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TotalBoat Halcyon Marine Varnish

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TotalBoat Halcyon Clear Marine Satin Varnish

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Product Details

TotalBoat Halcyon Marine Varnish is an innovative varnish that creates a hard, gloss, or satin finish on brightwork, without the painstaking prep, long dry time, tedious sanding & noxious fumes associated with most varnishes. 1-part low-VOC formula offers powerful UV protection to prevent yellowing. Flexible finish prevents cracking & lifting due to temperature changes.

Cures harder than most 1-part varnishes, with superior abrasion, scratch & solvent resistance. It dries fast–recoat in 1 hr @ 72°F, with no sanding between coats. Resealable Pour Pak™ prevents skinning & waste. Soap & water cleanup.

Choose Halcyon (clear amber gloss), Halcyon Clear Gloss or Clear Satin in Pint, Quart and 4 Quart Sizes. NOTE: Satin is not available in a 4 Quart Size.

Tech Specs
Technical Specifications Halcyon Varnish
Thinning Not required, even for the first coat. However, to help create a desired flow, thin with water up to 20% maximum.
Cleanup Soap and water
Application Method Brush, roll & tip, or spray
Application Temperature 50-90°F; 0-90% RH (relative humidity)
Number of Coats (Minimum) 2-3
Accelerated Application If desired, apply a maximum of 5 coats per day. Always wait 12 hours between applying Halcyon and sanding.
Tack-Free Time to Recoat 1 hour at 72°F
Overcoat Without Sanding Up to 12 hours
Coverage 40-50 sq. ft./pint; 80-100 sq. ft./quart
Cured Color Halcyon (clear light amber); Halcyon Clear Gloss or Satin (ultra clear)
Finish Gloss or Satin
Gloss DOI (Distinctness of Image) >90% @ 60°; >77% @ 20°
Info & Guides

No long wait. No sanding. No fumes. No waste or mess.

In our continuous quest for a better marine varnish, we've developed TotalBoat Halcyon, a quick-drying, rapid-recoating, eco-friendly, durable, gloss varnish that takes brightwork finishing to the next level. Its low-VOC, low-odor formula makes it easier than ever to get a nice, even gloss or satin finish on both interior and exterior wood surfaces.

Halcyon dries super fast and doesn't require sanding between coats (for up to 12 hours), so you can apply up to five coats in one day to finish varnishing faster and set sail sooner. The low VOC content limits exposure to you and to the environment, and the low odor makes Halcyon great for use indoors, in shops, or on interior woodwork. Its maximum UV protection, flexibility, and abrasion resistance make it great for exterior woodwork, too.

Available in clear amber gloss, clear gloss, and clear satin finishes. 4 Quart Size is available for Clear Gloss and Clear Amber Gloss.

Our original Halcyon formula cured crystal clear, abrasion resistant, and UV stable. But many of you told us that, while the clear finish was good for some applications, you preferred a more classic, clear amber finish on brightwork. We heard you, and we created a formula with the beauty of a traditional marine spar varnish, but one that cured with greater clarity, abrasion resistance, and UV protection. The clear amber gloss formula goes by the name Halcyon, and the clear gloss formula is called Halcyon Clear. You loved our gloss formulas, but told us it'd be great if we could make a clear satin finish. We're happy to announce that new Halcyon Clear Satin is now available. Each Halcyon gloss formula is designed so that the more coats you apply, the greater the depth, beauty, gloss, and durability. The satin formula is best used as the finish coat over build coats of Halcyon Clear Gloss or Amber Gloss. These innovative marine varnishes are very easy and fast to apply, quick to dry, easy to sand, and clean up fast with just soap and water.

The beauty is in the cured finish

At first, Halcyon varnishes may look a little odd and seem a little different because they come in a bag, don't smell like varnish (don't stink!), and with their milky-white color, don't look like varnish. Until they dry very quickly to a beautiful, even gloss.

  • Compared to oil-based varnish, Halcyon varnishes don't need thinning—not even for the first coat—because they dry phenomenally fast, and don't have to be sanded between coats. They also dry completely clear and hard, but flexible so there's no yellowing, chipping, cracking, or peeling.

  • Compared to synthetic marine wood finishes, Halcyon varnishes can be applied over existing 1- or 2-part varnishes in good condition, they're very scratch resistant, abrasion resistant, and remain clear & glossy, without looking cloudy or muddy after multiple coats. Halcyon varnishes also offer greater UV protection.

  • Compared to water-based marine polyurethane varnishes, Halcyon Gloss and Satin varnishes can be applied to interior and exterior wood surfaces.

Important application note for Halcyon Clear Satin

It is strongly recommended to use Halcyon Clear Gloss or Amber Gloss for build coats, and only use Halcyon Satin as a final coat, to ensure the best finish and depth.

