Boat Varnish

Marine Varnishes have always been considered a mysterious blend of black art and science. Varnish has long been used as a protective and preventative agent for protecting wood in a wet, marine environment. Marine varnish, aka boat varnish, ingredients are commonly oil, resin, solvent, dryers and ultra-violet additives. When combined, all of these ingredients serve to keep the wood at optimum functionality. Different oils increase the penetration capabilities of the varnish, while solvents and dryers treat and expel excess moisture. Resins, both organic and synthetic, allow wood to dry faster, with better water resistance. Finally, ultra-violet additives protect wood from damaging UV radiation from the sun, prolonging the life and luster of the wood. By varying these components, and by adding UV inhibitors and other secret ingredients each particular varnish will have different characteristics. Varnish can have gloss or matte appearance, can be extremely hard and durable, and can vary in color. High Quality marine varnishes presently use China Wood Oil "more commonly referred to as Tung Oil. The China Wood Oil, which is derived from trees, provides long-term resistance to cracking and crazing. Another common oil is Soya. It is used for more standard quality varnishes.

The main purpose of oil in a varnish is to improve penetration into the wood. The more oil in a varnish the better the penetration. China Wood Oil has been maximized for this purpose. Some manufacturers add Penetrol to varnish to enhance its penetration characteristics. Interlux does not recommend this is because it may have an adverse effect on the longevity of the varnish. When discussing oil, the terminology long, medium and short oil is commonly used. This refers to the ratio of oil to resin in a particular varnish or coating. The long oils tend to result in longer dry times but greater durability in terms of gloss and color retention. Premium varnishes exhibit these qualities. Medium oils allow for faster drying times. They are, generally, restricted to low-grade varnishes. Short oils are used almost exclusively on primers.

Here, at Jamestown Distributors, a large variety of marine varnishes are readily available to choose from. Each varnish may have different characteristics based on the number and combination of the basic five ingredients (see above), and may be found in different colors. Take all of this into consideration when you are choosing the final, finishing varnish for your wooden boat.

Remember, wood has a natural beauty that many people wish to not only protect but to enhance. A good varnish applied to your boat will provide a barrier to protect against the elements that will attack wood -- sea, rain, wind and sun.

Varnish can also be made at home. Our JD Homemade Varnish Recipe is an old Down East deck coating formula traditionally used on wooden decks for schooners, fishing boats, and porch decks. Makes for an amber finish. To customize the mixture, add more pine tar for a darker color or add less for a lighter color. Allow more drying time for the darker mixture. You will need 1 qt of Turpentine, 1 qt Boiled Linseed Oil, 1/2 pt Pine Tar, and 1/2 pt Japan Drier.