Pettit Z-Spar
Pettit Z Spar Captain's Varnish
Pettit Z Spar Captain's Varnish
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Product Details
SPRING MAIL-IN REBATE: Save $5 per aerosol on Captain's Varnish!
Pettit's Z Spar Captain's Varnish is a high-solids marine varnish that is a copolymerization of several different resins and drying oils - it is a very popular choice for DIY boat owners and professional marinas all over the world.
Ideal for interior or exterior wood above the waterline, this formula has outstanding gloss retention and all-around durability. It is considered by its many users to be the most durable spar varnish ever offered to the boating trade with excellent UV protection. Apply using brush or spray, with 2 coats minimum over existing varnish and 4 coats minimum on bare wood.
Available in pints, quarts, gallons, and now in a 20 oz aerosol spray.
REBATE: 2025 Pettit Spring Mail-In Rebate Program - see the INFO & GUIDES tab for details!
Tech Specs
| Dry Time Hours | Set-to-touch | Tack Free | Dry Hard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90°F. | 1-3 hrs | 3-5 hrs | 8-12 hrs |
| 70°F. | 2-4 hrs | 5-7 hrs | 12-20 hrs |
| 50°F | 4-8 hrs | 12-16 hrs | 24-48 hrs |
Info & Guides
- Resin: Alkyd/ Phenolic
- Oil: Linseed/Tung
- Oil Length: 20 gals.
- UV Absorbers: Present
- Solids (theoretical): Weight- 55 +- 1%, Volume- 48 +- 1%
- Coverage: 585 sq. ft/gal.
- VOC: 410 g/l (3.4 lbs/gal) as supplied
- Flash Point:105Deg F
- Application Method: Brush or Spray
- Number of Coats: Bare Wood- 4 minimum, Existing Varnish- 2 minimum
- Dry Film Thickness per coat: 1.5 mils (3.1 wet mils)
- Application Temp: 40Deg F. Min., 90Deg F. Max.
-
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Do not shake varnish. Stir gently before application, being careful not to introduce air bubbles into the varnish. Z*Spar 1015 Captain's Varnish may be applied by brush, conventional or airless spray. Thinning is not normally required although on warm days use Pettit 120/T10 Brushing Thinner at 5- 10% by volume to ease brushing and maintain good flow and levelling. When spraying, use Pettit 121/T8 Spraying Thinner up to 20% by volume. Spray one even, wet coat to minimize orange peel. Do not apply in heavy films or build coats too quickly as solvent entrapment, blistering or wrinkling may occur. Do not apply Captain's Varnish on extremely humid days or when rain is threatening. Do not apply in the late afternoon when working outdoors as the wet film may be adversely affected by dew. DO NOT apply this varnish to a wood hull which has been dried more than one week under conditions such as artificial heat. Do not use Captain's Varnish below the waterline on boats that remain in the water. The moisture content of the wood should be a minimum of 15% when varnished. This will eliminate expansion cracking, micro-checking and gloss loss when the varnish is in service. -
SURFACE PREPARATION
Wood must be clean, dry and properly prepared prior to varnishing. When sanding wood, always sand with the grain. Use a vacuum, air hose, or tack rag to remove all traces of sanding residue. Follow all surface preparation steps carefully, avoiding shortcuts. Inadequate surface preparation will virtually assure inadequate varnish performance.
Technical Specifications
Technical Information
- Ultra Violet absorbers and filters for long-term gloss retention.
- Recommended for the highest quality work
- Outstanding gloss retention and all around durability.
- This is the prefered varnish when painting in a variable environment.
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
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Reviews
Average Customer Ratings
Quality of Product, 5.0 out of 5
Value of Product, 5.0 out of 5
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11 to 40 of 61 Reviews
11 – 40 of 61 Reviews
Most Recent
Anonymous
Lake Norman, NC
5 out of 5 stars.
AEROSOL BREAKTHROUGH!
2 years ago
When you take a traditional spar varnish and put it in an aerosol can the result can only be described as ""revolutionary."" Yes, this is the same Captain's that we all know and love but in a spray bomb that let's you forget about the thinning and brushing and cleaning up and all of that: you just spray and that's it. You can build coats the same way that you would with conventional Captain's and the results are just as beautiful. It's perfect for small jobs like this flag staff.
Helpful?
Mooresville, NC
5 out of 5 stars.
Keep it Classic
2 years ago
I use this stuff on everything. The results speak for themselves. I just refinished all of the wood on a Boston Whaler Montauk and the results are stunning.
Helpful?
Sacramento
5 out of 5 stars.
