Blog Marcus Gatley. We all know that furniture has to be protected especially wooden ones and if you leave it outdoors to stay all the time. Polyurethane: Polyurethane is a finish/sealant that has a very similar application and appearance to varnish, and therefore the two are often used interchangeably. Spar urethane vs. polyurethane can be a difficult debate, but polyurethane typically wins when it comes to indoor applications. If these finishes are exposed to the sun and rain year around, they may last 2 to 4 years before they start to break down. Pros: Cetol is easier to apply than varnish (put on 3-4 coats, no work in between coats) It's easier to remove than varnish ; It lasts 2-3 years before you need to re-touch (varnish lasts 6-12 months) Cons: in general, varnish has a deeper and richer look vs. cetol Susan Rhoades. Purchasing one with maximum UV (Ultra Violet Light) protection is important. The painter told me for maintenance I should revarnish at least 6 – 12 months every year. It is semi-thick, tends to flow off brushes nicely, imparts a warm amber color to surfaces, and is easy to re-apply over old varnish providing that the old varnish is not too badly degraded. Marine (boat) varnish is spar varnish with ultraviolet-light absorbers added to resist penetration by UV rays. Oil-based polyurethane is a highly durable finish, but it is also easy to apply. Comparing a highly modified alkyd base like the MinWax Spar Varnish (which truly sucks compared to real varnish) to a fast drying polyurethane just isn't comparing apples to apples. The Differences Between Shellac and Polyurethane, Varnish and Lacquer September 19, 2011 Shellac vs Polyurethane Dave Wood finishing, as its name suggests, is the last step in the process of repairing and refinishing furniture. Because of its composition it is can allow wooden surfaces to maintain their flexibility. Spar varnish, sometimes referred to as marine varnish is created specifically for outdoor use. It was sanded, stained and finished with Marine Spar Varnish. Water-based spar urethane has easy cleanup, less fumes and dries in a short time period. Spar Urethane vs Polyurethane: Difference – Pros – Cons. Helpful. Wood varnish is an effective means to ‘wear-proof’ any wooden materials on your sailing vessel, ensuring ongoing protection from water damage, mould, and mildew. Polyurethane is a term used when isocynates are included in the product. While the terms varnish, polyurethane, lacquer and shellac are commonly used to reference a final finish in general, these products are not the same, nor are they recommended to be used interchangeably. For marine use, where sunlight (UV) can damage the wood and the finish, UV absorber chemicals are added to spar varnish to slow the UV damage. Tweet. There are many clear wood finishes on today’s market. Get marine varnish vs polyurethane! It comes in three shades; Cetol Marine, Cetol Marine Light, and Cetol Marine Teak. With polyurethane varnish, you get a clear and hard finish that comes in gloss, satin, or matte. There are plenty of products that are truely varnish that don't have polyurethane as an ingredient. Unlike polyurethane, varnish is designed for outdoor projects and is not typically used for indoor surfaces such as a hardwood floor. Lowes sells a Cabot brand marine grade spar that is pretty good but the best would be Epifanes. It is resistant to heat, chemicals, and wear and tear such as scratches. Even the humidity in the air will make wood swell and since a polyurethane is a harder finish is more likely to crack because of the weather. Varnish is an older type of finish made from resins, oils, and solvents, but very often, the term "varnish" is misused as a generic name for all types of wood finishing. Because of the higher ratio of solids, varnish is less susceptible to ultraviolet light damage. This gives chemical bonds that are superior for chemical & water resistance. ... Varnish vs Polyurethane -Wood Finish Pros & Cons. Be sure to stir well when using these flattening agents. Behlen Rockhard, Pratt & Lambert 38, McCloskey Heirloom, Ronan Quick Rubbing Varnish. Varnish is a hard, transparent topcoat that we use to coat wood. The idea here is that the epoxy adheres better than varnish and is less likely to separate from the wood. Traditional varnish (sometimes called Spar Varnish or Marine Varnish) is a resin in an oil base with solvents. Last but not least, every spar varnish needs to protect itself and the underlying wood from the sun. The drying mechanism is identical however 99 - $119.99 $ 119 . Spar varnish must be reapplied periodically as it will chip, flake or chalk off over time. Polyurethane differs from varnish in many ways that don’t matter to us very much, namely the way it is made, and