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2015 Flagship Varnish is considered the traditional standard in the marine industry, with reliable service, versatile application and tough yet flexible durability.
Flagship's blend of resins and oils achieves excellent brushing performance that levels and sands with the same outstanding characteristics as 1015 Captains Varnish. Flagship boasts the highest screening of damaging UV rays for longer varnish life. This is accomplished through an ultraviolet light filter in conjunction with a hindered amine light stabilizer.
These filters warm woodwork to a light amber hue which will enhance the rich, classic brightwork appearance. A deep rich mirror-like finish increases with each coat of Flagship Varnish, which has the highest build and film depth per coat. Each coat also increase the outstanding abrasion resistance of Flagship Varnish.
Number of Coats: Bare Wood- 4 minimum, Existing Varnish- 2 minimum
Dry Film Thickness per coat: 1.5 mils (3.0 wet mils)
Application Temp: 45Deg F. Minimum, 90Deg F. Maximum
Flagship Features and Benefits
Recommended for the highest quality work
Withstands severe weather conditions on salt or fresh water.
Contains highest level of UV absorbers and light stabilizers for long-term gloss retention.
Dry Time Hours
Set-to-touch
Tack Free
Dry Hard
90Deg F.
1-3 hrs
4-6 hrs
8-12 hrs
70Deg F.
2-4 hrs
6-8 hrs
16-20 hrs
50Deg. F
4-8 hrs
12-16 hrs
24-48 hrs
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Do not shake varnish. Stir gently before application, being careful not to
introduce air bubbles into the varnish. Z-Spar 2015 Flagship Varnish may
be applied by brush or conventional 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 10% by volume. Spray an even,
wet coat to minimize orange peel. Do not apply Flagship 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
Flagship 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.
BRAND:
Pettit Z-Spar
Number Of Parts:
One Part
Type:
Varnishes
Questions & Answers about Z Spar Flagship Varnish:
2013-04-16RUTE ALVES asked: what is the difference between the zspar flagship varnish and the zpar captain marine varnish? which one is more recomended for backyard decks?
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2013-04-17DON HARDY: Alot of variables here, what part of the country do you live in, Dry of Moist? Is it on the North, south, side of a building, is it covered? Each will do the same, How many coats, why a deck? I would use CPES.. 5-7 coats. done.
Don hardy MBW
2013-04-17FRANKLIN PAINE: I don't think I'd use either on a deck. I varnish the cabin and mast of my boat as well as the interior, but not a surface I walk on.
2013-04-17Rick Contestabile: The Flagship varnish has more UV inhibitor- reportedly the most of commercially available varnishes. This is important as it allows better resistance to weathering and deterioration by sunlight.
2013-04-17JAMES LAWLOR: Used Captains once tearss ago. Prefer flagship. Spreads easily and leaves a brighter finish. Don't know about decks.
2013-04-18BOB SCHULZ: Rute,
This really isn't a product I would use for a back yard deck. It really isn't made for heavy traffic, IMHO, but more for sealing a wood surface that has long term contact or occasional contact with the water. In my opinion it is more for sealing and appearance than heavy wear.
I don't think it would look very good if walked on regularly.
If it were me, I would be looking for a good oil finish designed for sealing decks and that can be replenished fairly easily. A few products that come to mind are Pro Deck finish, Outlast deck finish, and a few others that slip my mind at the moment. Petit also makes some fine deck finishes, but I don't have the name of the product handy at the moment.
Hope this was helpful.
Bob
2013-04-18MICHAEL TURNER: I used it to finish my wood strip kayak. Very satisfied with the results.
2012-08-30A shopper asked: Can marine varnish be used on a slate patio?
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2012-08-30Rick Contestabile: A couple of considerations- most marine varnishes are not formulated for constant foot traffic. Some are, specifically used on cabin soles, for example. Second- although weathering characteristics for marine varnishes are quite good, the use on a slate surface may not have the adherence which is to be obtained on a wood substrate. I would not recommend using on slate unless the heavy wear formulation varnish were tested.
