The Marine Spar Varnish for Easy Application and Rich, Amber Color
TotalBoat Gleam Spar Varnish is a premium formula designed for marine, outdoor, and household wood protection. Perfect for boats, decks, furniture, doors, and woodworking projects, Gleam delivers a rich, transparent amber finish with excellent UV resistance and flexibility that prevents yellowing, cracking, and peeling. Apply on bare, previously varnished, or epoxy coated wood. Use Gloss for a high-build, radiant shine, or overcoat with Satin for a low-sheen finish that enhances wood grain and protects both interior and exterior surfaces. Self-leveling and fast-drying, apply up to 3 coats of Gleam per day with no sanding in between to quickly build up layers without the labor. Easy to apply by brush, roller, or spray - thin with Brush Thinner 100 or Spray Thinner 101 if needed for improved flow. Compatible with TotalBoat Wood Sealer for smooth base coats and better varnish adhesion. Provides long-lasting, waterproof protection for wood above the waterline in demanding marine environments, with only 1-2 maintenance coats needed yearly. Available in Pint, Quart, and Gallon sizes.
Brush, Roll, or Spray for a Beautiful Finish
For great results, there are a few spar varnish best practices to follow:
Proper Prep:
- Check the Weather: For best results, apply in temperatures between 60-85°F with humidity below 85%. Avoid direct sunlight, high humidity, or impending rain. Do not apply below 45°F or above 105°F.
- Prepare the Surface: Follow our technical data sheet for material-specific preparation. Sand the surface with 220-grit or 320-grit sandpaper for proper adhesion. Wipe down with a cotton rag and suitable solvent to remove contaminants before varnishing.
- Apply a Seal Coat: Thin the first coat by 25% with the appropriate TotalBoat thinner to help penetrate wood grain. A second seal coat may be applied if the first is highly absorbed. If desired, use TotalBoat Wood Sealer instead for faster sealing and better varnish adhesion. Never use Satin for seal coats.
Rolling or Brushing Application:
- If desired for improved flow, thin Gleam 5-10% with Brushing Thinner 101 (always aim for the minimum amount needed for improved gloss and faster drytimes).
- Use a high-quality natural bristle brush or solvent-safe roller covers. Apply in thin, even coats using long, smooth strokes.
Spray Application:
- Thin 10-20% with Spray Thinner 101 (always aim for the minimum amount needed for improved gloss and faster drytimes).
- Apply in thin, even coats vertically using long, smooth strokes.
Dry Time & Recoating:
- Based on the temperature, allow 1-8 hours between coats, with no sanding needed if applied within 48 hours. Apply no more than 3 coats per day.
- If sanding is needed, wait 24 hours, lightly scuff-sand with 320-grit sandpaper and remove dust with a clean rag or compressed air.
- Apply a minimum of 4-6 coats for improved gloss, depth, and UV protection. If using Satin, build up coats with Gloss first, sand lightly with 320-grit sandpaper, then apply Satin in final 1-2 coats for a low-sheen finish.