Joe Myerson wrote:I'm a Cetol guy myself (no brickbats, please), but I just returned from my annual pilgrimage to the Maine Boat Builders Show.
While touring a magnificent Ellis 36, the representative of the builder (I don't remember his title, but this is a show without plaid-panted salesmen--I think he was yard manager) pointed to the honey-toned woodwork and described it as having "10 coats of Epiphanes varnish."
I also looked at some beautiful sailboats, including one built by Classic Boat Works (it might have been another builder, I honestly can't remember). Once again, I was told that the brightwork was varnished with 10 coats of Epiphanes.
So, FWIW, some of the most knowledgeable guys in the business use that stuff. The woodwork on those boats is beyond beautiful--but 10 coats!!! Not for me, I'd rather be sailing. But if I were to decide to varnish, I'd certainly follow the example of those guys in Maine.
--Joe
Joe,
You are spot on with this comment. Maine has some of if not the finest boat builders in the world and more wooden boat builders per than any other state in the nation.
There are basically three products used at the Maine Boat Builders Show. Cetol, Epiphanes and Alwgrip clear (AwlBrite over AwlSpar). There are very few Cetol finishes there and only a smattering of AwlGrip clears (AwlBrite over AwlSpar). Hinckley, Morris, Lyman Morse & Hodgdon Brothers use lots of Epiphanes and these guys are among the finest builders in the world with some of the best reputations to boot...
If you want a very good varnish Epiphanes is a great product..
The vast majority, perhaps 85%, of the boat and woodworking displays there use Epiphanes...