How to choose a yacht varnish: according to composition, properties and limitations in use

How is the chemical composition and scope related?

Once upon a time, ship varnish was used to finish the wooden hull, deck elements and internal parts. The formula was developed in such a way as to provide maximum protection for wood that is constantly exposed to the open air and in contact with water. Since the varnish was used exclusively for outdoor work, no one thought about the danger of fumes for humans.

The composition acquired the necessary qualities thanks to toluene and xylene, volatile substances of the benzene group. The compounds have an unfortunate combination of qualities: they evaporate easily and are poisonous enough to cause serious harm to health.

The skin and respiratory tract serve as the point of penetration of vapors into the human body. A small dose causes headaches and dizziness, a stronger dose irritates the mucous membranes. Severe (or long-term) intoxication leads to damage to the nervous system and internal organs, and cell degeneration.

First purpose Source stblizko.ru

The excellent qualities that a wooden surface acquires have become the reason for the spread of ship varnish for wood to other areas. It is applied to furniture and musical instruments, covering floors and panels. The composition is used for finishing walls in bathhouses and elements of gazebos; it is used to open window frames, doors, and stairs.

No matter how high-quality modern paint and varnish products are, they still remain toxic. Therefore, in interior work they are used extremely carefully, without ignoring safety regulations.

What are the differences from parquet varnish?

The market for paints and varnishes is filled with various representatives. The main competition for marine varnish is parquet varnish. When manufacturing the first, the main emphasis is on the strength and durability of the coating. In this regard, the composition is filled with toxic substances.

Toluene. Belongs to the group of highly volatile benzene compounds. In other words, it contains carbon and hydrogen. The compound is characterized by good solubility in air and human digestibility. Vapors cause dizziness, irritation of the mucous membrane and, in extreme cases, pulmonary edema. In large quantities it can cause serious complications. Evaporates slowly.
Xylene. A complex benzene compound that has a destructive effect on the body. Vapors penetrate not only through breathing, but also through the skin. Poisoning occurs in severe form. Exposure to the substance causes nervous disorders and activation of diseases associated with the endocrine glands. In the worst case, cancer is possible.

It doesn’t matter how expensive the varnish and the prestigious brand of the manufacturer are. They all contain dangerous chemicals. Based on this, it should be concluded that indoor use is contraindicated and is allowed in rare cases. Evaporation occurs for some time after application of the material. The room should be well ventilated. Use in bedrooms, children's rooms, kitchens and other large areas not equipped with proper ventilation is strictly prohibited.

Benzenes are much lighter than air. This means that during external work they rise to the top and do not cause harm. Work is carried out in a respirator and protective suit. Neglecting recommendations can cause irreparable harm to health.

Advantages and disadvantages

The popularity of ship varnish is explained by the fact that it provides wood with performance qualities that are an order of magnitude higher than standard furniture analogues. The advantages include the following features:

High adhesion to wood. The varnish penetrates deep into the structure of the wood, so it lasts longer and is more reliable than traditional compounds. The varnish film is resistant to abrasion, chipping, and scratches.

Lacquered staircase Source yandex.net
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in paint and varnish and finishing materials and related work

Long service life. The varnish surface has high strength; it is resistant to alkaline compounds and is not afraid of large mechanical loads.
Hydrophobicity. Yacht varnish for wood makes the wood moisture resistant and protects it from rotting.
Decorative qualities. The varnish emphasizes the beauty of the natural surface, at the same time it is resistant to fading and does not change properties over time.
Working properties. Yacht varnish is characterized by low consumption, and the coating dries quickly.

Some qualities turn the composition into a very ambiguous material for finishing in everyday life:

The main disadvantage is toxicity and the associated unpleasant odor.
In cold weather, the elasticity of the varnish coating decreases and it becomes brittle. Wooden ships are not icebreakers, and under normal conditions they do not encounter low temperatures.
Problems will arise with wooden walls coated with varnish immediately after construction. Shrinkage will lead to inevitable destruction of the film.
If the quality is poor, yacht varnish for interior woodwork has a yellowish tint, which can negatively affect the final appearance of the furniture or door.

Floor varnishing Source ukrsmeta.ua

What are the advantages of yacht varnish?

