captains has changed much and it was the varnish of choice in the boatyard I worked. We would routinely stain and varnish over it so I cannot imagine what you would run into staining oak and varnishing over it as long as the oak is not carrying a high load of moisture that would intefere with adhesion. Otherwise I would have no such worries.
Hope this helps,
Tom
2012-11-05MARY TRAYNELIS: I haven't used it on stained oak, just on fresh oak that had been steamed. So take this advice with that in mind.
It does darken the wood just a hint. It also covered and protected the famawood putty that was used to fill small voids. Be sure that the stain & wood is completely dry or you may get streaking.
Give it a light scuff with 220 or a medium ScotchBright (c) pad before applying. Vacuum & use a tack cloth or you'll enhance the particles as you varnish. Do that between coats, as well.
I'll be interested in seeing the answers from others with more experience.
2012-11-05RAYMOND LEONARD: Capain's vrnish is my favorite finishing varnish.
I have used it with great success on mahogany that has been stained on my 1939 Chris Craft. I wuouldn't hesitate to use it on any wood that has been stained.
Ray L.
2012-10-23A shopper asked: Do I need to use a sealer on bare PT wood before using Captain's varnish?
+Expand Answers
2012-10-24NATHAN BACON: I'll answer that 2 ways...
Dilute the varnish 50:50 for the first coat; 40:60 second; 30:70 third; 20:80 fourth; straight for the balance.
Depending on the wood (eg Mahogany) I use Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer (CPES) for the first few coats then varnish within 24 hours (follow directions on CPES literature)....Wow, phenomenal look!
2012-10-24JEFF COOK: I am note sure if you need to, but I do. I bought my boat from a builder who was very attentive to varnish. I follow what he did and that was to Marexite as a sealer. I also thin the varnish.
2012-10-24NOAH CREAVEN: I would recommend it. Gives it a better base, smoother finish and use less varnish initially.
2012-10-26JERRY HODSON: I have used this product on everything from pine to plywood. I have never had to use a sealer before applying Z Spar Captain's Varnish.
2012-10-12A shopper asked: What Thinner is used?
+Expand Answers
2012-10-12BRETT PRICE: Xylene. Zspar might have a special thinner but I've always used small amounts of xylene with captains varnish.
2012-10-12GORDON CALLISON: I used Interlux 216 special thinner.
2012-10-12JEFFREY REILLY: Mineral Spirits
2012-10-12WAYNE OVERTON: I find it best to use the same manufacturer's thinner. I recommend Z-spar #208 for spraying and #210 for brushing. The amount mixed with the varnish is determined by environmental conditions.
2012-10-13GEORGE SPENCERGREEN: I used Petit 120 t-10. Add about 20% to varnish pan (don't paint directly out of can). Dries much faster and fewer runs. I use foam brushes almost exclusively. Have patience and lots of time. Good luck.
2012-08-31TIM RIO asked: can i use lacquer thinner to thin captains varnish? i am in bocas del toro panama and unable to get the proper thinner.
+Expand Answers
2012-09-05TERESA PHILLIPS: I am sorry but I never did thin out the varnish..I used it right from the can with a brush only
2012-07-05A shopper asked: Can this product be applied on pressured wood? Thanks Barb
2012-06-17A shopper asked: Right, so I need to find "T-10" brush thinner for thinning Captains Varnish. "T-8" spraying thinner seems to be offered. Where can I get "T-10" or does "T-8" work just as well? I'd like to find T-10.
2012-05-22A shopper asked: do you use spar varnish over or under a waterproofing sealant?
+Expand Answers
2012-05-23SAILING "SPECIALISTS, INC. ": The value of Z Spar 1015 Captains Varnish is that is contains a UV shield.
To be effective, it should be the outer coat. I have used it only over WEST system epoxy producet.
2012-05-23TIM COCHRAN: I used Captains Varnish to finish my strip kayak. The varnish was put on over epoxy. I would think the varnish would always be the last finish because it has the UV protection and the epoxy does not.
2012-05-16JOHN O'SHEA asked: I will be applying this bare wood (cedar). Would thinning the first coat by ten or twenty percent be wise? I was thinking that I might get better penetration that way...
Thanks for any advice.
+Expand Answers
2012-05-17JACK KING: Absol.utely! Follow Don Casey's varnish schedule. Scuff and re-coat with two layers yearly if exposed to sun. If you varnish in warm weather add a cap full of thinner to half a tuna can of varnish.
Captain's is great varnish
2012-04-07A shopper asked: Is this product available in a "satin" finish?
+Expand Answers
2012-04-10JOHN DAVIDSON: not that i know of; all varnish goes on glossy. you can dull the final finish by rubbing with a brown paper bag or burlap or 00 steel wool.
2012-04-13TIM CORCORAN: This varnish has a gloss finish.
Avid do-it-yourselfer (9), Casual do-it-yourselfer (5), Professional (5), Do-it-yourself (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
This is a great product
I used Captains Varnish on my bathroom floor and because its a bathroom floor I applied four coats. I purchased two quarts of this product and my floor looks beautiful.
I used Captains Varnish on my bathroom floor and because its a bathroom floor I applied four coats. I purchased two quarts of this product and my floor looks beautiful.
THANKS ..for a great product .