Excellent, easy to use
2 years ago
Super easy to use but wear, mask glove and tyvek to protect clothes. Fabulous shiny durable finish much better than other similar polyurethane varnishes.
Helpful?
Vermont
5 out of 5 stars.
Awesome product
3 years ago
As a high end custom furniture maker for 35 years I have tried EVERY possible wood finish on the market, I have used Captains 1015 exclusivly for the past 10-11 years with ZERO problems. I have used it as a 'film' finish but mostly as an 'oil finish' here's how; 4 parts Captains, to 1 part xylene. Flood the surface, wipe off excess, let dry 24-48 hours. Scuff off the whiskers and mix the remaining thinned Captains; 2 parts thinned Caps, to 1 part boiled linseed oil , then this mixture used as an 'oil finish' in the usual way. Shhhh, now you know my best kept secret! ;) Give it a try, use with confidence!
Helpful?
Athens, Alabama
5 out of 5 stars.
Looks Great!
3 years ago
I used this on a canoe I just finished building. The gloss is great and it flows really well. You have to be careful to brush or roll it out as it seems to be self leveling. If you put it on too heavy it will run. I was a commercial painting contractor for about 50 years and I haven't never used a varnish that looks this good.
Helpful?
Cohocton, NY
5 out of 5 stars.
This is the best varnish.
3 years ago
It is the only varnish I use. It goes on smoothly, and dries to a beautiful finish.
Helpful?
Athens, Ga
5 out of 5 stars.
Good results, even for a rank amateur!
3 years ago
After numerous YouTubes and reading instructions on everything from brushes, dust abatement and ""tipping off"", I took the plunge with the Captain's varnish. After spending hours building a specialty Yacht step box, I didn't want to ruin the end result with a finish that was something less than fantastic. The varnish was great, my skills improved and the result is something I can be proud of. The next time will be even better now that I've learned lessons that only experience can teach. One of those lessons is to keep using Captain's Varnish!
Helpful?
Iowa
5 out of 5 stars.
Like working with a friend
4 years ago
I'm not certain Captain's Varnish is the best on the market, but I know how it behaves and I'm very comfortable using it. I've been using it exclusively for more than 25 years. It's very predictable if I stick to my routines.
Helpful?
Anonymous
Spring Hill, Tn
4 out of 5 stars.
Z Spar has been a good product.
4 years ago
Z spar has been a good choice for my needs. I am using it for my front door where the door gets a lot of sun and rain in Spring Hill Tn. I have to repaint the door every 2 or 3 years after applying 3 coats. It would be nice if there was a product that last longer.
Helpful?
Kennebunkport, ME
5 out of 5 stars.
Arrived on time but can had a dent in it.
4 years ago
1015 Captains varnish is used on all my brightwork on boats and on furniture as well.
Helpful?
Clifton springs, NY
5 out of 5 stars.
I would buy product again
4 years ago
Happy with the look of product. See how it weather which I'm sure it will be good
Helpful?
Davis, CA
5 out of 5 stars.
The best varnish
4 years ago
I use this varnish on the brightwork on my 1985 Grand Banks Classic. It's easy to use and wears very well. Our boat always gets rave reviews!
Helpful?
Kennebunkport, ME
5 out of 5 stars.
The perfect spar varnish
5 years ago
I use this product on brightwork and spars. Also on stained, pine Adirondack chairs with 5-6 coats. Absolutely gorgeous deepening the color of the stain with an amber glow.
Helpful?
Canada
5 out of 5 stars.
yes
6 years ago
Have always used Captains Varnish never been let down.
Helpful?
Wisconsin
5 out of 5 stars.
Tried and True
6 years ago
I use this for the mahogany decking in my sailing dinghy, which takes a lot of abuse. Excellent UV protection and durability and it is easy to apply. A local boatbuilder recommended the product and also recommended significantly thinning for an initial sealcoat followed almost immediately with a less-thinned coat. Dry overnight between coats. Minimum 4 coats. Again, awesome stuff but put the time into application to get your money's worth. Check out Louis Sauzedde's Tips from a Shipwright episode on varnishing for rolling and tipping technique.
Helpful?
Franklin , nj
1 out of 5 stars.
You have a inflexable order system
7 years ago
Delivery city is different than credit card city and that voided order- your problem
Helpful?
Anonymous
Branchville NJ
5 out of 5 stars.
Perfect every time
7 years ago
What can I say, in 20+ years I've never had a problem with this varnish. Old reliable. As long as you do the correct prep work , this comes out nice every time.
Helpful?
East Hampton, NY
5 out of 5 stars.
