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Epifanes clear marine spar varnish is renowned for its gloss finish and offers superior protection in all climates. Formulated with tung oil, phenolic and alkyd resins and U.V. filters for superior protection. It is an exceptional finish for wood or over traditional marine varnish clear urethane and clear epoxy resins systems.
Go for Two! Our new JD Epifanes Clear Gloss Kit (CVKIT) includes two 1000ml cans of varnish, 2 foam brushes, 2 paint strainers, 2 stir sticks, and 2 plastic paint pails. This is a great value. You save on the varnish and receive brushes, strainers, and pails for free!
Recommended Film Thickness: Per coat wet - 50 micron / Per coat dry - 30 micron
Application: Brush, roller, conventional air spray, HVLP
Temperatures should be between 50 degrees F and 85 degrees F for application,
with air humidity below 85 percent. Avoid varnishing in too much sun or wind,
a rapid loss of solvents will occur under these conditions and will decrease the flowing ability.
Epifanes Clear Gloss Varnish is compatible with most other types of one-component alkyd or urethane based varnishes and over two-component varnishes.
What's included in JD Epifanes Clear Gloss Kit (CVKIT)
2 containers of CV1000 (2000 ml of varnish)
2 foam brushes
2 cups
2 strainers
2 stir sticks
BRAND:
Epifanes
Number Of Parts:
One Part
Type:
Varnishes
Questions & Answers about Epifanes Gloss Clear Varnish:
2013-05-19A shopper asked: I see many marine clear varnishes that state that they are for use above the water line only, and a lot of others (esp. here) which don't address the issue at all. I have so far found exactly none which state that they can be used below the waterline. Which clear marine varnishes can be used BELOW the waterline?
Maybe everyone but me already knows this, but it seems odd that most (or all, in my brief experience) marine varnish descriptions either say "not for use below the waterline," or else they don't say. I should not have to assume that if they don't say, then they CAN be used gelow the waterline! That does not necessarily follow!
I have a cedar plank canoe that originally had a clear finish, and want to restore it correctly.
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2013-05-20EDWARD A MCDONALD: My use of this product was for above water application. In your case probably for the short time the canoe is in the water I wouldn't think it would be a problem.
2013-05-21GORDON SENTER: I have had the same concerns (frustration) but the kayaking building instructions all recommended this varnish so I have used it on two wooden kayaks that I have built. I paddle 2 to 4 hours at a time, then take the kayak out of the water and wipe it off with a soft cloth. So far, no problems after 2 years of paddling 3 to 4 times a week.
Gordon
2013-03-25RITA NICKLAS asked: I want to use this product on rough sawn pine boards. What is the sq foot coverage in a 1000 mil can?
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2013-03-27ROBERT KOWALSKI: wrong wood and wrong finish.
2013-03-27ABRAHAM SHARP: That is going to depend on how dry the wood is and how large your project is. If you just want a limited seal use the Mfg recommended cover. Don't believe I would use this high grade varnish on rough cut pine. A less expensive urethane would be better
2013-03-28MICHAEL CYR: Not sure about that. It will cover an 18 foot cedar canoe in multiple coats. This is a fantastic and high quality product. I would question using it on rough lumber......
2013-03-29ROBERT A BEEBE: I'd think about using a hardening oil coating on that pine. Or even a mix of a long oil, like refined Tung Oil or Linseed, cut with mineral spirits. Cetol is another possible choice, but there are many. You won't get a very good result with traditional phenolic or urethane varnishes, and the sun protection in traditional marine varnishes won't work very well on an uneven surface like your pine.
2013-03-06KAYUTAH HIGGINS asked: can you use this over painted wood that is going to be outside?
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2013-03-07KRISTOFER YOUNGER: I don't see why not - it may affect the ccolors, but it will probaly keep things from peeling.
2013-03-08GEORGE BREEDEN: Depends on the condition of the painted surface. If the paint is in good condition I guess you could varnish over the paint. I would lightly sand the surface to encourage good adhesion. Not sure why you would varnish over the paint however. It will impart a yellow brown color to the paint and wouldn't,t look that good. If you are looking for uv protection just apply another coat of pigmented paint over the surface. Varnish is basically paint with no pigment. The pigment gives the coating the best uv protection.
