Speed up varnishing with Epifanes PP Varnish Extra
How to speed up the varnish process with Epifanes PP Varnish Extra
A proper varnish system consists of a minimum of seven coats build up from bare wood. Although this might sound a lot to you, these seven coats are essential for a high-quality system that can last for many years when well maintained. However, getting there is always difficult and therefore in this blog we explain how to get to this minimum much faster without compromising in quality.
What is Epifanes PP Varnish Extra.
This is a two-component build-up varnish where you can build-up up to 3 coats a day without intercoat sanding. Although this is a two-component varnish, there has been a flexibility part been added to the varnish for ultimate flexibility. Therefore, this varnish can withstand high flexible pieces of wood like wooden masts and booms. After applying the first coat you can apply a second coat after 3 hours at 18C. It is even possible to add a third coat on the first day without sanding. At the second day it is always recommended to sand the surface before applying the fourth and fifth coats.
What are the advantages compared to a build-up with regular varnish.
With the Epifanes PP Varnish extra you can first of all safe a lot of time. Firstly, due to the possibility of applying more than one coat a day, you can work much faster than with a traditional varnish. Secondly, since you do not sand between the first coats, you remove less varnish and create therefore a deeper finish. Thirdly, you safe a lot of time since you do less sanding. Fourthly, this varnish can not go wrong when mixed. The mixing ratio is 1:1 in weight and volume. Therefore you can easily mix the amounts needed and very easily some extra when you do not have enough mixed directly.
Why is it called a build-up varnish.
This varnish is created for speed in to the varnish process. That comes at a costs and that is that the ultimate UV protection comes from a high-UV stable varnish like Epifanes Clear Varnish or Poly-urethane Clear Gloss. Finishing off with one of these high-UV stable varnishes creates that the system gets even stronger and better protected against UV. The total UV protection for the system does come from the top coats and not from the build-up coats. So the final top coats are essential for the UV stability.
How is the Epifanes PP Varnish extra been applied?
Application can be done by brush, roller or spray gun. Please keep in mind that this is a two-component varnish what means that cheap brushes are advised since they have to be thrown away after the first time. When applying this system by a spray gun, we advise to apply the first two to three coats by brush or roller to prevent the possibility of air pockets. Also it is advised to apply 25% thinner in the first coat to really bring the varnish in to the grains of the wood.
What do you have to do to keep up with the system the following years?
Since the varnish system is applied fully in the first year. This means a build-up with Epifanes PP Varnish extra and then finished with a high UV stable varnish like Epifanes Clear Varnish or Epifanes Poly-urethane Clear Gloss. Within the next years you only need to apply the high UV stable varnish and no longer the build-up varnish. When you regularly apply fresh maintenance coats, this whole system can last for many years.
Can you also use this varnish to go for a matte finish?
Yes, this is possible. In a proper matte finish it is always recommended to start with some build-up coats of a high gloss. This is while you create more film thickness with a gloss varnish. In addition, a high gloss finish is more closed. This means that the molecules are tighter together and therefore gives a higher water resistance. After applying the first coats of Epifanes PP Varnish extra you can switch to Epifanes Woodfinish Matte, Rubbed Effect Varnish, Poly-urethane Clear Satin or PU Speedcoat clear Satin to make a matte or satin finish.
Can the Epifanes Mahogany- or Teak Stain be mixed through the varnish as well?
Yes, also if you want to darken the wood, you can mix in the Epifanes stains through the varnish by a couple of percentages. Never add more than 10% per coat. Best is to start adding stains to the varnish from the second coat onwards.