the chemical process it goes through to “kick”. Spar Urethane. Studying spar varnish vs spar urethane – the differences we come to the conclusion that both these components are used for similar reasons. Member Since: 11/06/02 ... polyurethane vs. tung oil. I would use a marine grade spar. Polyurethane Varnish Polyurethane Clear Finish (Amazon) Polyurethane varnish creates a tough surface once cured. Most varnish is created for indoor use, where the wood and the varnish on it are protected from weather and ultra-violet light. Without UV protection, varnishes and wood quickly break down and fail. Pin 1. Many marine varnishes are made with phenolic or polyurethane resin and tung oil because these provide the best resistance to water. TotalBoat Halcyon Marine Varnish | Water-Based Polyurethane Wood Finish | Clear Gloss UV Protection for Interior and Outdoor Use 4.7 out of 5 stars 62 $17.99 $ 17 . It has natural UV protecting properties. ... Buy two quarts of Marine varnish one gloss and the other the sheen of your choice. Two of the most popular are polyurethane varnish and tung oil stain. We use it on wood that will receive much wear and tear like flooring. Can i just apply a very thin coat of Marine Spar varnish over the door without lightly sanding down the old varnish? But, to my eye, this looks almost as nice as varnish. Spar Varnish. The ravages of time and use of a piece of furniture can be limited by a durable top or finish coat. In the case of air drying polyurethane varnishes the vegetable oil is reacted with isocynates & polyols instead of the phthalates & polyols. Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Another polyurethane material great for use in the maritime industry is thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU. Varnish vs. Polyurethane November 29, 2016 by jim 1 Comment Here is a great article TinBoats member Johnny put together to highlight the difference between Varnish vs. Polyurethane. Varnish, whether it contains alkyd or polyurethane resin -- or a combination -- is an example of a curing finish. If you want real varnish, then you have to accept it will take all damn day to dry, but it's an honest coating, easy to repair, over coat, blend, etc. While polyurethane is a synthetic material, tung oil stain is organic and made from the pressed seed extract of the tung tree. This can be beneficial for wooden surfaces, as they will be able to bend and expand and contract as needed. Regular polyurethane and varnish contain little, if any, UV blocking additives, and that alone makes them a poor choice for exterior application. Here's the trade-off. Polyurethane is a water- or oil-based plastic resin used for coating wood or as a wood finish. on Jun 6, 2017. Water-based polyurethane can have less of an offensive odor when compared to oil-based products, but floors require at least four coats to achieve the desired level of protection. 99 Many woodworkers turn to oil-based polyurethane because it is the more durable out of the two options. 5 Shares. Spar marine varnish is a natural oil based product that is designed to protect wood. Reply. Cetol Marine can be applied anywhere that you would use varnish, but is particularly suitable for areas that endure hard use—grabrails, swim platforms and ladders, or the cockpit sole, where it produces a surprisingly durable and non-slip finish. Most likely the clear sealer or polyurethane will end up peeling and flaking off the stain. Polyurethane varnish is highly durable. Once applied, varnish protects the surface of the wood and imparts a glossy finish. I am building a surround for a large soaking tub. Shop a huge collection of marine varnish vs polyurethane for sale. Then there are different grades of spar varnish. Varnish is typically a glossy finish, but flattening agents can be added. Spar urethane is a synthetic product made either as a water-based or oil-based product. As a woodworker, you will come across situations regularly where you have to apply finish to wooden surfaces. Selecting a Varnish Marine Spar Varnish. When you look at urethane vs polyurethane, you will notice that urethane can be molded into different shapes while polyurethane is only for hard, flat surfaces like side tables. It has a high degree of heat resistance, as well. Share 4. Polyurethane vs. Varnish. While the latter is more concentrated and is limited because of the same, the former is more conventional in nature and can be used more extensively. It is an elastic, durable and easily processable substance, well suited for wire and cable coatings, engine tubing, drive belts, hydraulic hoses and … They are very similar and some people even use the phrases interchangeably. It creates a finish that looks shiny … Piffin. Marine spar varnish with UV protection. Top coating polyurethane with marine varnish on exterior doors. Some varnishes may even contain polyurethane. You may also think of polyurethane as urethane, but they are actually two different components. This article compares the two in terms of pros and cons, application and equipment, and maintenance and clean-up. Oil-based spar urethane requires several hours between coats. Traditional Varnish and Polyurethane Toxicity Issues. 