Yacht varnish: pros and cons

The invention of lacquer in Europe is attributed to the German monk Theophilus, who lived in the XII century, although this viewpoint is not shared by many. Yacht lacquers are differently called ship or yacht. There is an opinion that the names “deck”, “yacht”, “ship” is nothing more than an ordinary advertising move. Consider the properties, advantages and disadvantages of this material.

Originally ship or yacht varnish used in shipbuilding. It was imposed on parts of the hulls of ships, boats and yachts made of wood in contact with water. It was used only outside, because the varnish fumes were poisonous enough for humans.This varnish is effective, waterproof and easily accessible.

To date, it is used not only for its intended purpose, but is used for coating the surfaces of parts:

• subject to high loads;
• under the influence of aggressive environment;
• during repair work inside and outside the premises for various purposes.

Lacquering of wooden structures from the outside provides reliable protection from moisture, sun heat, mechanical, chemical, biological and other damage.

Apply this varnish on a variety of types of surfaces and objects:

• pieces of furniture;
• musical instruments;
• over the parquet;
• wooden wall and ceiling panels;
• door jambs;
• interior and entrance doors;
• wall cladding in saunas and baths.

Apply it and when performing facade work (including the coating of bitumen base).

Ship lacquer has a wide range of significant benefits. Consider the most relevant.

• Excellent adhesion to wood. It has a high degree of adhesion to the surface material. It instantly impregnates the surface material, remains in the wood structures for a long time and has a long effect.
• Not subject to harmful UV. The sun has almost no adverse effect on the material coated with yacht varnish, as it contains special components that absorb this radiation, as well as light stabilizers that convert ultraviolet rays into heat. This keeps the protective film intact.
• Makes the surface attractive. The decorative component of the coating plays a big role in drawing attention to the product. This coating looks well maintained.

• Hydrophobicity This tool improves the moisture resistance of wood, helps to get rid of the damaging effects of rot, mold or fungus that destroys wood.
• Wear resistance. The film provides durability and resistance to abrasion of the material. In this case, the coating is protected from scratches and chips.
• Resistance to chemicals. There is no reaction with acids, alkalis, salts. This allows, if necessary, to wipe the surface using household chemicals.
• Elasticity. The surface coated with this varnish can bend without significant damage to the film. However, it will not crack.
• Relatively low price. Availability upon purchase is another advantage of yacht varnish besides other properties. Saving money makes this product popular with a wide range of customers.

Yacht varnish is brittle in the cold. It can not withstand the low temperature: this changes the properties of the material. In addition, it is dangerous to health. To improve the application of these materials, many manufacturing companies include various components. The problem is their toxicity.

Such poisonings cause great harm to the human body.therefore, when working with yacht paintwork materials in the room, safety measures are imperative. The presence of through ventilation, the use of respirators or gas masks is strongly recommended. Due to the progress in the production and development of new technologies, today some varieties of yacht varnishes can be used for indoor work.From the point of view of human exposure, acrylic-based yacht varnishes cause the least harm to health, since they are produced on a water-based basis.

In order to choose a varnish, it is necessary to choose a paintwork material that is suitable in terms of composition, properties, and appearance from the whole variety of today's proposal.

Consider the varieties of yacht varnish:

• Alkyd look is most popular among buyers. It is durable and inexpensive. However, it cannot be used for closed rooms due to toxic evaporation of components, therefore it is used only for outdoor work.
• Urethane alkyd contains toxic substances, like alkyd varnish, but in much lower concentrations. For this reason, it is allowed to use for interior decoration. The film, which he creates, is heat resistant, thanks to urethane plasticizers included in this type of varnish. Urethane-alkyd - the only varnish that can be used in combination with the "warm floor" without the fear that during operation there will be cracks.
• Alkyd urethane type resistant to sudden changes in temperature, it dries quickly enough.However, the lacquer itself is toxic, so it can only be used outdoors.
• Acrylic lacquer produce water-based, it contains a low percentage of harmful substances, is the safest during drying and operation. This type of lacquer is called yacht, but it is not recommended to be used where it can come into contact with water, which denies its name.

According to the reflectivity of light, varieties of deck varnish are divided into three types:

1. Glossy have a good degree of reflection of light, but require more care when leaving, ideally smooth surface for overlay.
2. Frosted reflect the light is not as good as glossy, but mask the pollution that fell on them, visually hide irregularities.
3. Sometimes lacquers are called semi-gloss or semi-gloss.

Any ship varnish is applied according to certain rules.

• It is necessary to thoroughly clean the surface from any irregularities, residues of glue, paint.
• It is recommended to apply a varnish at a temperature of from +150 to +35 degrees C and air humidity below 80% using a roller, brush or spray.
• The wood must be dried to a moisture content of less than 20%.
• It is desirable to prime the surface before painting using disinfectants.
• Lacquer is applied in 2-3 layers, it is possible to add color combinations.

• The degree of drying of the varnish, at which it ceases to be sticky when touched, is about four hours.
• It is imperative to check the complete drying before applying the next layer.
• The average consumption is 80-120 g / m2.
• When applying it is recommended to use protective equipment, after completion of work it is necessary to thoroughly ventilate the room.

In conclusion, I would like to list some of the most reliable manufacturers whose products are in demand among buyers. These include: Tikurilla (consumption 1 l / 11 m2), Eurotex, Marshall, NovBytChem, Rogneda, Polir, Neomid, Belinka.

The result of painting boards yacht varnish, see the following video.