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Epifanes Rapid Clear Varnish is fast and easy alternative to conventional varnishes, and can be used on interior and exterior woods above the waterline. Rapid Clear has a clear finish with no tint. It provides an enhancing UV protection film and bonds extremely well to teak and other oily woods, preventing discoloring and emphasizing the natural wood grain.
Rapid Coat varnish can be used for renewing weathered areas as a stain prior to a varnish system, or as a full system for those requiring the absolute best in a quick and easy satin finish with maximum durability U.V. protection and longevity.
Epifanes rapid varnishes can be applied without sanding between coats. Rapid refers to the fact that up to three coats can be applied in 18 hours (One every 5-6 hours in optimal conditions). Great for repairing nicks and dings in existing finishes.
Recommended Film Thickness: Per coat wet - 70 micron / Per coat dry - 25 micron
Application: Brush, roller, conventional air spray, H.V.L.P., airless
Temperature should be between 50 degree F and 85 degree F with the humidity level below 85 percent. Avoid application in too much wind or sun. A rapid loss of solvents will occur under these conditions and will decrease the flowing ability.
BRAND:
Epifanes
Number Of Parts:
One Part
Type:
Varnishes
Questions & Answers about Epifanes Rapid Coat and Rapid Clear Varnish:
2012-05-29JEFF THOMPSON asked: I have been applying rapidclear and have been very happy with the finish, HOWEVER, the last coat I put on just seemed to be going on strangly, the consistency of the new can I opened seemed thicker. The temp in the boat shed was 75. I stopped part way through, only did toerail cap and part of a cabin side. Glad I did because everything I put on is a matte finish, sheen whatsoever, looks like crap! Does anyone have any idea what happened?
+Expand Answers
2012-05-30PAT CHAPS: they make this product in satin and matte finish.
whenever I order the matte finish there is only a sticker on the label that says Matte. the label is the same as the satin.
Possible you got a can of matte that wasn't labeled correctly?
2012-05-30PATRICK MCNAMARA: I don't know.
However, I did discover that adding Japan Drier to Epifanes regular varnish speeds up the drying enough that I don't use their "rapid dry" product. I just follow directions on the amount to add.
2012-05-27GRAHAM STEWART asked: I applied Rapid Coat but am finding that it is not drying out completely in leaas than 48 hours. I am coating in my basement where the temperature is about 68. The only thing I can think of is that I thinned the first coat and maybe should not have. After waiting 24 hours I applied a second coat even though the first was still slightly tacky because the instructions said to recoat in 4-5 hours and I thought without stating that it had to be thoroughly dry.
Has anyone else had this problem and if so, what was the fix?
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2012-05-29JANIE WRIGHT: My best guess is that the first coat did not dry in the time predicted due to humidity in the basement and lack of air movement . . . I always use Epifanes varnish on warm, dry days with fans gently moving the air around. I would agree that the first coat should be completely dry before second coat is applied.
2012-05-30WILL W BULLOCK: Basement might not have ventilation.
What was the thinner?
I have never added thinner.
For every application, Epifanes dries
very well, but that was outside, exterior.
2012-05-30THOMAS ADAMSON: Graham,
The rapidcoat is very tough to work with. I've had problems with runs, drying is the stated time,and you need to clean the brush consistently to get an even coat. I have not been very happy with it. I don't recommend thinning it. It seems to be abnormally affected by humidity, maybe put a de-humidifier in the basement.
T.D.
2012-05-31Graham Stewart: Thanks for your reply.
I am disappointed - particularly with Rapid Clear. It seems to streak with what looks like dry areas. I have tried loading up the brush and apply a heavy coat but I still get these dry streaks. Rapid Coat seems to be better. Both take much longer to dry than the 3-4 hours advertised. I am doing the work in my basement in a heated bedroom kept at 80 degrees but it still takes 24 hours to dry whether thinned or not - defeating the whole advantage of this product in the first place. If it takes 24 hours to dry I might as well go back to regular varnish.
2012-05-31MARK LIPTON: I used it to seal and finish an exterior door. But I was hyper-vigilant to apply it horizontally, on a dry day, with enough breeze to wick it dry. When I note that you are coating in your basement, I think of my basement - a damp cold place even on the hottest days. This stuff would not dry in my basement. Perhaps too much humidity down in yours?
And, sorry to say, but I fear that the reapply while still too tacky could be problematic.
