Pigeon Point Project A 1907 Craftsman, rebuilt · 2005–2009

Spar varnish it is…

July 6, 2005 · Trissa · 6 comments

I was so close to getting the Sikkens Cetol products for the exterior doors, but I ended up buying some Epifanes spar varnish.

From all the forums I read and the research I did, this is supposedly the brand to get. It’s a Dutch company that’s been around since 1902. I think that’s why I decided to go with the spar varnish. If people have been using for hundreds of years with great success then it sounds like a match for our house. I’ve heard great things about the Sikkens, but don’t know anyone personally who’s used it. I should be in the middle of the finishing project when Nick’s dad gets here. If I have any questions or problems with the spar varnish, I am sure he’ll be happy to help. (Thanks Phil!) He may be getting a few phone calls before then.

I started with a test piece of fir yesterday. I sanded it and thinned some of the varnish 50% (following the directions on the can which was advised by many many people)! This afternoon after it’s cured for a day I will sand it with 220 grit paper and put on the second coat which is thinned 25%. (I’ll double check those directions.) So far the color is beautiful- it brings out the warmth of the wood. If it ends up looking to shiny for us I’ll get a can of the matte finish of the same product that you can use for the final coat. I’ll post pictures of our doors after they arrive today as well as a photo of the sample finish.

6 Comments

  1. Derek·July 6, 2005

    I’ve never heard of that stuff, where did you find it?

  2. Trissa·July 6, 2005

    It’s been the spar varnish that was recommended in a bunch of the sites I’ve read. Here’s the taunton forum on woodworking where I got feedback and information about the Sikkens products. It’s a great forum. The post is under finishing and is titled Exterior doors: spar varnish or teak oil? I can’t link directly to the converstaion, but you kind get there from here: http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages/?start=Start+Reading+%3E%3E

  3. mindy·July 6, 2005

    Trissa,

    I just used spar varnish for the first time in our front entryway - and love it. It went on nicely, and it really brings out the wood tones, as you said.

    I used a high gloss for durability, but I also like the shiny look :)

    ~Mindy

  4. jmpottery·July 6, 2005

    I thought of a question. Howsabout, how many readers have a blog of their own?

  5. Trissa·July 6, 2005

    I like that idea. I have a list of possible poll ideas, so I’ll add that one so I don’t forget!

  6. Trissa·July 6, 2005

    Mindy- I’m glad to hear you like the spar varnish. So far I’m happy with the test piece of wood.