How to choose your marine varnish

Which marine varnish to choose?

Many variations of vernis marin exist and it may seem difficult to choose. We will see what the main categories are.

First of all, in terms of composition, we find :

• Single-component varnish: This type of marine varnish is intended for classic woods allowing them to keep their elasticity. It is also suitable for marine plywood. We find in this category the excellent Varnish Goldspar Satin International .

• Two-component coatings: Two-component varnishes are more resistant than one-component varnishes, but they do not provide any flexibility. It is preferable to use them for the protection of plywood. We advise you here the Varnish 0.75 L Perfection Plus International .

As for the rendering of the varnish, it will depend on your tastes. We can find :

• Glossy varnish : A glossy marine varnish offers, as its name indicates, a glossy coating to your boat. This glossy aspect gives a very chic paint that will give all its elegance to your woodwork.

• Matte varnish: This marine varnish is more sober. It protects the boat, but also your eyes from the sun's reflections.

Finally, the coloring of the varnish can be a criterion of choice according to the tint or transparency desired:

• Colorless varnish: The colorless marine varnish does not add any color to the wood. It simply nourishes and protects it. The Woodskin International Colorless Varnish is a perfect product of its kind.

• Stained Varnish: Ranging from a dark to a light amber color, this type of varnish will give your wood a real facelift. The Compass International Polyurethane Varnish offers a light amber tint that is most elegant.

Be careful, it is advised to avoid satin varnishes without anti-slip beads on your deck, for obvious reasons of risk of falling.For example, you can use a single component colorless glossy marine varnish.

 

How to apply the marine varnish?

The first step, before applying any varnish, is to prepare the woodwork. This step serves to improve the adhesion of the paint on the surface. You will have to cut out the damaged parts and repair them before anything else. You can find many maintenance products dedicated to this purpose under the brand Yachtcare. You will have to choose the varnish you want to apply, then :

• Remove all traces of the old varnish or paint. This is done by sanding the surface without solvent. Use manual sanding sheets and do not create irregularities in the sanding and work as much as possible in the direction of the wood.

• Make sure to remove all traces of dust and let the wood dry completely.

• Apply an undercoat to revive the color of the wood and improve the adhesion of the marine varnish. This step is not necessary for polyester, epoxy, steel and lacquered wood surfaces.

• Apply the varnish with a brush. You will need to apply at least 3 to 5 uniform and homogeneous coats. The drying time between each coat is written on each product sheet of the varnishes we offer, but a 24 hour gap between each coat is ideal.

For a matte finish, it is advisable to apply the matte varnish only in the last coat, the rest of the coats being gloss varnish. This gives a beautiful satin effect.

The marine varnish at Nautisports

We offer you the best of marine varnishes on our site. You can find all our products on the dedicated page vernis marins . You will find on each product its technical sheet detailing the delivery time, the price, as well as the characteristics of the products like the drying time of the paints. Do not hesitate to leave a review on our site, any feedback is beneficial for you as for us.

Have a nice surfing !