"DSK" wrote in message

That's not the case, from my observations. Given two equally prepped
pieces of wood, the Cetol will outlast varnish by about 10% at most, and
require about 10% less work to maintain.

The biggest difference between the two that I've found is the technique and
care required during application. I'm good with a brush, but it still takes
me far longer and with far more care to apply a coat of varnish vs. Cetol.
I can apply a coat of Cetol to my coamings in about an hour. To do the same
with, say, Interlux varnish, I'd require at least twice that long with all
the tipping out, etc. More care is required in dipping the brush in varnish
as well, to avoid bubbles. And weather is another factor. I've applied
Cetol in 45 degrees and wind, and also in 90 degrees and humidity, both with
acceptable results. Varnish requires a narrower set of parameters if the
finish coat is to have a smooth, glasslike appearance. Then of course there
is the issue of sanding between coats. Cetol requires none as it bonds
chemically to itself, but varnish requires a mechanical bond between coats,
so sanding is obligatory.


The new clear stuff doesn't look as bad as the old orange Jell-O Cetol,
but it still doesn't look good up close.

I honestly can't tell much difference between the two.

If the wood has pretty enough grain to be worth any type of bright finish,
it deserves varnish IMHO.

Have you ever tried Epifanes Gloss Wood Finish?


BTW we had a professional do some of the wood on our boat when we first
bought it, the former owner had slapped on a terrible coating of
polyurethane. He also takes care of a number of boats with Cetol and he
swears the stuff is actually more work than varnish.

I've heard that before, and don't believe it for a moment.

... Perhaps when we retire to Oriental, we'll reconsider varnish for
the brightwork.


That part of NC (around New Bern as well) is getting to be worse than
Florida. They're four-laning the highway to Oriental, so that the
blue-hairs will have an easier time. But hey, there's plenty of room for
more!

We noted the road work when we were there last year. Not too many bluehairs
when we were there, but no doubt they'll come. They always do.


But if you move the boat down South, you'll be astonished at the
difference in the longevity of any type finish. UV is very destructive. If
you don't have varnish now, you certainly won't want it down here unless
you put the boat under a cover.

Not having experienced a NC summer I can't comment, but I'd be surprised if
the UV intensity there wasn't significantly greater than up here.

Max