Patty
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
OK varnish
As I was short on my favoured LeTonkinios I tried a can of the 1015 z-Spar and used it on a transom and some cabin interior parts. The z-spar is OK at best, compared ...Read complete review
As I was short on my favoured LeTonkinios I tried a can of the 1015 z-Spar and used it on a transom and some cabin interior parts. The z-spar is OK at best, compared with LeTinkinios it does not flow as nice, builds up too fast, is smelly and clean up is hazardous. Due to its comparably high viscosity it is by far not as economical as the LeTonkinios, the finish ths not as "smooth and clean" - even after 7 coats. This is a typical Varnish - nothing special. If you want to experience how great varnish can be: try LeTonkinios (make sure you order the "Vernis Marine No1")
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Captain's Varnish:
Had to add more than 10% thinner to achieve the best results. Was getting a lot of air bubbles that wouldn't disperse, but by increasing the thinner (a little at a time) I was able to achieve the viscosity that would leave a great finish and yet allow the bubbles to escape. In the end --- GREAT finish
12/19/2012
5.0
Always a TOP product
By Bob
from Gig Harbor, WA
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
FLOWS EVENLY
Outstanding Gloss
Cons
Best Uses
Bright Work
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Captain's Varnish:
Applies evenly and dries in a reasonable time. Does require care on vertical surfaces.
10/26/2012
4.0
Does the job it's intended for - well!
By PeterVT
from Addison, VT
About Me Professional
Pros
Easy application
Hard-wearing
Cons
Slight Tendency To Run
Best Uses
Strip Canoe Finish
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Captain's Varnish:
This varnish applies well, sets to an even finish, is hard-wearing and gives good U-V resistance. The only reason I haven't given it 5 stars - and this may be a little unfair - is that on anything other than a horizontal surface (that includes most boats) even a thin coat has a tendency to run or sag. This can be avoided by applying VERY thin coats which require a little more working for application.
10/14/2012
5.0
Easy to Use with Great Results
By Kathy the Sailor
from Cheboygan, Michigan
About Me Casual Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Even Paint Distribution
Lightweight
Smooth Flowing
Cons
Best Uses
Detailed Work
Large Areas
Small Areas
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Captain's Varnish:
After swearing off sailboats with outside teak trim 31 years ago, we purchased a newer sailboat with a considerable amount of trim. It had been well cared for, but definitely needed refreshing. Captain's Varnish had been used by the previous owner (don't know which brand) so we chose the Z Spar. If we'd realized how nicely this product goes on and how beautiful the result is, we might have purchased a newer sailboat a lot sooner! We'll be very proud of our exterior brightwork next season.
10/7/2012
(1 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
2.0
product arrived with top caved in. Now d
By john
from oconomowoc. wi
About Me Professional
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Captain's Varnish:
Your product arrived with a damaged top so it does not seal. The can will have to be tossed!
It's a good product though.
5/23/2012
5.0
Using Z Spar Captains Varnish
By Art
from Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Ease to use Great finish
Easy To Clean
Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Large Areas
Small Areas
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Captain's Varnish:
I use 1-2 coats of Old Salem 2018 Clear Sealer before putting on the Z Spar Varnish. Light sanding between coats with 150-220 grit, with both sealer and varnish. Use tack rag very lightly, as tack rag chemical can transfer to surface and cause uneven adhearance. I use air hose to blow off sanding dust. Use a good brush such as badger hair, and tip off with foam brush (extremely light touch). Several light coats are best. Overnight drying between coats is best. Thick coating can blister or craze. I like the Pettit products. They do what they say it will do. Love the easypoxy topside paint. It flows to a rich smooth finish in minutes.
4/26/2012
5.0
great product
By doug
from adirondack mtns,new york
About Me Professional
Pros
Great
Cons
None
Best Uses
Protection
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Captain's Varnish:
lays out great
3/5/2012
5.0
Great Product, Great Supplier
By Tom
from Maryland
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Captain's Varnish:
Quality product, easy to lay on and thinning works fine if needed.
8/25/2011
5.0
This is a great product
By Pat'e
from Beecher ,IL
About Me Casual Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Applys evenly
Easy To Clean
Very nice color
Cons
Best Uses
Large Areas
Small Areas
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Captain's Varnish:
I used Captains Varnish on my bathroom floor and because its a bathroom floor I applied four coats. I purchased two quarts of this product and my floor looks beautiful.
THANKS ..for a great product .
Patty
6/26/2010
4.0
Learning
By Dr. DaKine
from Kailua, Hawaii
About Me Casual Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Captain's Varnish:
I'm in the intermediate stages of learning how to put down a good finish, and this was my second project with this product. This one is on our windward Hawaii ocean front, iron wood front gate. I spent a great deal of time in preparation. The only step I skipped was using a wood grain filler, because I couldn't find the product recommended. I think this might be key in assuring a perfect finish. I ended up with a nice but not perfect finish after five coats. It's kind of hard to get two coats on per day. Also, even using a very expensive brush, I still had some orange peeling. The temperature here is generally around 80 or slightly over, so next time, in addition to finding the wood filler, I'll try to get the T12 thinner and see if it levels a little better. Also, the relative humidity in a windward oceanfront environment must be pretty close to 100%, so I'm not sure what the heck I'm supposed to do about that! I mean it is a marine varnish, for Pete's sake. Am a supposed to take the project to a desert or air conditioned room to apply it?
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