2013-03-29ROBERT A BEEBE: I suppose you could, but why? Just use a nice gloss paint color if that is what you are trying to achieve. Paint lasts longer that varnish.
2013-04-05DONALD RIGGS: I wouldn't use it over painted wood but I do use it on the boat and some exterior porch areas on clear wood and it weathers very well.
2013-03-05ISAAC STEPHENSON asked: Any reason why this would not be compatible with system three epoxy?
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2013-03-07MARITIME CLASSIC: It should work fine. You just need to make sure that the epoxy is sanded well and then wiped down with thinner. I always use the same thinner to do my prep work as my varnish. Good luck, Mike from Maritime Classics
2013-03-07LYNNE FRAKER: It is compatible with west system, but does turn yellow
2013-03-29ROBERT A BEEBE: I've used it over West System with good results. Sand the epoxy hard though, and do at least two coats. West has a special epoxy for use as, or under, varnish.
2013-01-19A shopper asked: I need to finish and seal the exterior of a cedar play house that I do not want to fade that will be in the very harsh California sun. I have heard mixed reviews of all other wood and deck sealants. The cedar is already stained, would this be a problem?
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2013-01-23CAROL ANDERSON: Not at all. I've used this over stain on outdoor tables without a problem... Holding strong for three years of Michigan weather. You will need to recoat it occasionally, but that's a matter of sanding it so the varnish will adhere.
2012-12-04MARY ELLEN BENEVIDES asked: Has anyone ever used this product in a horse barn to seal wood in horse stalls?
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2012-12-05LANDING BOAT SCHOOL: Mary Ellen, Epifanes Gloss Varnish is the best varnish available, however to use it to seal up a stall I believe would be a mis-use of the product. There are many products on the market better suited for the job. Jamie
2012-12-05EDVIN FARINHOLT: I have not used it in a barn. I expect it will work fine but it is probably over priced for your application unless you have a lot of sunlight in the barn. It is loaded with UV inhibitors which makes it great for boats that are in the sun 12 hours a day. You can use a high quality interior varnish.
2012-12-05SCOTT SEUBERT: I have a boat with really nice woodwork where I use Epifanes varnish.
I have a friend with a horse barn. I probably would not recommend the Epifanes in the barn, because its expensive and doesn't dry fast, so the wet varnish would pick up a lot of dust. This is a product that gives a beautiful, clear, glossy finish, probably not the best choice for a barn.
I've used a product by Floods for decks and fences that might be a better choice in the barn.
2012-12-05Mary Ellen Benevides: The barn has 11 dutch doors and 2 large 12 ft doors which will be open 9 months a year, in addition to that, horse barns have alot of humidity and temperature changes so I was advised to get a high quality product that would move with the oak that is on the walls and ceiling. Someone advised McCloskeys Man o war.... If anyone knows of anything else I am listening.
2012-12-05Mary Ellen Benevides: Also I should add.... I am looking for something that doesn't yellow over time, I would like to retain the look of the oak just the way it is..... it was costly to install so I am not really concerned about the price of the product to protect the wood. Thanks
2012-12-05W. THACHER BROWN: No, buit there is no reason it shouldn"t work.
2012-12-09ROBBIN RODDEWIG: I would not spend this much to seal wood in barns. In comparison to the epifanes a review in Practical Sailor Magizine rated Ace polyeurethane as being very effective as well as inexpensive. I would use that for your application. Good luck!
2012-10-23JIM M asked: How much do I need for 2 doors ,30"?
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2012-10-24RANDY WARNER: How many coats do you want on the door? Are you coating both sides? Are you putting a satin finish on top or leaving the gloss of the Epifanes gloss varnish? These questions need to be answered before you can figure out how much you need.
2012-10-25Jim M: 3 or4 ,
yes,
gloss only
thanks, Jim
2012-10-25RANDY WARNER: I would think 1 quart would work. I always thin my first coat, then go heavier with each coat. The instructions on the can suggest this thinning process. You might be cutting it close, so you might need a 2nd quart. I always have an extra can, but I use this varnish all the time. Good luck.
