Total Boat Lust Varnish

[Dave Osborn]

I usually use Epifanes Woodfinish Gloss for build up coats. I like it because no sanding is required between coats. After build up, I sand it out and apply either Epifanes Clear Gloss or Matte.
I’m now working on a 34’ War Canoe and would rather not mess around with 1000ml or quart cans. I’m hoping for gallon cans.
I’ve found out that Jamestown/ Total Boat sells gallons of their Lust Varnish. It is “no sand” as is the Epifanes.
Just wondering if anyone out there has used and has an opinion on the Total Boat Lust varnish?
Cheers to all!
Dave

 

[Rob Stevens]

I found a 4 part customer review of Epifanes vs Total Boat Lust.
It's a bit long an slow. Suggest skip to part 4.
Main points, Total Boat is cheaper, and dries faster so not as much working time/wet edge. But that can be better with respect to shorter time for dust and bugs to get stuck in the finish.
The huge time saver for both is that you can recoat much faster, without sanding between coats.

 

[Dave Osborn]

Thank you Rob!

 

[MGC]

If I am not mistaken, Howie may have used and also commented about the Total Boat product. You might try searching Total Boat postings with his name. If my memory serves, he was satisfied with the results.

 

[Michael Grace]

I've used TotalBoat Gleam vanish and really like it. I've also used TotalBoat topside paints and really like them too. Don't think I've used Lust yet, but I'd sure give it a try given my results with their other products. The varnish and paint flows well and has a fine working time under my conditions. For many years my go-to varnish has been Epifanes Clear Gloss (and I've enjoyed Captains and Schooner) but I have used and still use TotalBoat products without hesitation.

I've never been a fan of the no-sand products because it's difficult for me to tell where I've been vs. where I still need to go, plus they seem to build up more unevenly (maybe because it's hard to see where you've been) so they have to be sanded down aggressively. Altogether this means that I'm not sure I save any money or time if applying the varnish per the maker's recommendations. I don't like sanding but I do it because I end up with a better finish in the end. But all this is beside the point here. If I wanted a no-sand varnish, I wouldn't hesitate to TotalBoat Lust.