Glossy yacht varnish has a number of privileges, which are described in the following paragraphs:

Quickly adheres to the surface of the material and remains there for a long time. Thanks to instant absorption, the substance acts for a long period of time.
Alkyd yacht varnish protects against penetration of sunlight and possible damage to the film. Due to the content of special components and stabilizers, radiation is absorbed. Ultraviolet rays are converted into heat. This way the film remains undamaged.
A beautiful appearance is formed, which naturally attracts everyone's attention. And who doesn’t like the well-groomed appearance of products?
An increased level of moisture resistance guarantees freedom from rot, mold and mildew.
The long service life of the product, which is coated with a special varnish, is guaranteed. Possible scratches or chips are prevented.
It is easier to care for furniture if the product has a protective varnish film. In this case, it is quite reasonable to use household chemicals.
The varnish increases the elasticity of the coating, which avoids damage and cracking.
The products are available to most consumers at a reasonable price. Thanks to the pricing policy, the product is gaining more and more demand.

Variety in composition

Paint and varnish products offered by hardware stores vary in characteristics. Their classification is based on which chemical is the main one in the composition. Based on this feature, four groups of brands are distinguished.

Alkyd

Alkyd varnishes with the following set of qualities are widely represented on the construction market:

The composition is a solution of alkyd resins with a high polymerization rate and a high degree of toxicity.
They have a heavy odor. During the drying process, the solvent first evaporates, then the benzene compounds. The alkyd-based composition continues to release toxic benzene for another 3-4 months after drying.
Alkyd yacht varnish for wood for exterior use does not lose quality for 4-5 years (with average mechanical load).
Application. Due to the high emission of toxic substances, it is prohibited for use in the home. It is suitable for protecting the roof of a gazebo, terrace, wooden fence, stairs.

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Conditions of use and product types

Yacht varnishes are sold in sealed jars or cans. Aerosol is somewhat more convenient to use.

Using a sprayer, it is easy to apply a uniform dispersed layer without exceeding the recommended coating thickness. The disadvantage of aerosols is that they are sold in small containers, and, in terms of calculation, turn out to be much more expensive than a simple can. The glossy, decorative layer is much more convenient and beautiful to apply from a spray can, while the matte, protective layer can be applied with a brush or roller.

You should choose yacht varnishes for interior decoration with extreme caution, giving preference to well-known manufacturers. Finnish varnish Tikkurila, which is among the leaders in sales of such products, is popular precisely because of the significant efforts made to minimize the harmful effects of using their products. Tikkurila matte varnish is made on a urethane-alkyd basis and has analogue-free resistance to precipitation, but is also successfully used for interior decoration.

The building materials market is flooded with various protective varnishes, on the labels of which manufacturers have found it necessary to write the word yacht as an additional marking of the stability and reliability of the polymer film created with the product. But yacht varnish is a special category of building materials, in the choice of which you should exercise caution and caution.

Video description

About yacht varnish on old boards in the following video:

Urethane-alkyd

The composition is dominated by plasticizing substances (urethanes). They bind volatile alkyds, whose content is also reduced. As a result of changing the recipe, yacht varnish for exterior woodwork has become a relatively safe composition for people with the following properties:

Designed for indoor use; In this case, safety precautions must be observed.

Varnishing the porch Source wp.com

Dries quickly, is resistant to temperature fluctuations; contains plasticizers. They change the chemical and physical properties of the composition, thanks to which it can be used without fear for warm floors (other varnishes may crack).
After drying, the varnish film remains intact for 8-10 years.

What to remember when working with varnish

Indispensable respiratory protection and ventilation of the room in which work is carried out is the main condition for the use of such products. The varnish is always applied to a dry and clean surface, which must be additionally treated with an antiseptic. To give not just a decorative, but also a durable protective layer, it is applied repeatedly, each time waiting until the previous coating has completely dried. Any varnish of high quality and correctly applied will last a long time if it is used for the intended purpose.

Properties of yacht varnish (1 video)

Yacht varnishes of different brands (30 photos)

Tips for choosing

Varnish is chosen depending on its purpose. For work outdoors (for varnishing a gazebo, bathhouse, bench or swing), alkyd and alkyd-urethane compositions are suitable. For interior work (floors, panels), urethane-alkyd varnish is chosen. If you need to open wooden furniture, it is better to use polyurethane-acrylic grades.

Varnishes are divided according to the degree of gloss, and are available in glossy, semi-gloss and matte. The gloss does not affect the technical characteristics. A glossy finish looks bright and festive, but imperfections are more visible on it. The matte finish has a stylish look and makes dust and defects less visible.

