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Pettit Z Spar Flagship Varnish

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Z Spar Flagship Varnish
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1 pt contains 1 pt

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Product Details

Pettit's Z Spar Flagship Varnish 2015 is considered the traditional standard in the marine industry, with reliable service, versatile application and tough yet flexible durability.

This marine varnish's blend of resins and oils achieves excellent brushing performance that levels and sands with the same outstanding characteristics as Captains Varnish 1015. Flagship boasts the highest screening of damaging UV rays for longer varnish life. This is accomplished through an ultraviolet light filter in conjunction with a hindered amine light stabilizer.

These same UV filters give a light amber hue to wood which will enhance the rich, classic brightwork appearance. A deep rich mirror-like finish increases with each coat of Flagship Varnish, which has the highest build and film depth per coat. Each coat also increases the outstanding abrasion resistance of Flagship Varnish.

Apply using brush or spray, with proper surface preparation and sanding in between coats for maximum performance. Available in Pint, Quart, and Gallon sizes.

Tech Specs
Dry Time Hours Set-to-touchTack FreeDry Hard
90Deg F.1-3 hrs4-6 hrs8-12 hrs
70Deg F.2-4 hrs6-8 hrs16-20 hrs
50Deg. F4-8 hrs12-16 hrs24-48 hrs
Info & Guides

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Do not shake varnish. Stir gently before application, being careful not to introduce air bubbles into the varnish. Z-Spar 2015 Flagship Varnish may be applied by brush or conventional 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. In very warm weather (80Deg F and above) use Pettit 110/T11 Brush Flo Thinner at 5-10% by volume to maintain good flow and levelling. When spraying, use Pettit 121/T8 Spraying Thinner up to 10% by volume. Spray an even, wet coat to minimize orange peel. Do not apply Flagship 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 Flagship 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 Information

  • Technical Specifications

  • Resin: Alkyd/ Phenolic
  • Oil: Linseed/Tung
  • Oil Length: 20 gallons
  • UV Absorbers: Present
  • Solids (theoretical): Weight- 55 +- 1%, Volume- 48 +- 1%
  • Coverage: 450 sq. ft/gal.
  • VOC: 420 g/l (3.5 lbs/gal) as supplied
  • Flash Point:108Deg 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 (3.0 wet mils)
  • Application Temp: 45Deg F. Minimum, 90Deg F. Maximum
  • Flagship Features and Benefits

  • Recommended for the highest quality work
  • Withstands severe weather conditions on salt or fresh water.
  • Contains highest level of UV absorbers and light stabilizers for long-term gloss retention.

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

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Reviews

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22 reviews with 5 stars.
8 reviews with 4 stars.
0 reviews with 3 stars.
2 reviews with 2 stars.
2 reviews with 1 star.

Overall Rating

4.4

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Filter Reviews

11 to 30 of 34 Reviews
11 – 30 of 34 Reviews
PA
1 out of 5 stars.

Yellow Blisters Appeared !?!

10 years ago
Used Pettit Flagship Varnish on my teak gunwales. Put 22 coats on in April/May 2014, it looked great all summer! Come winter we shrunk wrap the boat. By February, I had yellow blisters in the vanish. Spoke with a friend who also used Pettit Flagship on his teak and he had the same yellow blisters. Both of our blisters appeared around the beginning of Feb 2015. So I contacted Pettit, spoke to a representative who could care less and I emailed him my pictures. I was advised that moisture caused my issue. He said to me on the phone that if water sits on the vanish it will penetrate it. That didn't sound right to me. I would be more willing to except that it was something I did, if it didn't happen to someone else as well. I was very disappointed at the way Pettit handled the situation.
Helpful?
chattanooga tn
5 out of 5 stars.

great product, i use it on classic canoe

10 years ago
i restore antique canvas covered cedar canoes. This product brings out the beauty of the aged wood in the canoe. Most of the canoes I have done are from 1908 to 1923. This product brings such depth to these old canoes.
Helpful?
Oregon coast
5 out of 5 stars.

Tried and True

11 years ago
An excellent finish for Mahogany, has good sunlight resistance, produces a marvellous finish.
Helpful?
Simpsonville, SC
5 out of 5 stars.

Excellent Product

11 years ago
I use this product on my exterior wood doors. This is by far the best finish for exterior wood.
Helpful?
Aurora, IL
2 out of 5 stars.

1015 superior to 2015

11 years ago
Got this to compare to 1015. Can't see the advantage. Compared to the Captain's 1015, puddles.
Helpful?
Virginia
5 out of 5 stars.

