How to Finish Wood With Spars

Spars varnish makes a deck shiny, but it may need to be reapplied annually.

Spar varnish, also known as marine varnish, was concocted as a heavy duty varnish for ships and boats. Spars are another name for a boat's mast, which is the pole that keeps the sail in the air. Spars have a tendency to move when weather is windy; spars varnish was made to be strong enough to withstand water and bad weather, but elastic enough to move with the wind. In the present day spars varnish is more typically named as such due to being good at resisting bad weather rather than having a lot of elasticity.

Things You'll Need

• Power washer (optional)
• Rags, cleanser and water for cleaning surface
• Spars varnish
• Disposable foam brushes (multiple)
• Paint sprayer (optional)

Instructions

1. Purchase spars varnish for your job. There are different types of spars varnish available. Some contain tung oil while others contain linseed oil. Linseed oil may darken a surface over time. Make sure to read the directions and ingredients before purchasing the spars varnish.

2. Clean the surface that you are planning to varnish. If varnishing a deck, scrub or power wash the deck before applying anything. Make sure surface is completely dry before applying varnish.

3. Paint the varnish on smaller surfaces, such as furniture, using disposable foam brushes. Use one foam brush per coat and then toss it in the trash. If using spars varnish on a larger surface, use a paint sprayer to apply the spars varnish.

4. Allow the varnish time to dry. Spars varnish, and varnish in general, takes longer to dry than other types of finishes such as stains and most paints. Allow to dry for at least 24 hours before checking the surface to see if it is dry. If not, give it another 12 to 24 hours before checking again. If it is dry, apply another layer of varnish, if necessary. This depends on the look desired and wear and tear expected.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful using a paint sprayer to apply spars varnish to furniture as it may drip. A brush gives a more even look to the varnish.

References

• Craftsman Style: Varnishing Wood, How to Varnish Wood
• Backyard Agora: Protecting Wood Outdoor Furniture From the Weather