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Anyone ever used Minwax Helmsman Spar Varnish on their boat?

Company Description: "Helmsman® Spar Urethane is specially formulated to protect wood against nature's toughest conditions. Its improved formula can be recoated in 25% less time and contains over 100% more UV blockers to reduce the sun's graying and fading effects. Helmsman® forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture and its special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change."

I'm all about saving money in a build. $30 a gallon at Home Depot is cheap comparatively. But I do not want to sacrifice quality. It sounds good. Has anyone out there used it?

KB

I have used this varnish for years on all kinds of projects. I always use satin finish. On my boat I coated all wood to be varnished with West System epoxy first. This seals and fills mahogany very well. I did not stain my wood because I like the natural color. The amber epoxy and varnish was enough color for me.
On exterior trim, I sand lightly and add a coat of varnish each season. I would do this regardless of what brand of varnish I used.
On the interor of my boat, it has been untouched for 3 years.

If you check my pics ...boat.....boat2.. albums, there are pics of the interior varnish and exterior trim varnish.
Hope this helps...

Carl

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Carl
If not now......When?
http://s270.photobucket.com/albums/jj94/gashog7/boat/
http://www.epoxyworks.com/26/index.html Number26

I was looking at that varnish today as well. my concern is that it says its only good above the water line. The hull I am going for is all wood with a 16" stripe down the keel. So can I use this below the water line? if not, what can I use? also, it can not be used over paint so, what can co under water and over paint?

I don't know of any varnish that can be used below the water line. Ditto for over paint.

_________________
Carl
If not now......When?
http://s270.photobucket.com/albums/jj94/gashog7/boat/
http://www.epoxyworks.com/26/index.html Number26

I don't understand why you want to use varnish over paint....if the paint is white,it will come out yellowed with a coat of varnish over it.

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tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer.

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