2012-08-30REETS BOATWORKS: I'm not entirely sure that I would use varnish on a patio. I only use it on wood in out shop and on boats but I can offer you one piece of advice. Varnish is actually soft. So if you walk on it and have any dirt on your shoes I would imagine that it would get scuffed up and look pretty bad.
I have a wood boat with a Mahogany floor that is varnished. It looks great but it can easily be scratched if you're not careful.
Adam
2012-08-30ALAN BAMBINA: No idea, never used it on slate,
2012-08-30MATTHEW COMBES: Using a marine varnish on a slate patio may not be a good idea. How would you prep for a new coat after it wears? Slate is rough and bumpy, not exactly given to sanding. Of course you could bead/sand blast it. You could go to a masonry/ tile outlet and look for sealers designed for rock, brick, and tile in an exterior applications. Those products are designed just for your application. Keep in mind any sealant or coating will need maintenance. Occasionally you will need to reapply the product your choose. Good luck finding your product.
2012-09-11DANIEL FUESSENICH: Sorry, I have no idea if it can be used on slate.
2012-08-16PETE DOTSEY asked: What thinner should I use to thin Falgship varnish?
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2012-08-17GARY SOWARD: I use Pettit 120 brushing thinner to reduce Z-Spar Flagship varnish when applying sealer coats to bare wood.
2012-08-17RALPH KNOX: Pete D.
I have used this spar varnish for over 30 years. There is no other type or brand I will use. As far as thinning. I never thin it, straight from the can is how I use it.
When it comes out straight and no thinning the varnish gives you a solid and deep base and that's the look you are looking for.
I do use a good paint thinner or tupentine to clean my tools, brushes, etc.
I cannot say enough about Jamestown. They will help you out anyway they can, just as they are doing now.
Happy varnishing! You can't go wrong with Z Spar or Jamestown.
Ralph K.
Mobile, Al
1stSgt USMC Ret
2012-08-17BOB SCHULZ: Any good quality paint thinner will work fine with Flagship Varnish, as with all varnishes which are oil based. I usually thin the first coat for raw wood approximately 10-15% for penetration. Apply the next coats full strength.
2012-08-19ZIGURS LIEPINS: Hi Pete,
I've used the Epifanes thinner, which seems to work well but it is expensive. I have not found any varnish that lasts more then a year in my area. The second year it is peeling usually. I've tried around five brands with mostly three to four coats, it looks beautiful when done but sitting out in the open sun all day takes it's toll. Each time I have started with clean wood removing old varnish with a heat gun and light sanding. If you must work outside, like I do you will find the weather doesn't always cooperate so if you can do this in a controlled environment your results should be superior. This year I decided to try Sikkens Cetol Marine. It has coloring added and is a bit orange but I do like it and after 5 coats I'm hoping it will last a few years, so far so good.
The best of luck to you
Zig
2012-08-20JAN BECK: I used mineral spirits to good effect.
2012-08-11ZINA GABLE asked: I just put a new front porch on it is pine T&G and it is under roof and I have a big tree in the front yard, I don't want to paint it. I want to keep the natural look. Would this varnish work on it? It don't get hardley any sun.
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2012-08-13CRAIG COVELL: It would be better to use a penetrating wood preservative/sealer that can breathe. With the underside of the porch not being finished there would be problems with moisture. Also, varnish is a higher maintenance finish than a penetrating sealer.
I do use the Z-Spar finish on wood exposed to extreme moisture (boats), however all surfaces are sealed.
2012-08-14Zina Gable: The underside is taken care of with moisture control products. I concerned with the top sealing it so no water gets down thru.
2012-08-13BRIAN IRWIN: Absolutely, yes. I used this product on a swim ladder which has been exposed to sunlight, snow, harsh conditions, etc., and a year later it still looks great!