Beautiful finish

12 years ago
I applied several coats to a tiller and mahonagony rudder for my small sailboat. I take these off the boat and store in my garage, so I cannot speak to sun resistance. It brushes on well and dries smooth.
Helpful?
Dover, MA
5 out of 5 stars.

GREAT PRODUCT

13 years ago
Used this Z-Spar on the Bergie pole for my '55 Chris Craft Cobra 21' Runabout. Sanded with 220 grit, wiped, then tack cloth. Two coats looked perfect, but I applied a third for good measure. This product covers and levels very well with no trace of brush strokes. Dries to a glass like finish. Highly recommended. Fred Hammerle Dover, MA
Helpful?
Satellite Beach Florida
5 out of 5 stars.

Best varnish for my needs

13 years ago
I live in close to the beach where the salt content is extreme. I used the Z Spar Flagship on my 16x25 Pergola, 8- 6""x6""x9' post, 2""x10"" and 2""x6"" cross beams. I knew the Z Spar was the right choice after the first brush! This was my third application in 4 years, the first 2 times I used cheaper product and they both did not hold up over 2 years (flaking, peeling, and more). So far the Z Spar looks like it will last 3-5 years. Time will tell, I look forward to adding positive comments in several years (4-5?) when I apply my next coat.
Helpful?
Central Indiana
1 out of 5 stars.

Elasticity problems

14 years ago
12 sprayed coats on top deck of mahogany veneer speedboat. Cured 9 mos., then hand rubbed to a mirror-like finish. Less than three hours in the sun and it 'alligatored' as though it had been brushed! Very disappointing for the expense of this product. 3 years into this restoration!
Helpful?
Cape Cod
5 out of 5 stars.

Was worth the expense

14 years ago
I used 2015 Flagship Varnish 2 yrs ago on a wood Kayak I build. It was easy to use and still looks good 2 yrs latter. I ordered another can to do my front door. [...]
Helpful?
Pt. Judith, RI
4 out of 5 stars.

Good for exterior teak

15 years ago
I have teak toe-rails and trim that I like to varnish, rather than oil. I've tried the AWLGRIP'system', other varnish like Epiphanes, Bristol Finish, CETOL, etc. I've found that that Z-Spar Flagship provides the best combo of ease of prep and application, cost, and and ease of repairing the coating once it breaks down.
Helpful?
greenville, sc
5 out of 5 stars.

great product!

15 years ago
Very smooth, applied well. Nice product. Put on a wood strip kayak
Helpful?
Alpharetta, Georgia
5 out of 5 stars.

Front Door Refinished

15 years ago
Bought Flagship varnish to refinish front doors on which my previous job, using a good varnish by another company, lasted only a year. Applied recommended four coats of Flagship over doors which I had stripped to bare wood and stained. Doors, which have all day southern exposure, look great. [...] I am very pleased.
Helpful?
Rumney, NH
5 out of 5 stars.

Great gloss, excellent UV protection!

15 years ago
I use this excellent varnish on all brightwork on the boats I build and restore. It has excellent gloss and is easy to apply using the rolling and tipping method. I have had terrific results using disposable foam mini rollers for application and foam brushes for tipping. This makes cleanup very easy, and there is no possibility of contaminants being introduced into the next coat, as the brushes are new each time. The thickness of the varnish makes it easy to apply a nice glossy coat while not having to lay on so much that it drips. Building up multiple coats is quickly achieved and each one brings the beauty of the wood out even more.
Helpful?
Central, Indiana
5 out of 5 stars.

Excellent

15 years ago
If I can use this and make my boat's wood trim gorgeous, anyone can.
Helpful?
Logan, Utah
4 out of 5 stars.

Z Spar Flagship Varnish

16 years ago
This product looks fantastic and enhances the appearance of a set of 100 year old church doors I am restoring. The only difficulty is the small air bubbles entrapped in the finish as it cures. Several different brushes and application techniques were used including spraying; all methods had air bubbles, some less, some more.
Helpful?
Lemont, IL.
5 out of 5 stars.

Excellent Product!

16 years ago
This product meant all of my expectations and more. I would recommend this product for any exterior application. After the first brush stroke I could tell this was a high quality product.
Helpful?
Portland, OR
5 out of 5 stars.

I would buy this product again

16 years ago
I had students fabricate a sundial. This product will provide excellect results to keep the elements off here in Portland, OR.
Helpful?
New Orleans
4 out of 5 stars.

