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Epiphanes Varnish

Hand Lettering topics: Sign Making, Design, Fabrication, Letterheads, Sign Books.

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Rick Sacks
Posts: 68
Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:17 pm
Location: Mendocino, California
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Epiphanes Varnish

Post by Rick Sacks »

Any of you have any long term experience with this finish?
I've been using it just the past couple months and wonder if it is as good as claimed.
Some furniture makers I know are using it as well as small boat makers.
I think it is from Holland and I know it is expensive and it doesn't smell like the stuff we grew up with.
I do miss that old spar varnish smell. Apparently it is a real varnish though.
Mendocino, California
"Where the redwoods meet the Sea"
Robare M. Novou
Posts: 424
Joined: Thu May 06, 2004 11:18 am
Location: Milwaukee
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Re: Epiphanes Varnish

Post by Robare M. Novou »

Robert Frese of Chicagold has been using Epifanes for a few years now.

Epifanes Clear High Gloss Varnish with UV-Filter.

He has used all the other brands on the market for varnishing his gold leaf work, but says Epifanes is by far the best in durability.

It comes in gallons (5 liters), quarts (1 liter), and pints (250 ml).

The Jamestown Distributors marine and builders supply catalog of 2008 lists a 500ml can (item # EPF-CV500) for $14.

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com

West Marine lists it for around $25.

Contact your local boating supplies dealer or marina in your area, as they just might have some.

Or go to Epifanes website http://www.epifanes.com/

There is also an Epifanes Thinner, to help in brushing on the varnish.
Epifanes Clear High-gloss Varnish with UV inhibitors.jpg
Epifanes Clear High-gloss Varnish with UV inhibitors.jpg (2.98 KiB) Viewed 5321 times
Mr. Frese gave me a pint to try for myself, but as of yet I have not done so.

The descriptive ad for this product states the ingredients are; Chinese tung oil, and non-yellowing alkyd and urethane resins with UV inhibitors.

Kent Smith may be able to give us some more insight into the ingredients of this product.
What's On Your Book Shelf ?

http://www.milwaukeesignworks.com
DAVE SMITH
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:12 am
Location: ENGLAND

Re: Epiphanes Varnish

Post by DAVE SMITH »

I bought a tin of this only 1 week ago to varnish the ash frames on my Morris Traveller. I was reommended by a boat builder who swears by the stuff.
He said it's the best on the market.
Dave
Rick Sacks
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Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:17 pm
Location: Mendocino, California
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Re: Epiphanes Varnish

Post by Rick Sacks »

I learned about it from a friend that visited the place where they build Chris Craft boats and found they use it and he was rather impressed.

Robare, did Robert Frese use that varnish on window gold?
On glass that gets sun and cold?
I'd love to find something that works.
Mendocino, California
"Where the redwoods meet the Sea"
Doug Bernhardt
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Re: Epiphanes Varnish

Post by Doug Bernhardt »

Rixaxx, What are you going to/intend to use it for? I am just finishing off a semi-complicated carved mahogany piece and am working my way through some automotive/aircraft 2 parts. Not sure which exactly to choose but will know better(with advice) tomorrow. Have given up on the overcoat from Sikkens that they recommend for outdoor furniture. Just ain't holding up.
Robare M. Novou
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Joined: Thu May 06, 2004 11:18 am
Location: Milwaukee
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Re: Epiphanes Varnish

Post by Robare M. Novou »

Mr. Frese uses it on Window Gilding as a final coat.

If you want to talk to him about it, his website is:

http://www.chicagoldsigns.com/
What's On Your Book Shelf ?

http://www.milwaukeesignworks.com
Rick Sacks
Posts: 68
Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:17 pm
Location: Mendocino, California
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Re: Epiphanes Varnish

Post by Rick Sacks »

Doug, on that carved abalone shell I wanted a clear finish and had intended to just oil it. I decided that I didn't want the wood to darken so I gave it a couple coats of Smith & Co. penetrating epoxy and then used the Epiphanes over that . It has a very high gloss and looks real good. Much better than any urethane. All I know of longevity is what I've heard and read.

I am excited about trying it on glass though.
Mendocino, California
"Where the redwoods meet the Sea"
cam bortz
Posts: 68
Joined: Tue May 04, 2004 8:54 am

Re: Epiphanes Varnish

Post by cam bortz »

I've used Epiphanes since 1990, on varnished mahogany. Like any varnish, it's longevity depends on how much direct sun it gets, but it does last a lot longer than polyurethanes. It's not a "water clear" coating (it has a rich golden varnish color) and as for thinner, a good grade of real gum turpentine works fine, and is a lot cheaper than the proprietary thinner.
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