Recommended by Classic Mega Yacht Mate
7 years ago
I have used all varnish's but this over the years. With my latest boat the brightwork needed some love. The mate on a classic Palmer Johnson did some work for me but I still had the teak door to rebuild. Fast forward, his work was flawless so I decided to mimic on the door. It was perfect only 3 coats deep and people are raving at the work. Foam brush and nothing special on my end.
Helpful?
Oregon
5 out of 5 stars.
Beautiful results from a first timer
7 years ago
This was my first attempt at using varnish and the results are better than expected, i rolled the varnish on with 4"" high density foam hot dog rollers and tipped with a foam brush. This photo shows the results of three coats of varnish on top of two epoxy coats, sanding with 220 between the first two coats and 400 before the final, this was done in my garage, cobwebs and all, NOT a dust free environment by any means.
Helpful?
North Dallas, Texas
5 out of 5 stars.
best protection
9 years ago
i grew up with my Dad always using Z-Spar Captains varnish to protect exterior wood from the harsh California sun. Now it's my turn in Texas!
Helpful?
Glenburn, ME
5 out of 5 stars.
Best I have used
9 years ago
Recommended to me as a final finish on my kayak projects. Though pricey, the outcome with this product is absolutely gorgeous. It is a glass smooth, very hard, totally clear finish that easily brushes on with a foam brush. Excellent cover for fiberglass resin, bonds very well. As a gallon will serve for many projects, the price becomes quite reasonable per finished product.
Helpful?
SHAMOKIN, PA
4 out of 5 stars.
Great finish
10 years ago
My brother is a profesional house painter and he could not believe the high build and great finish
Helpful?
Topeka, Kansas
5 out of 5 stars.
I build wood strip kayaks
11 years ago
I really did not want to use this product but time was of the essence and I tried it because it is on hand. I've never been so please. It went on even and self leveled nicely I had friends who thought I sprayed it. I do think the dry environment and proper temperature had something to do with it. Also a really good brush. This went on over epoxy.
Helpful?
Anchor Pointe, Ohio
5 out of 5 stars.
Good choice for the traditional look
11 years ago
If you crave the traditional look, this is the way to go. Buy small cans, as it goes a long ways and doesn't like being opened and closed over and over (like any paint/varnish). If you have an older boat with teak trim, this will give you a very pleasing result.
Helpful?
Niagara Falls
4 out of 5 stars.
great finish
12 years ago
Had to add more than 10% thinner to achieve the best results. Was getting a lot of air bubbles that wouldn't disperse, but by increasing the thinner (a little at a time) I was able to achieve the viscosity that would leave a great finish and yet allow the bubbles to escape. In the end --- GREAT finish
Helpful?
Gig Harbor, WA
5 out of 5 stars.
Always a TOP product
12 years ago
Applies evenly and dries in a reasonable time. Does require care on vertical surfaces.
Helpful?
Addison, VT
4 out of 5 stars.
Does the job it's intended for - well!
12 years ago
This varnish applies well, sets to an even finish, is hard-wearing and gives good U-V resistance. The only reason I haven't given it 5 stars - and this may be a little unfair - is that on anything other than a horizontal surface (that includes most boats) even a thin coat has a tendency to run or sag. This can be avoided by applying VERY thin coats which require a little more working for application.
Helpful?
Cheboygan, Michigan
5 out of 5 stars.
Easy to Use with Great Results
12 years ago
After swearing off sailboats with outside teak trim 31 years ago, we purchased a newer sailboat with a considerable amount of trim. It had been well cared for, but definitely needed refreshing. Captain's Varnish had been used by the previous owner (don't know which brand) so we chose the Z Spar. If we'd realized how nicely this product goes on and how beautiful the result is, we might have purchased a newer sailboat a lot sooner! We'll be very proud of our exterior brightwork next season.
Helpful?
oconomowoc. wi
2 out of 5 stars.
product arrived with top caved in. Now d
12 years ago
Your product arrived with a damaged top so it does not seal. The can will have to be tossed! It's a good product though.
Helpful?
Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
5 out of 5 stars.
Using Z Spar Captains Varnish
12 years ago
I use 1-2 coats of Old Salem 2018 Clear Sealer before putting on the Z Spar Varnish. Light sanding between coats with 150-220 grit, with both sealer and varnish. Use tack rag very lightly, as tack rag chemical can transfer to surface and cause uneven adhearance. I use air hose to blow off sanding dust. Use a good brush such as badger hair, and tip off with foam brush (extremely light touch). Several light coats are best. Overnight drying between coats is best. Thick coating can blister or craze. I like the Pettit products. They do what they say it will do. Love the easypoxy topside paint. It flows to a rich smooth finish in minutes.
Helpful?
11 – 40 of 61 Reviews