Interlux 2 part poly varnish

[TimH]

Has anyone used Interlux 2 part Perfection varnish? I am wondering how it would hold up on teak.

[Jay Greer]

I haven't tried perfection but I have used Bristol Finish which, is also a two part product. I do know for a fact that it is perported to out last traditional varnish finishes. However Bristol produces noxious fumes that require the wearing of a charcoal filtration mask. And once a brush is saturated with it, it requires a large amount of actetone or MEK to clean the brush. Foam brushes are out because the product will dissolve them, leaving legions of foam nerds in the finish. Bristol also has the maddening habit of fish eyeing the surface and produces a color similar to that of horse piss! I would hope that the Interlux product is less problimatical.

In general, I avoid such products due to the fact that my brushes, which are over fifty years of age, would be ruined by a two part material. Sadly, there are no longer brushes of comperable quality made that are available for varnish work today.
Even decent sign writing brushes are getting hard to find! It seems that fine craftsmanship is sinking to a new level of mediocrity! No doubt, L. Francis Herreshoff's ashes are boiling in the Atlantic off Marblehead!
Jay

[pcford]

Besides Jay's objections...the fact is that two part varnish does not work well on wooden boats.

[TimH]

I would almost guess it would be too hard for wood and not flex with the wood changes. Im no expert though. I always used Z-Spar in the past.

[pcford]

I would almost guess it would be too hard for wood and not flex with the wood changes. Im no expert though. I always used Z-Spar in the past.

That's right. Cracks and comes off in sheets. Might be ok for plywood. (?).

[pcford]

Even decent sign writing brushes are getting hard to find! It seems that fine craftsmanship is sinking to a new level of mediocrity!
Jay

Amen, brother, I was the owner's representative on a project recently at one of the notable traditional yards here in town. The transom name work was mediocre at best. To add insult to injury...the owner did not care.

Unfortunately most owners can't tell the difference between computer stick-ons and real hand lettering. (Is proper kerning really that mysterious?)

More's the pity.

[keyhavenpotterer]

I had big success using it over epoxy coated plywood rudder cheeks, and plywood blade. Such success that I am wanting to coat my new plywood boat with it, but this thread has me a bit worried.

There will be some movement of the ply, will the hard two pack cope?

There is a special variant for teak and oily woods. Standard one is not recommended for these woods.

Brian

[keyhavenpotterer]

I have just noticed that Epifanes are advertising not just a two part poly ultra hard varnish but also a two part flexible varnish called PP Varnish.

http://www.marineware.com/epifanes_2.asp

However, it says it needs a UV varnish on top if used outside, so that seems to miss the point.

Brian

[From Mystic]

I used two part Perfection last winter on the teak treads of a swim ladder and then overcoated with 4 coats of Epifanes. They held up great for the season where we we always having to touch up the one part product used alone.

Most people I spoke to said you still have to use a good varnish with UV filters over the top. Good Luck, FM

[TimH]

Ill stick with Zspar. Sounds like it wont work.