Door varnishing Source ireland.apollo.olxcdn.com

Variety of coatings

There is a wide range of products on the market, which naturally makes it difficult for the consumer to choose. In this case, you should start from the composition, properties and appearance of the material.

To determine which yacht varnish is better, pay attention to a number of varieties:

Alkyd. Wear-resistant varnish at an inexpensive cost. Due to its price and adequate quality, it has received great demand among buyers. The key disadvantage is the inability to use in the interior area of the room due to toxicity.

Urethane-alkyd. It also contains toxic components, but not in large quantities. Therefore, it is permissible to work with such a substance indoors. The material differs from the previous version due to its heat-resistant film. Effectively used in combination with heated floors. During operation, you can not be afraid of the occurrence of possible microcracks.

Alkyd-urethane. Dries quickly and easily withstands temperature changes. However, the high level of toxicity of the product does not allow working with it in a confined space.

Acrylate. Due to water-based production, the substance is less toxic. This is a safe product during use and during drying. Although the varnish is called “yacht”, it is not recommended to use it where there is a lot of moisture.

Varnishes are also divided into separate categories based on light reflectivity:

Glossy looks beautiful and reflects light well. However, it requires careful care. An ideal smooth surface easily becomes dirty without proper care.
Matte does not look as good, but hides possible imperfections due to dirt or damage.
There are product options called semi-matte or semi-gloss.

Briefly about the main thing

Yacht varnish, an invention of shipbuilders, has taken a strong place among finishing materials for the residential sector. The chemical composition determines its unique properties: moisture resistance, wear resistance, strength and an impressive finishing result. The volatile substances of the benzene group included in the varnish negatively affect health.

Ship varnishes are usually divided into groups according to the main substance included in the formula. There are four groups on sale with different characteristics and degrees of toxicity. When choosing the optimal product, it is necessary to take into account the scope of its application and the degree of light reflection.

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Application instructions

Work indoors or outdoors can only be done at positive temperatures, with the optimal range being +15…+30 degrees. Humidity during application should not exceed 80%.

How to determine solution consumption

Usually the exact consumption of the substance is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. The standard flow rate is 60-130 ml/sq.m. m. This figure may vary depending on the following factors:

quality of grinding - the higher it is, the less composition is consumed;
type of material - porous species (walnut, ash) require more product;
viscosity - less liquid varnish is needed than thick varnish;
tools for application - a spray gun will use less varnish than hand tools.

Selecting Tools

To apply the special product, tools are required, and only compositions in cans are applied by conventional spraying.

Brush

This is a simple and affordable tool for painting work. It can have synthetic or natural bristles of different lengths. If the bristles are natural, you will have to wring out the brush often when working, because it tends to accumulate liquid. Artificial materials provide a smoother and more even finish, are resistant to wear and are better suited for outdoor use.

Roller

Rollers are ideal for large areas. You need to purchase tools with short pile that do not cause drips or become deformed. To make the film more uniform and dense, it is worth buying small rollers. Large products are used to process facades.

Spray gun

This handy device is great for varnishing surfaces, especially in hard-to-reach places. The composition is applied by spraying, resulting in a beautiful, uniform, high-quality coating.

Wood preparation

Varnishing should begin by preparing the wood. If its humidity is above 20%, the material must be dried with a construction hairdryer or in special chambers. Next, clean the product from dirt, dust, any stains and grease. Sand the base using sandpaper or a grinding machine. Remove areas of mold and mildew and treat them with an antiseptic.

Primer

To reduce the porosity of wood, it is primed with a special pore-filling primer. Among other things, it will improve the adhesion of the special composition to the substrate and reduce its consumption. After priming, a small area of the product is varnished: if the wood continues to absorb the varnish strongly, apply another layer of primer.

Varnish coating

After opening the can, mix the composition with a wooden spatula, which will prevent delamination. If the mass is too thick, add a solvent - solvent, white spirit, turpentine. Each layer should dry for 2-6 hours (the exact time is indicated in the instructions), after which it is sanded and a new layer is applied. Then the film is allowed to dry completely.

Methods of applying varnish for yachts

Yacht wood varnish can be applied to surfaces previously coated with alkyd or polyurethane compounds, sanding the areas of chips and damage to the old layer. After thoroughly mixing the composition, if necessary, dilute it with White Spirit and apply it to the prepared surface. Brushes, rollers and a spray gun are used for painting.

