[TrueBlue]

Surf,

I truely am envious of the effects your Epiphane varnish will produce on all that exterior teak. I am also one of the first to admit that Cetol really cannot compare to the beauty of a high quality varnish - IF properly applied.

Therein lies the problem with so many varnish jobs gone bad (including Cetol for that matter). The endurance of varnish relies strongly on proper surface prep, thinning initial coats as you mentioned, adequate sanding/dust removal between coats and the application of at least 12 coats initially within a short time frame.

If the wood is allowed to weather for a duration before 12 coats are applied, the previous varnish coats will delaminate & blister, or allow water to enter beneath the varnish. Weather also plays a role in the success of a varnish job-sometimes delaying a proper completion.

Additionally, in warmer climates, expect to apply at least two coats each season. After just 5 years - at least 22 coats are required - certainly a lot of work and many quarts of varnish at $35.00/qt.

With boats that have a ton of exterior teak, like mine, the choice was made to use a finish which requires less coats. There are negatives to Cetol, but with only 4 initial coats needed and 1 annual maintenence coat + touch-up, after 5 years I will only have applied 9-10 coats total. With me the decision was simple - use Cetol or go grey.