2012-10-24JEFFREY BRYANT: It's likely to take more than one quart for three coats. Don't skimp when applying it. You'll have left over if you go with two quarts.
2012-10-25VICTOR CHIGAS: Hi Jim,
Need more size onfo. Are they exposed to weather?
Are you going to Clear epoxy first?
2012-10-25Jim M: 30"x 7ft ,
exposed to weather but with no/little direct sunlight .
Yes, applying clear epoxy first.
Thanks, Jim
2012-10-25VICTOR CHIGAS: I usualluy go with 2 coats clear epoxy sans inbetween.
3-5 coats varnish. I say 3-5 because it depends on how
smooth I get it.
Assumeing you are doing bolth sides I would buy
a gallon. I would also use 2-3 foam brushes per coat.
2012-09-27A shopper asked: I am building a new Honduran Mahogany entry door for a house. There will not be a storm door and will receive a lot of direct sunlight. Will this product be a good choice?
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2012-09-28BERNHARD HUENSCH: Years ago, I purchased a door made of mahagony made in Brasil from Home Depot. I used 5 coats of Epifanes. Now after 14 years I hade to repaint the door. However, it should have been done a few years earlier to avoid sanding most of the varnish down to bare wood. The first 5 years it looked very well.
Bernie
2012-09-28JAMES SYMONS: The back door of our house has an eight foot wide, natural finish, oak sill. This sill is exposed to sun, rain, and snow. It is also walked on.
I first coated the sill with epoxy. To keep the epoxy from being degraded by sunlight I painted it with Epifanes Gloss Clear Varnish. It has held up really well and looks great. I hope this helps.
2012-09-28CAROL ANDERSON: Yes. Best option is to follow the guidelines that were laud out in a Fine Woodworking article a few years ago; I don't have the citation at my fingertips. I've used this product for outdoor sun-exposed furniture, and with some recasting every three years, it's stood up well.
2012-09-28LEWIS W HASELWOOD JR: Apply one or two coats of shellac on the raw wood first. The "gloss" version may produce a rather shiney surface which may be a tad unattractive on a residence - although it looks spiffy on boats. Maybe the more subdued variety (sometimes referred to as satin) may provide a more pleasing finish (my preference) - BUT if high gloss if forgone in favor of satin - the 'filler" inherent in satin will obviate a subsequent gloss application. So... maybe had a go at the high gloss first - and maybe come come back later with a coat satin finish (it'll take only one coat) to knock down the shine
2012-09-30MARK KURZ: My experience with this product has been on race boats. They do spend a lot of time out in the sun and I can state that it seems to protect the marine plywood rather well. It holds it's gloss well and I have noticed nothing that would leave me to believe it wood not work on your door. I would use a few coats.
A very nice product to work with. Good luck with your project.
2012-09-22NICK CERINO asked: WHEN YOU BRUSH VARNISH DO YOU BRUSH INTO THE WET VARNISH OR START AT THE WET EDGE WERE YOU ENDED ?
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2012-09-29KEN GROSS: Great question, and it's almost a religious debate amongst varnishers. Personally, I brush from wet-to-dry with Epifanes if the surface is not too hot and the varnish is flowing well. If things get sticky as the varnish pot thickens or the surface heats up, dry-to-wet seems to work better.
With unforgiving two-part paints that don't want to move, I go dry-to-wet because the the other way seems to just draw the paint away, leaving brush marks and a mottled finish.
In any case, you can't beat a good badger hair brush for varnishing. After cleaning with mineral spirits, I suspend my brushes in a jar of boiled linseed oil (clean again before varnishing). I've been using the same brushes for years, and they're like brand new.
2012-10-01DAVID POPKEN: With this product, you do have a little time to brush into wet. I like to work an area with a good amount of varnish, then make sure there are no runs by re-brushing the entire area with an unloaded brush. Make sure the varnish consistency is not too thick or too thin. Don't be afraid to thin the product if it seems to drag when you are brushing.
2012-09-17CHRIS LEMAY asked: Can the Epiphanes clear gloss varnish be thinned with regular mineral spirits (for brushing)?
