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.
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This is an interactive Bulletin Board on the topics of Sign making, design, fabrication, History, old Books and of coarse Letterheads, Keepers of the craft. The Hand Lettering Forum features links to resources, sign art history, techniques, and artists profiles. Learn more about Letterheads at https://theletterheads.com. Below you'll see Mchat has been added as a live communication portal for trial, and the Main forum Links are listed below.
Epiphanes Varnish
Moderators: Ron Percell, Mike Jackson, Danny Baronian
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- Posts: 68
- Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:17 pm
- Location: Mendocino, California
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Epiphanes Varnish
Mendocino, California
"Where the redwoods meet the Sea"
"Where the redwoods meet the Sea"
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- Posts: 424
- Joined: Thu May 06, 2004 11:18 am
- Location: Milwaukee
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Re: Epiphanes Varnish
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.
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.
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.
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.
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- Location: ENGLAND
Re: Epiphanes Varnish
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
He said it's the best on the market.
Dave
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- Posts: 68
- Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:17 pm
- Location: Mendocino, California
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Re: Epiphanes Varnish
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.
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"
"Where the redwoods meet the Sea"
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- Joined: Fri Apr 09, 2004 9:29 am
- Location: Ottawa Canada
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Re: Epiphanes Varnish
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.
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- Joined: Thu May 06, 2004 11:18 am
- Location: Milwaukee
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Re: Epiphanes Varnish
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/
If you want to talk to him about it, his website is:
http://www.chicagoldsigns.com/
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- Posts: 68
- Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:17 pm
- Location: Mendocino, California
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Re: Epiphanes Varnish
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.
I am excited about trying it on glass though.
Mendocino, California
"Where the redwoods meet the Sea"
"Where the redwoods meet the Sea"
Re: Epiphanes Varnish
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.