Mark L
2012-05-02JEFF THOMPSON asked: Can I apply this product over old varnish that has been sanded or can it be applied over an epoxy coating?
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2012-05-02TOM ZETMAIER: Yes you can go over old varnish. Just make sure all loose material is removed and surface has a good key. Re coat time is minimal and no sanding between coats as long as it is applied with in 24 hours
2012-05-02ROY N. ROGERS: Hi Jeff,
I applied Rapid Clear over an original coat of two part polyurethane varnish on mahogany. (The two part product was a mistake I will never make again.) The Rapid Clear adheres like a champ to the coating. Do not expect the Rapid Clear to hide any imperfections in the old varnish. In those spots where I have sanded down the bright work to the bare wood, I love the look and ease of the Rapid Clear. Someday I will have the time and energy to finish all my mahogany that way. Until then, the Rapid Clear over the old varnish is more than good enough for protection from UV and for appearance. I can't speak to Rapid Clear over epoxy but I don't see why not. Again, the imperfections will still be there. Good luck, man.
Roy
2012-05-02CHARLES GRAHAM: We used the product on wood we had sanded down to fresh wood. However, we have heard from others that it can be used on previously cetoled or varnished (or epoxied) surfaces provided they are fully cured and have been sanded to provide a sufficient bite. We liked the product and, like Cetol, it can be re-coated without sanding provided one works within the allotted time frame.
2012-05-02CLAYTON HENKE: My application was bare wood and used this to build up coats, but it should be fine over previous coats that are in good condition.
2012-05-02LLOYD FLANAGAN: I add coats of Rapid Coat to my boat each year. I just lightly sand the wood and apply two or three coats of Rapid Coat, without sanding between coats. The Rapid Coat adheres well to the lightly sanded previous year's coats.
2012-05-02DAVID FRASE: I haven't applied it over old varnish that has been sanded, but you should be able to. I have applied to over Smith's epoxy with good results.
2012-05-02BEN ERIKSEN: Ive had success applying Rapid Clear to either of those surfaces. Just be sure to clean everything well with alcohol or other cleaner... and allow time for it that dry/evaporate.
2012-05-03JERRY WOOD: Jeff,
I applied over old varnish after sanding and had no issues with it. It held up well. Never tried it over epoxy???
Hope this helps.
Jerry
2012-05-18KAREN CRANSTON: Hi Jeff,
I used it on new wood, so can't say for sure about covering old varnish, but in general you cannot do that with any varnish; you have to sand or scrape down to bare wood.
As for epoxy, I'd never heard of that, but here's what I read today: " a trick to enhance durability of an exterior wood finish..boat builders have been using it for decades..apply an epoxy coating prior to applying a topcoat of varnish...you'll need to get a product designated as an epoxy coating rather than one that's specifically an adhesive...WEST SYSTEM is one good example. Use as directed, then apply the topcoat."
I want to try this myself! It's on page 47 of the newest "Woodsmith" magazine, #201.
2012-05-29jeff thompson: Karen, Don't do it. In the course of restoring my sailboat I encased all of my wood in epoxy prior to varnishing. Because this is a working sailboat, not a museum piece, there are plenty of times when something hard comes into contact with the brightwork. Because the epoxy is hard and brittle the wood underneath gives way, the coating chips and water gets in causing a stain unless you immediatly sand and revarnish. That's pretty impossible if you have 2 layers of epoxy and 10 of varnish. I wasted all of the time and material used in epoxy coating in addition to creating a bit of a nightmare that I have to deal with now. I repeat, do not coat with epoxy and then varnish, I've talked to a number of people in my shoes and we all regret it.
2011-10-20A shopper asked: am i getting two products rapid clear and rapid coat, 750 ML each? when I order this?
2011-09-23BILL BERGER asked: Hi, my wooden kayak received numerous deep scars doing battle with the 'canadian shield'. Any recommendations for a varnish that would hold up better in the next skirmish? thx
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2011-09-23PAUL TITZMANN: Epifanes coatings are easy to apply and get a good build-up quickly. They provide a very durable coating which won't eliminate "battle scars" but certainly minimize the effect and will accept touchup readily.
Sailript
2011-09-23DAVID GRIFFIN: Bill,
We have used this product for exterior door finish primarily for sun protection as we are located in west Texas. We have no water therefore no experience with kayaks.
