Yacht varnish indoors?

[donie]

Hi all,

If you use yacht varnish indoors (in the workshop) is it true that it will not really dry?

 

[Wilson joinery]

I’ve used it on internal doors and I can assure you it dries! Does take a while to fully cure though

 

[johnnyb]

Especially on wood with extractives like say mahogany/ teak

 

[Fonix]

2 years ago we did our kitchen and used yacht varnish. It's very hard wearing, waterproof and can choose to get it shiny or not. I'd go with that but others may have a different opinion. I'd argue the yacht varnish will only need re-doing every 10 years or so with a light sanding then add a coat.

Yacht varnish will be pretty stinky for a while; the products that won’t be will water based, so less effective at preserving the wood.

 

[Orraloon]

Like the others have said its good but takes a while to fully cure. I have used it on boat woodwork in the past but thought it would be good for a table so I gave myself extra time for the drying.

Regards
John

 

[thetyreman]

yes it will dry, usually 24-48 hours, I like le tonkinois, completely non toxic and you don't even need a mask, it smells great.

 

[ajs]

Read the tin. I recall it being used as a plotline in some TV show as a kid (Columbo or similar), didn't fully cure and slowly sent the occupier loopy.

Every tin of yacht varnish I've consulted as an adult either explicitly says for indoor and outdoor use or fails to mention any warning about indoors.

I'd assume it's one of those urban myths.

 

[niall Y]

I believe that yacht varnish is mainly comprised of Alkyd Resin, which is the same binder used in standard, oil based, house paints.

 

[Katomi woodsmith]

I have just looked at the Ronseal varnish. They say it Not suited for indoor use
The reason they give is that it’s designed to flex, therefore not as durable and would not last as long indoors
Their reply was to someone asking about using it on a bed
Hope this helps answer your question
Katomi

 

[Chubber]

yes it will dry, usually 24-48 hours, I like le tonkinois, completely non toxic and you don't even need a mask, it smells great.

+1 for the Tonk

Back in the day so called yacht varnish was applied at the beginning of the season on yacht (as opposed to workboat) brightwork after a light scrape where needed with a shave hook to take off thin top layer then a wipe down with a turpsy rag. It came off easily in thin transparent curls.