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2012-09-20ATLANTIC SPECIALITIES: Paint thinner works ok. If you are really serious about the quality of your results use Interlux 333 or the thinner that epifanes sells.
Always use de-natured alcohol to wipe down prior to application, it has no oils in it and promotes adhesion
2012-09-20Chris Lemay: Thanks for the info, and tip on alcohol wipe down!
2012-09-20THOMAS STEARNS: Chris: Nobody is more suspicious of modern businesses than me--I expect to get ripped off at every turn. Check out the width of a roll of toilet paper, as one example of this perfidity. Been shrinking steadily so a "roll" is no longer a roll.
Epifanes is a terrific varnish and you get a good deal wehen you buy it because it comes at 50% solids which is much higher than competing brands. Thus the amount you buy becomes much larger when reduced for application. But you gotta respect the impact of the thinner on brush or spray performance.
Like you I would think in terms of standard ie lower price thinners. But I find that the Epifanes brushing (or spraying-yes you can!!) thinners are worth the extra $$$. When thinned properly with these special blends the varnish will flow and wet better than it would with just mineral spirits.
Pay attention to the thinning recommendations--something like 25% for first application on bare wood, to promote deep penetration and adhesion, dropping to 10-15% for topcoats on existing varnish.
2012-09-20Chris Lemay: Thanks Thomas, sounds like their thinner is worth it. I like things to look great when I'm done and keep looking that way.
2012-09-20THOMAS STEARNS: You're more than welcome, Chris. A quart of the thinner will last for several liters of the varnish because of the dilution factor so added cost for the special thinner in pennies/sq ft is trivial.
I use a small roller if there's any amount of flat surface to cover. Did the deck area of a 14' sailboat this week--probably less than 12 sq ft total so cost of throw-away roller was significant but it's important to get the varnish onto the surface, uniformly and fully wetted, FAST!!, then leave it alone so it can smoothen out. A roller leaves very tiny marks or imperfections in the surface which quickly disappear and coating thickness tends to be more uniform than with a brush. Plus faster.
2012-09-20JENNIFER PIVOVAR: Yes absolutely. It is in fact recommended! I routinely thin to 50% w/ pure min spirits or naptha for the first 2-3 coats then remainder thinned to 75% varnish / 25% solvent. Epifanes sells a brushing thinner that works really well too.
2012-09-20MICHAEL E. NEGLEY: Epifanes has a specific thinner, but gum turpentine will work fine. I would not use regular paint thinner.
2012-09-21PAUL MAC MENAMIN: Yes I have done so many times.
If starting on bare wood I will use a 25% varnish to thinner, then in subsequent coats use less and less thinner.
2012-09-21EDVIN FARINHOLT: I have thinned it with mineral spirits with no observable problems. I have not done a side-by-side comparison.
Avid do-it-yourselfer (26), Casual do-it-yourselfer (8), Professional (8), Do-it-yourself (5)
Most Liked Positive Review
When only the best will do
I hate varinishing. That is why I use Epifanes. This product will last for years outside and virtually forever indoors. Varnishing is never easy. But when you have to do it, use the...Read complete review
I hate varinishing. That is why I use Epifanes. This product will last for years outside and virtually forever indoors. Varnishing is never easy. But when you have to do it, use the best product available. Surface prep remains a must and every hour you spend in preparation will save you hours during the process. I recommend at least three coats for a deep, rich shine. In fact, the doors pictured below have three coats. These doors were oiled years ago and a couple had been contaminated with silicone. This is normally disaterous, but after three coats, the fisheyes were gone, the grain filled in and the surface is nearly dead flat even though I did not use any grain sealer. The gloss is outstanding! Prepare the surface, apply one coat of thinned varnish. It does not thin well with mineral spirits. Epifanes thinner works best. Then sand between coats, work the varnish in well, tip it once and let dry. Runs can be removed with a sharp chisel or scraper. The doors pictured required about 4 ouunces per door per coat, but I know I will never need to refinish them again.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not for coating dacron
In all fairness I'm using this product to waterproof a heat shrink dacron rowing skiff. I'm finding it runs like crazy, not matter how rhink you brush it out. But it leaves a very...Read complete review
In all fairness I'm using this product to waterproof a heat shrink dacron rowing skiff. I'm finding it runs like crazy, not matter how rhink you brush it out. But it leaves a very good, hard finish when it finally dries.
