Compass varnish

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APB
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Compass varnish

Post by APB »

Can anyone tell me the difference between International Goldspar and Compass Varnishes? My local boat shop told me they were the same and International were stopping making Goldspar. However they both appear to be on their website where the Compass varnish appears to be desribed as more superior. It is about £3 a tin more expensive!

Thanks

Peter
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Re: Compass varnish

Post by Ancient Geek »

Gold Spar is a "Traditional Varnish" that is to say with a natural base copal/linseedy stuff.
Compass is a one pack "Polyurethane Varnish" that is to say synthetic though it is so universally used and has been for 50 years it could almost be considered "traditional".
Both are by "International" one of the leading specialist coating manufacturers in the world.
Neither are the cheapest but the best seldom is. Either will perform very well if applied properly. £3.00 GBP does not seem a great deal in the context of the total cost, longevity of finish etc.
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APB
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Re: Compass varnish

Post by APB »

Goldspar is a polyurethane varnish as well, it is Schooner that is the traditional varnish. That is my point, both Goldspar and Compass are the same type of polyurethane vanish and are quick drying. So I can't really see any difference.

Regards

Peter
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Re: Compass varnish

Post by Ancient Geek »

My mistake you could try e-mailing International they used to run a very efficient technical service and probably still do.
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Re: Compass varnish

Post by Graham T »

According to my local chandler Goldspar is being discontinued due to it containing an ingredient that is going to be banned - Compass is the new formulation intended to replace it. Goldspar was my favourite poly single pack so I hope Compass is as good.
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Re: Compass varnish

Post by APB »

I am renovating a Firefly and really struggling to get a decent finish with this Compass finish. I used two tins of Goldspar on the hull, applied with a roller and foam brush. The finish looks great. I have used two tins of Compass on the inside after stripping the decks back to bare wood and applying two coats of UCP. Tried applying with a roller and pad but it just does not seem to 'flow' like the Goldspar, even after thinning. Reverted to a brush and had to put it on thick, then it ran! Have flatted back and applied several coats with a roller but it is a very pitted finish which the foam pad will not smooth over. Am going to leave now for some days and hopefully cut back with 1000 grade wet and dry, then using rubbing compound and polish.

Has any one else had problems with this varnish? Think I will stick to Blakes in future!
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Re: Compass varnish

Post by Graham T »

Oh dear - I bought some Compass today hoping it would be as good as Goldspar was..... Now I don't know if I should use it or take it back...... My local chandlers has stopped stocking Blakes so I have to trek across town and don't get as good a discount as I do on International if I decide to swap. Hmmmmm.......
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Re: Compass varnish

Post by Ancient Geek »

Has anyone asked International they used to be super reactive to queries even evening visits from their technicals, I doubt they'd do that anymore, but a chat on the phone first, they are a company with a reputation they'd not want to lose over a tin of varnish.
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Re: Compass varnish

Post by APB »

No I haven't contacted International yet. I have in the past for advice and, as you say, they were very helpful so will give it a go.

I did rub down a small section of deck tonight with 1500 grade wet and dry and it has polished up really well. However I want to leave it to harden off a bit further first before going to mad, and I also need to get some rubbing compound. I think it could be a good varnish but may need a slightly different application technique from Goldspar to get the best from it. I am also applying it in fairly cold conditions which doesn't help!
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Re: Compass varnish

Post by Rupert »

I've been using Blackfriars varnish recently, and Joton paint, and I've found warming both in a bowl of very hot water before using has helped enormously with the finish. Not that I've been aiming for glass like finishes - I'd not want to be jumping up and down telling the kids not to scratch her all the time - I'm enough of a mother hen about their boats as it is...
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Re: Compass varnish

Post by Garry R »

Who do you get your Jotun paint from? Which primer do you use?
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Re: Compass varnish

Post by Rupert »

I used primer from B&Q, I'm afraid. Seems to have gone on ok. Time will tell if it stays. I got it from a place which turned out to be a mile from Whitefriars, but he normally does mail order. At work currently - will look it up at home.
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Ed
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Re: Compass varnish

Post by Ed »

Yotun is Brill

I buy from http://www.shepherdmarine.com/ or on ebay

They will deliver, or you can pick up from Clapham or Cirencester.

Total fan of Ravilak.

Quite like Spontan.....although not quite sure....mind you cheap...

will try some of the other varnishes.

Used lots of their 2-pack epoxy primer - again brill.....although wished I used a proper undercoat under the topcoat last time as the adhesion was not quite as good as I had hoped.

But go for it

eib
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Re: Compass varnish

Post by Rupert »

Sheppard Marine, thats the one!
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