2012-08-13KEN FOWLE: You might want to consider an oil finish,one that will penetrate the wood more than the varnish would . Easier to recoat also . Tung oil or Watco, just make sure it is an oil that will dry well.
2012-08-13JOHN STIGLICH: I used this on a boat made of cedar, pine, ash, and oak. It flows extremely well, leaving virtually no brush marks. Best to put it on thin enough to just cover and build up as many coats as desired, sanding between coats. There are some areas I only used one or two coats successfully. It has also held up well exposed to the elements (over the last 4 years). It has a slight golden tint to it so will slightly darken the wood, a little more than when it it wet. I would not compare it to stain, it is much lighter. It is extremely glossy, so if you want a high shine it would be excellent, if you want something more "satinny" it may not be a good choice.
2012-08-14Zina Gable: john thank you so much for your input. When should I put this on, first thing in the morning? and do I have to sand it in between coats? Do I have to stain the boards first? This is my first time at doing this. My first home, and my first big project. Any suggestions would be helpful.
2012-08-14JOHN STIGLICH: I did sand between coats to both encourage adhesion and flatten the surface. Given your application, I would think two coats would be plenty. (I applied a minimum of 6 to the boat but that was to get a surface that literally looks like glass). I would strongly recommend buying a small sample and trying some on a board first to see if you like it how glossy it is and if you want to stain first etc.
2012-06-02A shopper asked: how long to cure b4 i put in water?
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2012-06-05JOHN GORDON: We frequently varnish on deck in the water without issues with cure but I am assuming you must be varnishing a bright hull. While I don't have personal experience with this I would wait at least a week for the finish to cure. This would be the rule of thumb for all oil based finishes.
2012-06-05JIM WHITESIDE: Several days in the sun will cure it hard. Can go in the water In 24 hrs
2012-06-06JAMES LITTLE: At least 24 hrs. but if you have 3 days that would be better.
2012-06-06BRYAN SHAW: I have used this product on 4 different kayak projects. It is an excellent product and is VERY durable. I recommend 3 coats, with a steel wool rub between each coat, and wait 24 hours before getting it wet. Should you experience any scratches, it is very easy to feather the edges of the scratch, and repair the damaged area. Flagship is the only product I use for finishing.
2012-06-06MARK ROWE: I let mine dry for a week.
This summer will be my seventh summer with this varnish
2012-04-25A shopper asked: can i use on outdoor pine furniture?
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2012-04-25MICHAEL BAKSA: It is meant to be used on spruce spars, which is close to pine. In order to get UV protection from the finish 6 coats are needed . If you only put on a couple of coats it won't last long. Sand lightly with 320 in between coats.
2012-04-25JOHNNY PROULX: Yes
2012-04-25JAMES LITTLE: I don't see why not. As long as you are aware that you will have to maintain this furniture by sanding and refinishing it. How often will depend on how much sun it gets. I have gotten very good performance from this product. The sun will wear it out in a year or two if there is constant exposure.
2012-04-26CRAIG COVELL: I would thin the first two coats significantly in order to get maximum penetration. Also try to get between mating surfaces to get some sealing in those areas. Finally, I would not use a high gloss finish coat on chairs and table tops if they will be in direct sunlight.
2012-04-12A shopper asked: DOES IT COME IN GALLON CANS?
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2012-04-12Ryan L: Yes, use the drop down menu to select gallon.
2011-09-10A shopper asked: I need toget product advice. Witch varnish is easiest to apply, and wich holds up better?
+Expand Answers
2011-09-13HOWARD CAPLAN: I have used the flagship, Admiral and I think Captain's varnish by Z-Spar. I restore older wood/canvas canoes.
I apply each coat thin. Less is more. Have good light and a very good brush. I use the natural bristle boars hair. Depending on what you are doing you may want to trim the brush bristles so you minimize out of control bristles. Thin coats, light sanding between keep applying coats until the finish is what you want. I go for four to five coats on the interior of the canoe and 5 to six coats on the gunwales and decks which are handled more by greasy, dirty fingers and hands.