2011-09-23WILLIAM MANION: Deep scars -- sounds like you went through the finish into the wood. If so, I would sand down to the wood around them (not a large area, maybe 1/2" wide) and fill with epoxy. Then lightly sand the rest of the hull and finish with Epifanes. The epoxy is tougher than varnish, but you need the varnish for UV protection. If you want a tougher overall coat, before the varnish, sand the existing varnish off the whole hull and coat with additional epoxy. The downside to more layers is weight, but it will make it tougher.
2011-09-23PATRICK MCNAMARA: These aren't really Epifanes toughest outdoor product. Their Clear Varnish is pretty tough but I think I would spend the $$$ and get their 2 part exterior polyurethane varnish EPF-PPX2000 - it is just going to be a whole lot tougher and top coat with the recommended varnish for max UV protection as well. This will have the impact resistance you're seeking. The best things are expensive but only up front. Cheap stuff just keeps costing more and more and more.
Patrick
2011-09-23BRETT PRICE: I dislike rapidcoat it sags uncontrollably on vertical surfaces and the pigment obscures the grain. Its useful if you want to even out light and dark patches like a repair. It may perform better when sprayed.
The coating seems soft and easily damaged. I am a fan interlux schooner varnish or if you want to strip your old varnish pack to the epoxy i would suggest the 2 part polyurethanes like perfection.
2011-09-23KATHRYN EDDY: Hi Bill:
I used Epifanes Clear Varnish (High Gloss) on my front door and garage doors to get the best UV and weather protection available. I live in the Midwest where our season change from very cold to very hot. From what I can tell, this finish is very durable and top notch. Not sure if it fights off Canadian shield, but worth a try based upon my results.
Have a nice weekend. Hope this helps.
2011-09-24THOMAS DWYER: I use Rapd Clear and Rapid Coat as base layers on bare wood for my 34-ft sailboat. Usually two coats of Rapid Clear followed by two coats of Rapid Coat, followed by six coats of Epifanes Gloss clear. This combinatin has held up better than anything else I have tried over the last 11 years, especially on the difficult to maintain toe rail.
I used Rapid CLEAR on my sliding hatch and seahood, both of which are teak and have seams with caulk in them. I did this inside at about 70 degrees and was able to ...Read complete review
I used Rapid CLEAR on my sliding hatch and seahood, both of which are teak and have seams with caulk in them. I did this inside at about 70 degrees and was able to recoat in 3-4 hours. I laid 4-5 coats a day, over 2 days for a total of about 9. I Then block sanded it back with 220, due to some sags and ripples. It looks great as is, but I like the glossy top coat of Epifanes Hi Gloss. This is a must have product if you are doing alot of bare wood and love Epifanes Hi Gloss Varnish. Save yourself DAYS of work, and you won't see a difference. You might have to sand back pretty aggressively before the final coat, but aggressive sanding just ONCE is much better then sanding between EVERY coat.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Wish I hadn't bought two quarts
This would probably be fine on a large surface that can be brushed out quickly. I used it on installed casement windows with muntins. Too many small fussy surfaces. This varnish puddled and dripped...Read complete review
This would probably be fine on a large surface that can be brushed out quickly. I used it on installed casement windows with muntins. Too many small fussy surfaces. This varnish puddled and dripped and had to be gone over and over to eliminate these before they dried. I was working in humid conditions, 70s to low 80s temperatures. After this I will use a stain of my own making and a clear urethane. I doubt that I will get the lovely color of Rapid Coat or the even coloration over the grain but I expect I'll be less aggravated.
Comments about Epifanes Rapid Coat and Rapid Clear Varnish:
Usually requires some thinning (turpentine) and a bit of Penatrol is advised. Application of several coats of Woodfinish Gloss (no sanding between coats) followed by light sanding then two coats of the Clear (sand between them) for maximum weather protection and UV shielding. This comes close to the maximum protecion that I have seen.
8/7/2011
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Great Product
By killer
from charlotte, nc
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Covers Well
Cons
Best Uses
Detailed Work
Large Areas
Small Areas
Comments about Epifanes Rapid Coat and Rapid Clear Varnish:
I used this to build up coats on the interior of a 1959 Barbour speedboat. The boat has a lap-strake plywood hull which is not the pretiest nor smoothest wood to finish. With only 2 coats, the interior looks great! I wish I would have used this product on some other varnishing projects...it would have cut days and at least 10 coats of regular varnish.
