Varnishing over paint

**TK1** · 22nd April 2008, 09:14 AM

Hi,

I am painting my kayak with Norglass Weatherfast marine enamel in part, and clear finishing other parts with clear varnish (Norglass again).

I know I don't need to varnsh over the paint, but for extra protection can I varnish over the paint? Will this have any negative/positive effects on the paint finish?

Just interested if it's worthwhile or harmful so I can decide when I get to varnishing whether I do the whole boat.

Thanks,
Darren

**Boatmik** · 22nd April 2008, 09:46 AM

Howdy Darren,

Because a varnish has a slight colour it will change the appearance of the paint.

If the boat is painted either over bare wood using the paint company's schedule or over epoxy undercoating (or high build priming) then the gloss, that will be more than adequate.

Best wishes
Michael.

**TK1** · 22nd April 2008, 10:29 AM

Hi Mik,

I hadn't thought of the varnish tint. Seems like a good reason not to paint over the paint.

Regards,
Darren

**Boatmik** · 22nd April 2008, 02:16 PM

Another reason is that varnish is a little bit softer.
MIK

**durwood** · 22nd April 2008, 05:06 PM

varnishing will not improve the finish probably shorten it considerably.

Clear finishes are not as stable as ones with pigment in them.

Any finish without pigment (clear) will not add to the life of the finish. So much so the end result will be a poorer finish.

People think by adding clear over a colour the result will be a much deeper glossy finish not so it comes out worse. I've had several students who wanted to do this on black cars they were painting. I always asked them to do a test just colour on one sample and another with clear over the top. End of story it is so obviously better without its not funny.

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