The 5 best yacht varnishes for long-lasting protection

Owning a yacht is more than setting sail on thrilling adventures—it’s about showcasing your pride in a beautiful, well-maintained vessel.

As your yacht is a significant investment, taking care of its appearance is essential. Proper varnishing is one simple yet crucial step in preserving its elegance and durability.

Here’s our guide to the best yacht varnish products and how to apply them to help you keep your yacht spotless and well-protected from the elements.

Why should you use yacht varnish?

Yacht varnish plays a huge role in maintaining your vessel as it provides crucial protection against the effects of sailing it in a harsh marine environment, such as:

•    saltwater
•    UV rays
•    temperature fluctuations
•    extreme weather conditions

It seals and preserves your yacht’s wood, preventing rot, warping, and sun damage. Additionally, yacht varnish enhances the vessel’s aesthetic appeal by giving the wood a glossy, polished finish.
By protecting the yacht’s materials, varnish helps maintain structural integrity, ensuring longevity and performance. 

Different types of yacht varnish

 
Here’s a quick overview of the most commonly used types of yacht varnish so you can get an idea of which may be best for you and your vessel:

• Traditional oil-based varnish—offers a rich, warm finish with good UV protection. It’s durable but requires multiple coats and longer drying times.
• One-part polyurethane varnish—durable and easy to apply, offering a tough, glossy finish with excellent UV, water, and abrasion resistance. Dries faster and requires fewer coats than traditional varnishes.
• Two-part polyurethane varnish—all the benefits of one-part polyurethane varnish, plus a tougher and more resistant finish. However, they are usually more expensive and more difficult to apply.
• Water-based varnish—eco-friendly and dries quickly, with less odour. It’s easier to clean up but may not be as durable as oil-based options.

The 5 best yacht varnishes on the market

Here are our top picks for the best yacht varnishes on the market, including at least one from each type listed above.

1. Schooner Varnish by International

This product is a traditional oil-based and high gloss varnish ideal for interior and exterior woodwork on yachts.

Known for its rich, warm finish, Schooner yacht varnish enhances the natural beauty of the wood while providing strong UV protection. It’s also designed to withstand harsh marine environments, making it exceptionally durable and capable of offering long-lasting protection.

Its easy application and self-levelling properties make it suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professionals. It ensures a smooth finish on all types of wood.

Key features:

•    Traditional yacht varnish with a deep, rich colour 
•    Excellent water resistance and UV protection
•    Can be used on interior and exterior

2. Lina Mae Yacht Varnish

This water-based yacht varnish provides a clear, high-gloss finish ideal for interior and exterior wood surfaces.

It is known for its quick-drying properties, excellent UV resistance, and protection against the elements. Its water-based formula makes it easy to clean up and apply, so it’s suitable for DIY enthusiasts.

Despite being water-based, it delivers a durable finish that can withstand marine conditions. Yet, it may not be as long-lasting as some more traditional products, so you may want to progress to one of these once you’re more comfortable varnishing your yacht.

Key features:

•    Easy to clean up and apply 
•    More eco-friendly compared to traditional products 
•    Can be used on interior and exterior

3. Epifanes Clear Gloss Varnish

Despite its competitive price, this traditional, oil-based varnish is highly regarded for its rich gloss and exceptional protection against the elements.

With an extra UV filter, it offers superior protection against sun damage, making it ideal for exterior woodwork on yachts.

Easy to apply and self-levelling, this yacht varnish is perfect for professionals and DIY enthusiasts seeking a premium finish that enhances the natural beauty of the vessel’s woodwork.

Key features:

•    Traditional oil-based varnish with a rich gloss
•    Extra UV filter for added woodwork protection 
•    Easy to apply

4. Goldspar Original Yacht Varnish by International

Goldspar Original is a quick-drying, one-component varnish that provides a tough, clear gloss finish. 
It is designed for interior and exterior use and offers strong UV protection and excellent durability, making it ideal for areas exposed to sunlight.

Its fast-drying formula allows multiple coats to be applied in a day, speeding up the varnishing process. With ease of application and a durable finish, it’s one of the best yacht varnish products for those looking to protect their woodwork efficiently.

Key features:

•    One-part alkyd marine varnish with a clear finish  
•    Can be used on interiors, exteriors, and over existing coats 
•    Fast-drying formula 

5. Epifanes Polyurethane Yacht Coating

This two-part polyurethane varnish from Epifanes is known for its ultimate durability and high gloss finish.
It offers superior UV and chemical resistance and is ideal for exterior woodwork exposed to harsh marine conditions.

Its surprisingly easy to apply for a two-part product and provides an exceptional and long-lasting finish. This makes it the best yacht varnish for those who enjoy putting their yacht through the paces.

Key features:

•    Two-part polyurethane varnish with a high gloss finish
•    Excellent UV protection 
•    Can be applied by brush, roller, or spray 

Guide to varnishing your yacht (step-by-step)

• Prep the surface—clean the surface you’re varnishing thoroughly and smooth it using fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-320 grit). Remove any dust or debris.
• Apply the varnish—using a brush or roller, apply the varnish following the manufacturer’s instructions. For best results, apply thin, even coats, holding your tool like a pen and using a slow, careful stroke.
• Allow it to dry—applying varnish to a wet coat could cause an uneven gloss and compromise its effectiveness in protecting your yacht.
• Sand between coats—this improves adhesion and the overall finish.
• Apply multiple coats—apply 6-8 coats for a durable, glossy finish to maximise protection. 
• Check the surface regularly—inspect and reapply varnish as needed to maintain protection and appearance.

Yacht varnish FAQs

What is the difference between yacht varnish and normal varnish?

Yacht varnish is designed to protect your boat against harsh conditions out at sea. It offers superior protection against saltwater, UV rays, and extreme weather.

It’s more durable and flexible than normal varnish, intended for indoor use and provides basic protection without the same level of resistance to moisture or sunlight.

Do you sand between coats of yacht varnish?

Yes, light sanding between coats of yacht varnish helps create a smooth surface, removes imperfections, and ensures better adhesion of subsequent coats.

Use fine-grit sandpaper (around 320-400 grit) for the best results, and clean the surface before applying the next coat. 

How do you get a good finish with yacht varnish?

Start by preparing the surface—clean, dry, and sand it smooth. Apply thin, even coats using a high-quality brush, allowing each coat to dry fully.

Sand lightly between coats with fine-grit sandpaper to remove imperfections. Apply multiple coats, usually 6 to 8, for a deep, glossy finish.

Ensure you work in a dust-free environment to avoid dust settling on the varnish.

How long does it take for yacht varnish to dry?

Yacht varnish usually takes 4-6 hours to dry fully before you can sand it down and apply the next coat. For the best results, you should apply 6-8 coats.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the yacht varnish you use for a more accurate drying time.

How long will yacht varnish last?

Yacht varnish typically lasts 1 to 3 years, depending on factors such as exposure to the elements, the number of coats applied, and the quality of maintenance.

Regular upkeep and reapplication can extend your yacht’s lifespan and keep its finish looking fresh.

Specialist yacht insurance through Craftinsure

Varnishing your yacht will protect it from the elements, but you may want to consider specialist insurance to protect it against the risks associated with sailing.

Through Craftinsure, your yacht is covered for accidental and malicious damage, and you also get £5m third-party cover for peace of mind if you accidentally injure another person or damage third-party property.

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