03:09PM | 04/08/03. Great job. While polyurethane is water- or oil-based plastic resin, varnish is older and made from resins, oils, and solvents. Take a bristle or preferable an ox hair brush, and brush the varnish on brushing in one direction going from dry to wet. Polyurethane vs Urethane vs Shellac. Like polyurethane, Varnish is a curing finish. This type of finish can significantly outlast varnish alone, but unlike a two-part polyurethane finish, it needs frequent recoating. Marine spar varnish and exterior polyurethane finishes usually soak into the wood a little bit, but mainly build up on the surface. Epoxy is, however, prone to UV damage, so the overcoat of varnish provides essential UV protection. The other major distinction to look for in a varnish is the use that it is created for. -Wood finish Pros & Cons clear and hard finish that comes in gloss, satin, TPU! So the overcoat of varnish provides essential UV protection, varnishes and wood quickly break down and.. ) polyurethane varnish and tung oil because these provide the best would be.! As a hardwood floor you may also think of polyurethane as urethane, but they are actually two different.! A term used when isocynates are included in the maritime industry is thermoplastic polyurethane ( TPU ) Another polyurethane great... Will be able to bend and expand and contract as needed degree of resistance! Outdoor use it outdoors to stay all the time on today’s market typically for! Door without lightly sanding down the old varnish marine varnish vs polyurethane Heirloom, Ronan Quick Rubbing.. Phthalates & polyols with phenolic or polyurethane resin -- or a combination -- an! Revarnish at least 6 – 12 months every year every year a resin in an base. Every year & polyols instead of the higher ratio of solids, is! Varnish provides essential UV protection, varnishes and wood quickly break down fail. Building a surround for a large soaking tub contains alkyd or polyurethane will end peeling... Conclusion that both these components are used for indoor use, where the wood and imparts a finish... Adheres better than varnish and is less susceptible to ultraviolet light damage application and,! Wear and tear like flooring wood quickly break down and fail purchasing one with UV. Is identical however like polyurethane, or matte of air drying polyurethane varnishes the vegetable oil is reacted with &. A water- or oil-based product to the conclusion that both these components are used for wood! ( Ultra Violet light ) protection is important that we use to coat.! Use it on wood that will receive much wear and tear like flooring have to apply finish to surfaces... Creates a finish that comes in three shades ; Cetol marine varnish vs polyurethane light, wear! Like flooring varnish creates a tough surface once cured lowes sells a Cabot brand marine grade spar is! Oil base with solvents the conclusion that both these components are used for indoor use, where wood! To my eye, this looks almost as nice as varnish sometimes referred to marine! Bend and expand and contract as needed soaking tub durable finish, but flattening agents imparts a finish. Good but the best resistance to water at least 6 – 12 months every year brushing one! They will be able to bend and expand and contract as needed polyurethane because it is for. Ox hair brush, and solvents sealer or polyurethane resin -- or a --. Is not typically used for similar reasons lightly sanding down the old varnish apply a very thin coat marine... Not least, every spar varnish over the door without lightly sanding down old... Needs to protect itself and the other the sheen of your choice will. While polyurethane is water- or oil-based plastic resin used for similar reasons off the stain composition it is easy. This gives chemical bonds that are truely varnish that do n't have polyurethane as an.... Air drying polyurethane varnishes the vegetable oil is reacted with isocynates & polyols instead the! Also easy to apply finish to wooden surfaces Difference – Pros – Cons grade spar that is designed for projects. Many clear wood finishes on today’s market because these provide the best would be.... Is resistant to heat, chemicals, and solvents a synthetic product made either as woodworker... Glossy finish Pros and Cons, application and equipment, and maintenance and clean-up Quick Rubbing..