520022 - Halcyon Marine Varnish (Gloss, Pint) | Water-Based Polyurethane Wood Finish | Clear Gloss UV Protection for Interior and Outdoor Use

I make small wooden boxes and use colorful woods. As color in many wood types tends to fade or discolor, I was looking for UV protection to preserve the color for as long as possible. My experience using TotalBoat has been great so far. For a small box I made with a rainbow poplar lid, I first used a high gloss poly. It immediately turned my lid brown. So, I sanded it off and tried TotalBoat clear gloss. To my surprise, it really did make the colors much more brilliant and vibrant. I did apply 4 or 5 coats because it is rather thin but not as thin as poly (but not as thick as epoxy). Also, I would say it is not a high-gloss - it’s more of a semi-gloss. For me, it works for my purposes. It also didn’t bubble up for me like poly and epoxy tends to do. You can mitigate for bubbles, but it’s a pain as I don’t also get them all. As for the packaging, I REALLY love it. It takes up less room to store and it’s not another plastic or metal can to store - I have a ton stain cans. I will say that it does pour out really easily so watch out for that. I didn’t need much as my project was small. I’d recommend a smaller opening or a way to adjust the opening. I know this product is really for boats so, I get the opening is probably the appropriate size to fit such needs. Therefore, it’s not fair to ding the product. Overall, I really like TotalBoat and will continue to use it for my projects going forward. (Note: I was not compensated for my review. I don’t know the company personally. I just think we need to make a better effort to give genuine reviews on Amazon. I see many do but many do not and I wish they did because their reviews weigh in on my decision to purchase. I appreciate them!) Hope this review helps with your decision making. If I can add pictures to my review at a later date, I will do so.

Best sealer ever with high gloss finish. We used it to seal our kitchen cabinets anfer refinishing them ourselves. This product is awesome with great coverage, no funes and easy application! Build it up, you will love it!!

I did not buy this varnish for marine use as it is meant. I bought it to varnish a few wood pieces on my outdoor patio set and swing. It was recommended by a salesman with Sunset Swings to buy a marine varnish to cover the arm rests on my new swing. I live in a desert and a marine varnish would be able to protect the wood from the harsh elements of direct intense heat and UV. So I did what the instructions said and decided to try it first on a acacia wood that is on my patio set chairs. First of all, I just want to add that, yes, I did purchase a brush that was labeled specifically for this kind of varnish. The varnish went on smoothly and evenly but left very significant brush lines. So, I decided to try a sponge brush but had the same results. I sanded again, used a tack cloth and applied a second coat with the same results using the right brush. I don't think its the varnishes fault but I'm at a loss. Anyway...I went ahead and prepared the arms of the swing and applied the varnish. Similar results but went on better with less visible brush lines. I'm not sure what kind of wood is on the swing chair arms but perhaps it makes a difference? Different woods for different results? Is the wood on boats different? This varnish was easy to use with the pour spout and I had no other issues.

I love how this goes on, almost like coating something in resin without having to mix it. I use it on sculptures to put in house plants or terrariums. That way they are more water resistant. My only issue is with things painted white, the yellowing is very apparent. It’s only been 5 months, and other than taking them to a show and displaying for 3 days, they’ve been stored in a box. They are yellowing significantly. I had to pull a few of my sculptures to sand and repaint because of this. I guess it’s my fault as I wasn’t using it on wood, nor a boat? But I’m super sad about it. Will still use on darker sculptures till it’s used up and look for something else.

I have a sailboat with several pieces of teak trim. I have used a wide variety of varnish over the years and find all of them have their good and bad qualities. I bought this varnish specifically to refinish a couple of carbon fiber winch handles as it doesn't contain as much amber tint. It goes on quite easy and is very forgiving as long as you don't load up the brush with too much product. The finish is quite clear just like I wanted and I was able to build up around 10 coats in only a few days. I was using foam brushes so I can't comment on how easy the clean up is. As far as longevity goes, it's too early for me to tell and the winch handles are not exposed to the weather all the time. I am considering using this varnish on my cabin top hand rails since the application is so easy.