12/10/2010
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
4.0
needed to thin
By jack
from North Carolina
About Me Casual Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Epifanes Rapid Coat and Rapid Clear Varnish:
i had to thin this product to use on a new front door. it was just too thick to blend quickly without drying out. I also sanded lightly between coats.
8/12/2010
(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
2.0
Wish I hadn't bought two quarts
By Georgeandgracie
from Beulah, CO
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Lovely aged-pine color
Cons
Drippy
Gets sticky too fast
Messy
Best Uses
Large Areas
Comments about Epifanes Rapid Coat and Rapid Clear Varnish:
This would probably be fine on a large surface that can be brushed out quickly. I used it on installed casement windows with muntins. Too many small fussy surfaces. This varnish puddled and dripped and had to be gone over and over to eliminate these before they dried. I was working in humid conditions, 70s to low 80s temperatures. After this I will use a stain of my own making and a clear urethane. I doubt that I will get the lovely color of Rapid Coat or the even coloration over the grain but I expect I'll be less aggravated.
8/17/2009
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Nice Product
By Willow Lake Woods
from New York
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Epifanes Rapid Coat and Rapid Clear Varnish:
Application was straight forward. I had no problems with runs or brush marks. Rapid Coat provided a nice amber timt to the wood that really brought out the warmth of the wood.
The varnish preparation kit is an impressive one-stop solution put together by someone who has done this a time or two. Professionally packed and allows you to open the box and start working.
7/1/2009
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Good product
By Mike the fixer
from Madison, WI
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Even Paint Distribution
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Epifanes Rapid Coat and Rapid Clear Varnish:
Spreads out nicely and flows together well. I did not notice any "brush marks", but a few "lap marks". This may be my technique rather than a fault of the product. I was able to add 2 coats a day without trouble. Not sanding between coats saves time and effort, but also means less dust floating in the air when I apply the new coat. I was able to put 6 coats on both sides of a hatchboard in a week (12 applications).
4/30/2009
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Thank Heaven!
By S/V Amata Marie
from Tavernier, Florida Keys
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Easy To Clean
Even Paint Distribution
So much easier
Cons
Can be messy
Best Uses
Detailed Work
Large Areas
Small Areas
Comments about Epifanes Rapid Coat and Rapid Clear Varnish:
I have a CSY sailboat with alot of wood. I pretty much have it all done with Rapid Coat. Living in The Keys, the sun is super strong, but the Rapid Coat has proven to hold up for 9 months now. She is ready for 4 top coats that will take only a week to put on if the weather holds up.
4/5/2009
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
4.0
Fast, Efficient, Looks Good
By BCCElizabeth
from Martha's Vineyard, MA
About Me Casual Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Easy to use
Fast Build up
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Epifanes Rapid Coat and Rapid Clear Varnish:
I used Rapid CLEAR on my sliding hatch and seahood, both of which are teak and have seams with caulk in them. I did this inside at about 70 degrees and was able to recoat in 3-4 hours. I laid 4-5 coats a day, over 2 days for a total of about 9. I Then block sanded it back with 220, due to some sags and ripples. It looks great as is, but I like the glossy top coat of Epifanes Hi Gloss. This is a must have product if you are doing alot of bare wood and love Epifanes Hi Gloss Varnish. Save yourself DAYS of work, and you won't see a difference. You might have to sand back pretty aggressively before the final coat, but aggressive sanding just ONCE is much better then sanding between EVERY coat.
3/3/2009
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
2.0
Difficult to Apply
By taffy
from Framingham, MA
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Cons
Drys to fast to spread
Best Uses
Small Areas
Comments about Epifanes Rapid Coat and Rapid Clear Varnish:
Okay for small surfaces. Had difficulty applying to a table top. It was thick and began to set up before I could spread it out very well. Upon drying it improved some but did not leave a smooth surface.
1/20/2009
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Outstanding
By Hal Hopkins
from Rock Hall, Maryland
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Epifanes Rapid Coat and Rapid Clear Varnish:
This product is fantastic. It goes on smooth and best of all I can recoat in 6 hours at 50 degrees. As it is the dead of winter I am bringing what pieces I can inside until the weather breaks. I would much rather sail than do bright work but I also want to protect my investment.
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