Good Varnish

16 years ago
I applied this varnish at the maximum temperature of 90 degrees. It sprayed easily with a Wagner sprayer and like the information says began setting up very quickly with about 10-12% thinner added. It produced a very beautiful finish and had surprisingly few curtain sags. I was happy with this varnish.
Helpful?
Brooklyn NY
5 out of 5 stars.

top 'o the heap

17 years ago
I put three finish coats on a new mahogany exterior door exposed to the worst sun and precip in Brooklyn NY, after scraping and sanding old finish off and staining with tung oil mahogany stain. The finished door was photographed for an article on restoration of old doors and its beauty still remains after 2 years.
Helpful?

4 Ratings-Only Reviews

11 – 30 of 34 Reviews

Questions

1 - 10 of 30 Questions

Q: null Can the Petit enhancer be used with the Flagship varnish

7 months ago
1 Answer

A: Thank you for reaching out. It can.

7 months ago
Helpful?

Q: null What's the max time between coats without sanding

10 months ago
1 Answer

A: Flagship varnish should be sanded between every coat.

10 months ago
Helpful?

Q: null i want to use z-spart flagship varnish to finish my woodstrip kayak that is coated with fiberglass/epoxy resin and sanded. the final coat will be the varnish. is this product a good finish as i have seen it is not to be used below the waterline? Thank you, Kurt Humm

10 years ago
4 Answers

A: I have used flagship all over including below waterline for my boat that doesn't stay in the water.

Anonymous11 months ago
Helpful?

Q: null About 5 years ago I put on 7 coats of flagship varnish on my mahogany rowboat and it turned out great!!! I need to put on a coat or two. Can't afford the price of a quart of that today. What would you use instead of flagship that can get me by to make it look new again and keep that look. Thanks

a year ago
1 Answer

A: Varnish typically needs a maintenance coat at least once a year to keep it looking good. For a less expensive alternative, try Captains 1015 Varnish. If you don't need a full quart you can save some money by ordering the pint sized Flagship, or Captains varnish.

a year ago
Helpful?

Q: null I am thinking about using this on an exterior door facing west. What temperature range can I use this varnish? How many coats will I need to put on? Has much time needs to be allowed between coats?

2 years ago
2 Answers

A: I am a 73 year old boater who still builds and restores boats from 8foot to 42 foot in length. Since my introduction to Flagship many years ago, I now will not use ANY other varnish. It's higher cost is well offset by the end products great look and longevity. Note, I use only mineral spirits as my thinner of choice. 10 percent on the first coat and 5 percent on all following coats. I put around 5 to 6 layers on depending on wear and tear. I know waiting between coats is a pain but I take it a step further. I always sand with 220 , by hand, between coats and wait two days between coats to insure the coat being sanded is completely hardened. The results have never been disappointing. Bruce

2 years ago
Helpful?

Q: null Does this come in semi gloss or satin?

4 years ago
1 Answer

A: No but Gleam varnish is available in satin.

4 years ago
Helpful?

Q: null Hi There, I am trying to use your product Pettit Z-Spar 2015 Flagship for my exterior solid wood door which have some cracks and fading color after two years. The door is faced west and is subject a quite lot of sunlight, winds and rains whole year, particular in summer, the sunlight is very strong. Is the Pettit Z-Spar 2015 Flagship the right product with high UV protection? My door is a double door with dimension of 6ftx8 ft. How much I need for one coat? Thanks in advance, James

4 years ago
1 Answer

A: It is a good product for what you need. The best results will come from applying 6 to 12 coats. After that you will need to do an annual maintenance coat to keep the varnish looking good. A pint wont be enough so you should get the quart size. Be sure to get the Zspar thinner to go with it.

4 years ago
Helpful?

Q: null I want to varnish my 15 foot cedar strip canoe. I'm planning to use Pettit 2015 flagship varnish. Will a quart do at least 4 coats inside and outside?

5 years ago
1 Answer

A: A quart will do about 100 square feet per coat so it depends on how much total area.

5 years ago
Helpful?

Q: null May I use this product to refinish a mahogany front door?

5 years ago
1 Answer

A: Yes

5 years ago
Helpful?

Q: null CAN YOU ADD A TOUCH OF COLOR TO 2015 VARNISH (DK BLUE TO CREATE RICHER LOOK)

6 years ago
1 Answer

A: You might be able to accomplish this, you may want to reach out to Pettit to find the best blue material to work with (they may recommend adding a little EZ Poxy, but we do not want to steer you wrong from their judgement).

6 years ago
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1 - 10 of 30 Questions
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