Comments on: Difference Between Spar Varnish and Regular Varnish?

By: thewoodwhisperer

thewoodwhisperer — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:42:42 +0000

Hey Greg. Your answer is right in the article above in the Conclusion. :) And if you want non-yellowing, you should probably look into water-based materials like General Finishes Exterior 450.

By: Greg

Greg — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:11:14 +0000

Hey I was wondering what your favourite varnish brand is? I am looking for a finish that will give me a very clear look (non yellowing) an oil varnish, and one that will resist water fairly good. I am simply wondering what brand. (polyurethane, varathane, etc..)

Thanks, Greg

By: thewoodwhisperer

thewoodwhisperer — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:04:44 +0000

Hi Greg. If you don’t like the color of the spar varathane, I’d say skip it all together. Even put on as a final coat, you’ll still get some of the color you don’t really like. Even regular interior polyurethane has good water resistance so I would say just stick with one simple finish and call it done. If you want to apply wax, you certainly can but it really doesn’t offer much in the way of protection.

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:46:54 +0000

Hey I am building a walnut and maple tray and tested out some spar varathane since it will be out in the sun sometimes and will have sweating drinks. I dont like the yellowish color the spar varathane turns the walnut but I tries out some minwax polyurethane on the walnut and like the natural color it gave me more. My question is am I able to apply like 3 coats of polyurethane and one spar varathane (for sun/water resistance). And then rub out the finish for a satin finish. Or should I just apply all polyurethane and then some paste wax (. Will that be able to resists some sun and sweating drinks?

Thanks alot, Greg

By: thewoodwhisperer

thewoodwhisperer — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:45:59 +0000

Yes I do think marine varnish is a good option, but there are certainly more cost effective options. Hard to say if they will be “as good” but they should work quite well. Perhaps consider products intended for houses or decks, as these come in larger quantities at a decent price.

By: carrie

carrie — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:22:44 +0000

we are building a teardrop trailer and would like to have a stained wood finish for the side walls (the top will be covered with aluminum). do you recommend using a marine varnish to weather proof and protect the hardwood plywood that the side walls are made from? what is the most affordable option?
thanks

By: thewoodwhisperer

thewoodwhisperer — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:56:54 +0000

Hi Helen. The Conclusion section of the article shows you the produce I recommend.

By: Helen

Helen — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:50:54 +0000

All I want to do is put a varnish on an interior window sill that is above a kitchen sink. It gets splashed with water on occassion. I want something that will ward off the water. What should I use??? I was going to use the Minwax Helmsman Semigloss Spar Urethane.
What is your suggestion???

By: thewoodwhisperer

thewoodwhisperer — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:32:34 +0000

Hey Larry. Unfortunately, I’m not really qualified to comment on something like that. Having kept tropical fish in the past, I know how sensitive they can be so I am not prepared to even make a recommendation for a finish that would survive those conditions, while being safe for your finish.

By: Larry Neighbors

Larry Neighbors — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:28:47 +0000

I am looking for a good finish for a water wheel. This water wheel is used in a fish pond, and I am worried about the varnish being toxic to the fish. Any help you can give me would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Larry.