Epifanes Sealer

[shortgmanp]

I am planning on using Epifanes rapid coat varnish. Anyone familiar with this. I Have read only good things about it. Thanks Greg

[doug hodder]

Epifanes is highly respected in the boat building community and a lot of the top restored boats use it. Doug

[schaney]

I used it on my kayak



What I found was it goes on thin and with the fast dry time leaves brush marks. I did 6-7 coats, then sanded it out, I wasn't getting the depth I wanted. So I switch back to their Clear Varnish, did an additional 4 coats, came up great. It's about 5 yrs old now and still looks great.

[shortgmanp]

Well if it leaves brush marks it may not be for me. I might just have to go with the clear.

[wannabefree]

If you don't want brush marks, don't use a brush

Seriously, I have not found a finish that, when put on with a brush, does not leave brush marks. If anyone has one, please let me know.

[schaney]

Actually with Epifanes Clear Varnish I was able to get a brush mark free finish. After a light 2000 grit sanding and polish, it had a nice mirror finish. I'm also having pretty good luck getting a brush mark free finish with Target Coatings EM2000. The trick with it is temp, applying it around 60 degree extends the dry time and allows it to level out. At about 70 degrees I get brush marks every time.

[Sawyer]

Fine Woodworking did a outdoor finish torture test a few months back, and if I remember correctly, Epifanes products stood out head and shoulders above all other tested finishes. It was a pretty interesting and informative article... Unless I hear of something better, I'll definitely be using it on my next TD! I used Varithane Spar on my current TD, and have been very happy with the results, except it gets slightly soft and hazy in an extended downpour (thank you '09 Dam Gathering).

Keep us updated with how it goes with the Epifanes...