In tight places you may want to wear a respirator which I use when in the shop and applying to the interior of the canoe.
2011-09-13GARY HASENSTAB: I have a ketch constructed entirely of Teak, and spend an average of about six weeks varnishing each year. I have used Flagship for over ten years, and am totally satisfied with it's performance. I previously used a more expensive product that does not offer any advantage over Flagship. I always build up at least six coats to achieve a near-piano finish, and have never been disappointed. The use of a product that does not perform as well as Flagship would represent an enormous waste of my time.
Flow characteristics, hardness and color are perfect in my opinion. Directions must be followed and no shortcuts taken. Application goes well even on hot or windy days. I like to choose an overcast, calm and cool day for the final coat, but that doesn't happen often.
2011-09-13RICK NAVARRO: I believe that epifanes holds up against the sun best, but is not the easiest to apply. The next best is interlux schooner and it is much easier to apply. I have switched to Schooner.
2011-09-13DOUG HOMNICK: I've used four different varnishes on mahogany. I think flagship and its close cousin captains varnish are the best overall for good gloss and fairly quick dry to avoid dust. In my opinion, Epiphanes wood gloss finish has great gloss but dries slowly and therefore picks up dust and Schooner seems to attract dust more than Z-spar products. Z spar products also seem to level well. Hope that helps.
2011-09-13FRANKLIN PAINE: I use the Z Spar 2010 and am very happy with it. I adheres and cures when applied over the epoxy I use which some have not. I has a nice gloss and remains so. Practical Sailor prefers some others, but I prefer this because of ease of application, consistent curing and durability.
2011-09-13KEN FOWLE: Schooner Varnish is most likely the easiest for a novice .
Z Spar Flagship will hold up the best of all .
2011-09-13MARK ROWE: This has been the best varnish I have ever used in all my years of boating.
My best coverage and application was using a foam roller to apply and follow with a good brush. temperature was an issue in applying. I applied with the foam roller then my wife followed with the brush continually fairing out the varnish that I applied.
2012 will be my 5th year that this varnish has held up. the boat is dock on freshwater and the elements are harsh at times. The only areas of varnish that have taken a beating is from foot traffic areas of the wood, mainly seat backs and the swim platform.
Happy boating
2011-09-14JONATHAN GOLDWEITZ: Z Spar Flagship flows very well and has excellent UV protection. For new/bare wood, we build up 5-10 coats after ~5 coats of Interlux #1026 wood seler. We often finish with 1-2 coats of Z Spar Captains varnish wich flows and levels even better than Flagship (but less UV protection) and has a harder finish. Good luck!
2011-09-14DAVID WALLAN: We have used Z Spar 2015 Flagship for several years with good results: easy to apply, durable (for varnish) and very good gloss retention. Its also well recommended by Practical Sailor's testing. Use the Petit brushing thinner as appropriate.
Avid do-it-yourselfer (8), Casual do-it-yourselfer (5), Professional (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great gloss, excellent UV protection!
I use this excellent varnish on all brightwork on the boats I build and restore. It has excellent gloss and is easy to apply using the rolling and tipping method. I have had terrific ...Read complete review
I use this excellent varnish on all brightwork on the boats I build and restore. It has excellent gloss and is easy to apply using the rolling and tipping method. I have had terrific results using disposable foam mini rollers for application and foam brushes for tipping. This makes cleanup very easy, and there is no possibility of contaminants being introduced into the next coat, as the brushes are new each time. The thickness of the varnish makes it easy to apply a nice glossy coat while not having to lay on so much that it drips. Building up multiple coats is quickly achieved and each one brings the beauty of the wood out even more.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Elasticity problems
12 sprayed coats on top deck of mahogany veneer speedboat. Cured 9 mos., then hand rubbed to a mirror-like finish. Less than three hours in the sun and it 'alligatored' as though ...Read complete review
12 sprayed coats on top deck of mahogany veneer speedboat. Cured 9 mos., then hand rubbed to a mirror-like finish. Less than three hours in the sun and it 'alligatored' as though it had been brushed! Very disappointing for the expense of this product. 3 years into this restoration!