Regardless of the composition, yacht varnish is used for wood as follows:

clean the wood surface from dirt;
sand or sand the wood to eliminate unevenness;
apply paintwork, making smooth movements back and forth;
re-coat the wood with paint after the previous layer has dried.

The use of a spray gun is optimal when covering large surfaces outdoors. For this application, use compositions diluted with a “slow” solvent (up to 10% of the total amount), the particles of which do not have time to harden in the air, and a gun with a nozzle size of at least 1.7 mm (it is kept at a short distance from the wood). Otherwise, it is difficult to achieve uniformity and shine of the coating. When working with a brush or roller, do not make sudden movements, otherwise bubbles will form, reducing the aesthetics of the processed products.

Yacht wood varnish

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Manufacturers, prices

When choosing deck varnish for finishing floor surfaces and other wood surfaces, you should take into account such parameters of the paint composition as resistance to moisture, abrasion, temperature changes, mechanical stress, elasticity, decorative qualities and toxicity.

It should be remembered that this type of coating is inferior in strength to conventional varnish compositions for covering parquet floors, although it surpasses the latter in water-repellent properties.

It will be safer to buy products from trusted brands that have proven themselves:

Glossy varnish for wood, German company Alpina - made on the basis of alkyd resins, and is characterized by a high level of strength, resistance to fresh and salt water, adverse conditions, and does not turn yellow for a long time. One of the disadvantages is the drying time. The cost of a two-liter jar is about 700 rubles.
Ship varnish made of urethane-alkyd type Eurotex - suitable for external and internal work, is resistant to ultraviolet radiation and radiation, contains biocidal and fungicidal additives, and dries quickly. A standard two-liter jar costs about 500 rubles.
Alkyd urethane deck varnish Neomid, produced , is highly resistant to wear and withstands the effects of water, low temperatures and sun. Cost 238 rubles.
Varnishes from the Turkish brand Marshall - designed for exterior decoration, durable, elastic and resistant to moisture. Cost 349 rubles.
Alkyd varnish from the Prestige company (manufactured by Rossi) is well suited for outdoor work, helps create a glossy finish, dries quickly, costs 200 rubles per liter.
Glossy varnish Parade L20 on an alkyd-urethane basis for exterior use does not turn yellow for a long time, is resistant to high levels of humidity, and the cost per 1 liter of product is approximately 280 rubles.

These are the best 5 yacht polishes you can find. Enjoy it for your health!

General characteristics of varnishes for yachts

Yacht wood varnish has the following properties and characteristics:

high coating strength;
increased water resistance;
high adhesion (good adhesion to wood, preventing cracking and peeling);
immunity to water and high humidity;
simplicity and cost-effectiveness of application due to good coverage properties (despite the thick texture, the paint spreads well).

Depending on the properties of the coating, yacht varnish for wood is divided into 2 types: glossy and semi-matte. Glossy compositions reflect 70 - 100% of light, semi-matte - 30 - 70%. Matteness is the result of the presence of a passive filler, the particles of which scatter light (before use, the semi-matte yacht varnish is thoroughly mixed, turning the closed jar upside down 10 - 15 times in a row to prevent particles from settling to the bottom). Semi-matte varnish for yachts is optimal for masking defects in wooden surfaces. The use of a glossy coating requires careful preparation (grinding, scraping).

Urethane-alkyd yacht varnish

This is the cheapest and most toxic type of varnish. Toxic compounds are released throughout the entire service life. At the same time, the alkyd composition provides the most durable coating, has the greatest moisture resistance and can withstand a wide range of temperatures.

This composition of yacht varnish is created specifically for interior work. Due to the smaller amount of toxic components and special additives that prevent their release, its toxicity is reduced, including at the cost of loss of moisture protection. But this difference in the main characteristics is not critical for use in interior decoration.

Such varnishes are justified both on open balconies and in bathhouses with wooden cladding. The coating is resistant to heat, it can be used to cover floors, wall and ceiling cladding in country houses, in premises intended for leisure and receiving guests.

However, it is not recommended to use such varnish in bedrooms and children's rooms. The toxicity of the finishing agent increases in the absence of ventilation and depends on the area of coverage. According to consumer reviews, this type of yacht varnish is ideal for outdoor furniture and landscape decor.