For a chemical-free alternative, a heat gun is also very effective at stripping old varnish, especially on irregular or curved areas. Take care not to expose fiberglass to the excessive heat generated by the heat gun. The test was designed as an endurance test, a fight to the finish, so we have not done any maintenance coats or touch-ups to the test panels. These products can be expected to have much longer lifespans if they are regularly maintained. How We’re Rating the Marine Varnishes

PolyWhey vs. Cetol Death Match 2. The Cetol Natural Teak with Cetol Marine gloss overcoat still looks good on our Union 36 test boat three years after application. Follow the instructions of each product, apply, wipe clean, and buff to a high shine. These cleaners will often leave an invisible residue that acts as a protective layer, keeping the plaque cleaner for longer.

Varnishing often appears to be a simple task, but there’s a bewildering choice of boat varnishes on the market, writes Rupert Holmes. Boat varnish for exterior use, aka. “spar varnish” — aptly named because it was designed and envisioned as a flexible protective coating to protect a yacht’s wooden spar in the harsh (outdoor) marine environment — both protects and beautifies a vessel’s wood parts. Instead, why not varnish it to bring out the unique grain features of wood? And this is how; Step 1 – Strip Away Old Varnish

If you don’t sand over the final layer of epoxy, the exterior varnish will not have anything to adhere to. This means it will peel and bubble, and all your hard work is wasted. Keeping them clean is important. Metal plaques are best cleaned with a suitable cleaning substance, and there are specific leaning products for both brass and stainless-steel plaques. That’s not to say that Teak oil won’t require a fair amount of maintenance too. It absolutely does. If you use Teak oil on outdoor surfaces, then be prepared to reapply it every 3-6 months. As well as sanding lightly, sand your outdoor wooden bench with the grain – any swirl marks will stand out when you varnish the bench so take your time.Of all the boat varnish products on this list, this two-part product is probably the least DIY-friendly. Water that permeates into the grain of the wood and freezes during sub-zero winter nights can cause damage within the structure of the wood. Ice, as it thaws, expands and causes damage to the wood. Whereas your treated garden bench can handle a downpour or two, it is essential that if ice or frost is forecast that you protect the bench with a fitting cover.