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Flagship Varnish:
logest lasting ive ever used.
4/25/2013
5.0
Excellent Product
By jimsheila
from Simpsonville, SC
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Flagship Varnish:
I use this product on my exterior wood doors. This is by far the best finish for exterior wood.
4/20/2013
2.0
1015 superior to 2015
By Dad the Distance Runner & Kayaker
from Aurora, IL
About Me Beginner
Pros
Industry Standard Brand
Cons
Does Not Go On Evenly
Best Uses
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Flagship Varnish:
Got this to compare to 1015. Can't see the advantage. Compared to the Captain's 1015, puddles.
12/2/2012
5.0
Beautiful finish
By Ed
from Virginia
About Me Casual Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Even Paint Distribution
Shiny And Smooth Finish
Cons
Best Uses
Detailed Work
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Flagship Varnish:
I applied several coats to a tiller and mahonagony rudder for my small sailboat. I take these off the boat and store in my garage, so I cannot speak to sun resistance. It brushes on well and dries smooth.
8/13/2012
4.0
Good Stuff !
By Tennessee Tim
from Eads,Tn
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
durable
Great finish
Spreads easily and smooth
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Flagship Varnish:
American company with qaulity product !
8/23/2011
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
GREAT PRODUCT
By usmcfred
from Dover, MA
About Me Casual Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Easy To Clean
Even Paint Distribution
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Flagship Varnish:
Used this Z-Spar on the Bergie pole for my '55 Chris Craft Cobra 21' Runabout. Sanded with 220 grit, wiped, then tack cloth. Two coats looked perfect, but I applied a third for good measure. This product covers and levels very well with no trace of brush strokes. Dries to a glass like finish. Highly recommended. Fred Hammerle Dover, MA
6/1/2011
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Best varnish for my needs
By Gator Bob
from Satellite Beach Florida
About Me Casual Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Easy to use
Rich deep coats
Thick and even
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Flagship Varnish:
I live in close to the beach where the salt content is extreme. I used the Z Spar Flagship on my 16x25 Pergola, 8- 6"x6"x9' post, 2"x10" and 2"x6" cross beams. I knew the Z Spar was the right choice after the first brush! This was my third application in 4 years, the first 2 times I used cheaper product and they both did not hold up over 2 years (flaking, peeling, and more). So far the Z Spar looks like it will last 3-5 years. Time will tell, I look forward to adding positive comments in several years (4-5?) when I apply my next coat.
7/11/2010
(1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
1.0
Elasticity problems
By Yellow Jacket 59
from Central Indiana
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Cons
Deteriorates
Best Uses
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Flagship Varnish:
12 sprayed coats on top deck of mahogany veneer speedboat. Cured 9 mos., then hand rubbed to a mirror-like finish. Less than three hours in the sun and it 'alligatored' as though it had been brushed! Very disappointing for the expense of this product. 3 years into this restoration!
4/20/2010
5.0
Was worth the expense
By Dick
from Cape Cod
About Me Casual Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Flagship Varnish:
I used 2015 Flagship Varnish 2 yrs ago on a wood Kayak I build. It was easy to use and still looks good 2 yrs latter. I ordered another can to do my front door. [...]
2/25/2010
4.0
Good for exterior teak
By Mark V
from Pt. Judith, RI
About Me Professional
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pettit Z-Spar Z Spar Flagship Varnish:
I have teak toe-rails and trim that I like to varnish, rather than oil. I've tried the AWLGRIP'system', other varnish like Epiphanes, Bristol Finish, CETOL, etc. I've found that that Z-Spar Flagship provides the best combo of ease of prep and application, cost, and and ease of repairing the coating once it breaks down.
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