Jerry_in_SD Posted October 26, 2015 Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 I am building a new entry door (slab) out of African Mahogany. Typically entry doors have a exterior grade SPAR varnish for the exterior to deal with the elements. I live in Southern California and my entry way is recessed in such a way that neither sun nor rain hits my door. I did a sample with EnduroVAR and like the look. Has almost a oil like look given the amber tone they give EnduroVAR. Can anyone suggest why using EnduroVAR for my Entry door is a bad idea? If this door had to deal with the re is no question I would go with spar varnish. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobInAustin Posted October 26, 2015 Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 I just read about some water tests a person did on the Enduro and it didn't do too well. I'm sure you could find people saying it works great, too. Why would you not want to use a spar varnish though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 26, 2015 Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 Humidity swings. Even if you get no direct rain or sun, you still get humidity swings. Spar varnishes are specifically formulated to be flexible. They can move with the wood. Believe it or not, standard interior oil-based poly is more water resistant than oil-based spar varnish. Standard poly has a higher solids (resins) content than spar varnish. The solids protect it again moisture. Spar varnish has more oil in the formulation, so the solids don't cure as hard and remain flexible.I have no idea what the relative humidity swing is in San Diego. Here is chicago it is huge (wet summers, dry winters) so you need the flexibility of a spar varnish.I would call or email General Finishes and see what they say. They will undoubtedly tell you to use exterior 450, which is their exterior waterbased product. I really don't know how flexible Endurvar is. It might be flexible enough to deal with San Diego's humidity changes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted October 26, 2015 Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 Yes they will say use Exterior 450. I've used it outside and it performs well. Enduro Var isn't designed for outside use as it doesn't have UV inhibiters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry_in_SD Posted October 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2015 Thanks all for your response. I will take your advice and use spar varnish on the exterior. I will use EV for the interior.i was favoring the EV as I can spray it and complete 3 coats in one day. Very user friendly finish. I've used EV on our kitchen table top and holds up against water and heavy use quite well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 27, 2015 Report Share Posted October 27, 2015 Thanks all for your response. I will take your advice and use spar varnish on the exterior. I will use EV for the interior.i was favoring the EV as I can spray it and complete 3 coats in one day. Very user friendly finish. I've used EV on our kitchen table top and holds up against water and heavy use quite well. You can spray Exterior 450 and complete in a day. For your application, a covered door in an area with relatively stable humidity, It should be a good finish, probably better than box store spar varnishes. Epifanes would be better than exterior 450 but will get real expensive on a door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobInAustin Posted October 27, 2015 Report Share Posted October 27, 2015 You can spray Exterior 450 and complete in a day. For your application, a covered door in an area with relatively stable humidity, It should be a good finish, probably better than box store spar varnishes. Epifanes would be better than exterior 450 but will get real expensive on a door. Has anyone here sprayed Epifanes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 27, 2015 Report Share Posted October 27, 2015 Has anyone here sprayed Epifanes?Yes. no advantage to spraying. Still takes forever to dry. Even with a powerful gun it needs to be thinned, requiring even more build coats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobInAustin Posted October 27, 2015 Report Share Posted October 27, 2015 Yes. no advantage to spraying. Still takes forever to dry. Even with a powerful gun it needs to be thinned, requiring even more build coats. Thanks. My front door and Epifanes are soon to meet now that it has cooled off some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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