Epifanes Clear High Gloss Varnish, 500ml, CV.500

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Product Description

Epifanes Clear Varnish 500ml (CV.500) delivers the ultimate deep, mirror‑like high gloss finish. This traditional one‑component marine varnish is formulated with tung oil, phenolic and alkyd resins, and enhanced UV filters for maximum protection and longevity.

Designed for both interior and exterior wood above the waterline, Epifanes Clear Varnish provides exceptional flow, flexibility, water resistance, and long‑term durability — even in tropical climates. It is widely regarded as the world’s finest spar varnish.

This size container is 500ml.

Features & Benefits

• Ultra-high gloss finish
• Longest lasting protection and gloss retention for all marine woods
• Superior flow for easy application
• Excellent flexibility, water resistance, and weather durability
• High build capacity
• Compatible over most existing varnishes

Technical Information

Download Technical Data Sheet here.

Recommended Epifanes Thinners & Additives

• Epifanes Brush Thinner for Paint & Varnish (TPVB.500 / TPVB.1000) — The preferred thinner for all brushing applications. Ensures proper flow, leveling, and penetration during the first three thinned coats of Clear Varnish.
• Epifanes Spray Thinner for Paint & Varnish (TPVS.1000) — Formulated specifically for spray application. Provides correct atomization, smooth flow-out, and ideal spray viscosity for Clear Varnish.
• Epifanes Accelerator (APV.500) — Speeds up curing and increases hardness. Useful in cooler temperatures or when shorter recoat windows are desired.
• Epifanes Mahogany Stain (MHS.500) & Epifanes Teak Stain (CTS.500) — May be added up to 10% to impart a warm wood tone or restore natural color. Ideal for enhancing grain depth without muddying the varnish.
• Epifanes Easy-Flow (EF.500 / EF.1000) — Flow enhancer that improves leveling and reduces brush marks. Particularly helpful in warm, windy, or fast‑drying conditions where solvent loss is accelerated.

Surface Prep & Application

Bare wood must be clean, dry, and free of grease. Degrease with Epifanes Spray Thinner or denatured alcohol. Do not use mineral spirits or water. Sand bare wood to a fresh surface with 60–80 grit, then finish with 100–120 grit. Stain if desired before varnishing.

Brush application with a high‑quality natural bristle brush provides the best results. Foam brushes are suitable for small projects only. “Roll and tip” is ideal for large flat areas.

Videos

Watch: How To Apply Epifanes Clear Varnish | A Beginners Varnishing Quick Guide, by Dan Lee Boatbuilding

Watch: How To Tip Varnish, by Dan Lee Boatbuilding

Watch: How to apply Epifanes Clear Varnish

Watch: Varnishing a front door with Epifanes Clear Gloss and Woodfinish Matte

Maintenance

For intact varnish systems, apply one or more coats on a well‑cleaned, degreased, lightly sanded surface. Suitable over most one‑component alkyd/urethane varnishes and over two‑component varnishes when properly prepared.

BuyEpifanes Expert Notes

• Follow the correct build schedule. Epifanes Clear Varnish performs best when the first three coats are thinned (50% → 25% → 15%) to ensure deep penetration and proper foundation into wood before applying full‑bodied coats.
• Allow full drying between coats. Even if the surface feels dry, internal solvent release continues for many hours. Recoating too early can trap solvents and reduce long‑term gloss and durability.
• Sand only when fully cured. At 65°F, allow a full 24 hours before sanding. Premature sanding can cause clogging, dull patches, or surface tearing.
• Hand‑sand for best results. Power sanders can be too aggressive and may cut through stain or previous varnish layers. Use 220–320 grit by hand between coats for controlled leveling.
• Avoid direct sun and wind during application. Rapid solvent loss reduces flow and can create brush marks, orange peel, or poor leveling. Work in shaded, stable conditions whenever possible.
• Use a high‑quality natural bristle brush. Epifanes Clear Varnish flows exceptionally well with long‑haired, soft bristle brushes. Foam brushes are fine for small areas but not recommended for larger surfaces.
• Roll‑and‑tip for large panels. Apply varnish with a foam roller, then immediately “tip off” with a bristle brush along the grain. This method produces a smooth, even finish on wide surfaces.
• Never apply wet‑on‑wet. Each coat must dry completely before sanding and recoating. Wet‑on‑wet application traps solvents and leads to long‑term adhesion issues.
• Expect 7–10 coats for a true mirror finish. Three thinned penetrating coats followed by 4–7 full‑bodied coats deliver the deep, classic Epifanes high‑gloss appearance.
• Increase finishing coats in high‑UV climates. In tropical or high‑sun environments, apply at least 6 full‑bodied finishing coats for maximum UV protection and gloss retention.
• Remove amine blush before varnishing over epoxy. Epifanes Clear Varnish is compatible over epoxy only when the surface is fully cured, washed, and sanded to remove blush.
• Maintain annually for best longevity. One or two maintenance coats each year will preserve the finish and prevent the need for full refinishing.

About BuyEpifanes.com

BuyEpifanes.com is operated by Specialty Marine Solutions, Inc., an authorized dealer for Epifanes marine coatings. We supply the complete line of Epifanes varnishes, enamels, primers, additives, and specialty finishes, backed by deep inventory for fast, reliable shipping.

We also offer custom tinting in-house for Polyurethane, Mono‑urethane, and Yacht Enamel paint systems.

Our focus is on providing accurate technical data, manufacturer‑verified product information, and easy access to the full Epifanes catalog. Customers can reference detailed technical sheets, videos, and how‑to resources to select the right products for their project.

We are committed to delivering genuine Epifanes products, efficient order fulfillment, and a streamlined buying experience.

Category

Epifanes > Varnish