Went on beautifully. A bit thick but I thinned it with mineral spirits which did not change the finish at all. Very good varnish based upon my initial application. Cannot vouch for how long it will last.
4/6/2013
5.0
Great Varnish
By jhrushton
from Adams Basin, NY
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Perfect Finish
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Epifanes Gloss Clear Varnish:
I use this varnish on all of my wood and canvas boats and canoes as well as my all wood canoes. The finish is always perfect
4/2/2013
5.0
I will buy this product again
By captain joe
from Cape Coral fla
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Detailed Work
Large Areas
Comments about Epifanes Gloss Clear Varnish:
great finish when applied properly
3/26/2013
4.0
Good stuff
By Garret
from VT
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Builds Quickly
Good Uv Protection
Cons
Best Uses
On Wood
Comments about Epifanes Gloss Clear Varnish:
Best varnish I've used
1/28/2013
5.0
Long lasting exterior coating
By Vic the Finisher
from Oak Ridge, NJ
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Easy to work with
Cons
Need To Dilute
Best Uses
Exterior Protection
Comments about Epifanes Gloss Clear Varnish:
I refinished 20 year old oak Adirondack chairs with two part epoxy followed by Epiphane varnish. Every spring I wash the chairs with soap and water. After 5 years they still look the same as when they were refinished.
11/26/2012
4.0
Great Product, problems with shipping
By Country doc
from Mocksville, NC
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Epifanes Gloss Clear Varnish:
The box was far too light for shipping and both cans of the product were damaged and open. Salvaged about 90% of the varnish.
11/12/2012
5.0
Outdoor mahogany's best friend
By southtexasranchman
from Laredo, texas
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
A One Time Job
Cons
Best Uses
Any Wood Exposed
Comments about Epifanes Gloss Clear Varnish:
I made Adirondack chairs out of mahogany but don't like that "beautiful weathered grey" look that happens when left out in sun and rain. Two years after using epifanes those chairs are the same deep red color as the day the varnish was applied.
10/19/2012
5.0
Best Varnish for maximum UV protection
By Chuck 46184
from Indianapolis, IN
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Easy to apply
Great finish
Cons
Best Uses
Large Areas
Comments about Epifanes Gloss Clear Varnish:
I have applied this finish both by rolling and spraying. I have a home built cedar strip canoe that has been stored mostly outdoors and the Epiphanes Gloss Varnish has lasted for 10 years. It is now time to restore the finish and I fully expect it to last another 10 years. Thanks for a great product.
10/9/2012
4.0
High quality finish for brightwork
By Al J
from New milford NJ
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Durableexcellent Gloss
Easy To Clean
Even Paint Distribution
Good coverage
Cons
Best Uses
Bright Trim And Decking
Detailed Work
Large Areas
Small Areas
Comments about Epifanes Gloss Clear Varnish:
I prefer slightly thinned and to avoid runs ,don't load up brush especially on vertical surfaces, IE apply very sparingly, lightly sand with fine paper after thoroughly dried and recoat for 3 coats minimum
7/21/2012
5.0
long life
By Peloton
from South Bay
About Me Beginner
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Detailed Work
Large Areas
Small Areas
Comments about Epifanes Gloss Clear Varnish:
While reading up on how tos for vanishing my boats teak, I discovered how hard it is to care for finished bright work. From the every day wiping down dew before the morning sun dries it to re-varnishing every six months, and the worst, cover your boat with some blue canvas fitted to snap over everything , basically hide all that beautiful work that you have done so you never get to look at it or have people drool over your boat as they walk by.
Through a recommendation I chose Epifanes. A year an a half and it looks exactly the same. I have never once gone out in the early morning to dry off dew or sanded it down for a re-coat. It has held up to everything I have put it through. As a beginner I have a few minor regrets on the changes I have made to my boat, using this product is one of my best decisions.
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Special order items are not stocked and are ordered direct from the manufacturer. They are non-returnable, may take 2-4 weeks, price and shipping charges subject to change.
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