What’s the best varnish for your yacht?

When it comes to yacht maintenance, few tasks are as satisfying as applying a fresh coat of varnish. It enhances your yacht's appearance and helps protect it from the elements, keeping it looking sharp and well-maintained for years to come. However, with a variety of varnishes available on the market, it can be tricky to know where to start and what to choose.

In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about varnishing your yacht, from choosing the best yacht varnish to application tips and frequently asked questions.

How to choose the best yacht varnish

Choosing the best yacht varnish is important to ensure that the finish looks stunning and provides long-lasting protection. When selecting varnish, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• UV protection: Sunlight, saltwater, and wind will all affect your yacht, so you'll want a varnish with strong UV protection to keep the wood from fading or deteriorating.
• Durability: A yacht's varnish must withstand constant exposure to water, salt, and the elements. Look for products specifically designed for marine use, which will be more durable than general-purpose varnishes.
• Gloss level: The level of gloss is a personal preference, but high-gloss finishes are popular for yachts as they provide a shiny, glossy look that reflects light and makes the wood grain pop.
• Ease of application: Some varnishes are easier to apply than others. While some might need multiple coats and sanding in between layers, others need minimum effort to apply.
• Type of wood: Different types of wood can react differently to certain varnishes. Make sure you read the product descriptions and that the varnish you select is compatible with the type of wood on your yacht.

Once you've figured out the above, you're ready to start the process. But first, let’s look at the different types of varnish you can choose from.

Different types of varnish

A few main types of varnish are used in marine environments, each offering different benefits depending on the conditions your yacht will face. Let's take a look at the main categories:

1. Polyurethane varnish

Polyurethane varnish is perhaps the most common type used for yachts. It’s incredibly durable, resistant to scratches, and provides excellent protection against water and UV rays. The best polyurethane varnishes will provide a long-lasting high gloss finish that resists fading and peeling.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and hard-wearing.
• Excellent UV protection.
• Long-lasting finish.

Cons:

• May need multiple coats and sanding in between.
• Some products can yellow over time, especially with exposure to direct sunlight.

2. Spar varnish

Spar varnish is a marine-specific wood varnish designed to protect wood exposed to the elements, especially on boats and yachts. It's formulated to remain flexible, allowing it to expand and contract with the wood as the temperature changes.

Pros:

• Resistant to saltwater, sunlight, and humidity.
• Often provides a beautiful glossy finish.

Cons:

• More time-consuming to apply than some other options.
• It may need more maintenance and re-coating over time.

3. Epoxy varnish

Epoxy varnish is a relatively newer option in the world of yacht varnishing. It combines epoxy resin's durability with traditional varnish's glossy finish. It offers exceptional waterproofing properties, making it ideal for boats that face wet conditions often.

Pros:

• High level of waterproofing.
• Very durable and long-lasting.
• Great for wooden boat hulls.

Cons:

• Needs multiple coats and curing time.
• Can be more difficult to apply compared to other varnishes.

4. Oil-based varnish

Oil-based varnish is a traditional option that has been used for decades in the marine industry. It offers deep penetration into the wood, which enhances the natural grain while providing a protective finish. These varnishes generally need more maintenance but can be touched up easily.

Pros:

• Easy to apply and maintain.
• Provides a natural, deep finish.
• Penetrates wood fibres for increased durability.

Cons:

• Not as durable as spar or epoxy varnishes.
• Needs more frequent re-coating.

5. Water-based varnish

Water-based varnish is a newer, eco-friendly option that’s growing in popularity. While it isn’t as durable as oil-based or spar varnishes, it has excellent resistance to yellowing and environmental factors like UV rays.

Pros:

• Fast-drying.
• Less odour and environmentally friendly.
• Clear finish without yellowing.

Cons:

• May not be as long-lasting as other varnish types.
• Needs proper preparation for good application.

How to varnish your yacht: A step-by-step guide

Now that you’ve chosen your varnish, it's time to get to work. Varnishing a yacht needs some time, patience, and attention to detail. Here’s how to do it, step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the surface

The first step is to properly prepare the wood surface. If there is any old varnish, you need to strip it away before applying a new coat.

• Use a paint stripper or sandpaper to remove any old varnish.
• Sand the wood down to a smooth, even surface.
• Be sure to remove any dust using a clean cloth.

Step 2: Clean the wood

Once the surface is prepped, ensure the wood is free of dust, dirt, or grease. You can wipe down the wood with a damp cloth or use a specialised wood cleaner to ensure no residue is left behind.

Step 3: Apply the first coat

Now, it's time to apply the varnish. Use a high-quality brush – opt for a natural bristle brush – to apply the varnish.

• Apply the varnish in long, smooth strokes, following the grain of the wood.
• Avoid overloading the brush to prevent drips or uneven coverage.
• Be sure to work quickly but carefully to avoid brush marks.

Once the first coat is applied, allow it to dry completely. Drying times can vary depending on the type of varnish used, but most varnishes take about four to eight hours to dry. Always check the instructions for specific drying times.

Step 5: Sand between coats

Once the first coat is dry, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough patches or bubbles. Wipe away any dust with a clean cloth.

Step 6: Apply additional coats

Continue applying the varnish in thin, even coats, sanding between each one. Generally, three to five coats are recommended for optimal protection and finish.

Step 7: Final sand and polish

Once you’ve applied the final coat and it has dried, lightly sand the surface one more time and polish it to bring out the gloss. This will give you a smooth, flawless finish.

FAQs

Can you paint over yacht varnish?

Yes, you can paint over yacht varnish, but the surface must be properly prepared first. Sanding or stripping the old varnish is important to make sure the paint applies well.

Can I use yacht varnish indoors?

Yes, yacht varnish can be used indoors, but it’s specifically formulated for outdoor and marine use. It’s an excellent choice for projects that need extra durability and protection.

Can you get coloured yacht varnish?

Yes, there are coloured yacht varnishes available, typically in shades of amber, mahogany, or cherry.

Specialist yacht insurance through Insure4Boats

After taking such good care of your vessel and varnishing it to perfection, you may want to consider getting specialist yacht insurance to protect both you and your boat.

Specialist yacht insurance through Insure4Boats covers the damage and theft of your yacht and includes Personal Accident cover if you have suffered a serious injury as a result of an accident whilst out at sea.

Find out more about our specialist yacht insurance or get a quick online quote today.