Technical Information

Halcyon Varnish Features

  • Clear amber gloss (Halcyon), Clear gloss (Halcyon Clear Gloss), and Clear satin (Halcyon Clear Satin) finishes accent wood grain and character.
  • Hard, UV-stable, finish is abrasion, solvent, and scratch resistant.
  • For interior & exterior (exterior above waterline) on all types of wood.
  • Convenient, resealable bag makes it easy to pour and easy to store.
  • Won't skin over in the cup while you're using it, or in the bag while you're storing it.
  • One-part formula is easy to use, no mixing or measuring.
  • No mess, easy soap and water cleanup, and no waste.
  • Low-odor, low-VOC formula is eco-friendly and user-friendly.
  • Choose from Clear Gloss and Amber Gloss - Pint, Quart and 4-Quart Sizes; Clear Satin - Pint and Quart Sizes

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including n-methylpyrrolidone, which is known to the State of California to cause developmental toxicity. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

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Reviews

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226 reviews with 5 stars.
36 reviews with 4 stars.
18 reviews with 3 stars.
7 reviews with 2 stars.
6 reviews with 1 star.

Overall Rating

4.6

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Filter Reviews

101 to 130 of 293 Reviews
101 – 130 of 293 Reviews
Pittsburgh, PA
5 out of 5 stars.

Teardrop Trailer Finish

3 years ago
I finished my teardrop camper with 8 coats of Halcyon, inside and out including the galley module. I was able to finish in two days, regular varnish would have taken at least a week. I highly recommend.
Helpful?
West Babylon , NY
5 out of 5 stars.

I would definitely buy this great Marine varnish again

3 years ago
I use this product to put a Fantastic , beautiful finish on my Lazy Susans, my Custom canes, decorative boxes, etc.
Helpful?
Morehead City N C
5 out of 5 stars.

Definitely

3 years ago
I used it to refinish a Rocket Launcher. Real easy to use, clean up is easy and can reapply every hour or so. Love the stuff.
Helpful?
Deale, MD
5 out of 5 stars.

Flawless Satin Finish

3 years ago
I've used this satin finish Halcyon for several applications and am totally convinced it's the best satin varnish I've ever used. I've applied it over base coats of TB Wood Sealer and TB Gleam gloss. Its self levelling properties are amazing. I wanted to use it on my boat's teak & holly cabin sole, but I'm afraid it won't maintain a wet edge long enough for such a large area, so I'm going to use Gleam satin for that job (wishing I could use the Halcyon.)
Helpful?
Farmington Ct
5 out of 5 stars.

I would suggest this to anyone

3 years ago
This product is amazing, by far the best varnish I have ever used. The product goes on easy, flows out and levels nicely sets up in roughly an hour or two so you can apply additional coats if needed.
Helpful?
Key West, Florida
4 out of 5 stars.

refinish wood bench

3 years ago
This Wild Tamarind bench on the edge of our Koi pond just received it's third refinish. The wood was originally sealed with epoxy and finished with lacquer. In our tropical climate it only lasted about a year. This time it was finished with Halcyon marine varnish. It looks great and we hope it lasts longer.
Helpful?
fl.
5 out of 5 stars.

very good product but;

3 years ago
the products are very good an easy to use but will not buy again, because when you add on shipping and tax the product is not even close to cost competive with ace hardware
Helpful?
Jacksonville, FL
4 out of 5 stars.

Great for outside

3 years ago
I used this for the inside back of a pantry because I didn't want to have to sand between coats. While that part of the project worked well, there is a lingering smell (not really an odor) that has delayed our stocking the pantry with packaged food items. The smell is waning and will hopefully be gone in a few days. So, I would highly recommend it for outside or garage projects but not so much for interiors.
Helpful?
Washington State
5 out of 5 stars.

Went on easy. Great results

3 years ago
I rebuilt an old rotten bench using ""weathered"" red oak slats. Finish went on easy with foam brush. I just caught the drips, and the finish smoothed itself beautifully. I also used it on the patina'd iron sides which brought out the color of the old metal (and light rust), and created a nice subtle shine. Bench is now in the front of the house in the rain. Water just beads up.
Helpful?
Fort Laudedale, Fl
5 out of 5 stars.

Great product

3 years ago
Great product I would buy it over and over again this is my second time buying it
Helpful?
Akron, Ohio
5 out of 5 stars.

Halcyon Marine Varnish is a GAME CHANGER!!!!!

3 years ago
Halcyon is an AWESOME Product. I was re-doing some wood water skis and needed to find a VERY CLEAR varnish -- given I wanted to apply the varnish over WHITE paint and I did not want the WHITE to Tan-Out or Yellow-Out. I wanted the WHITE to remain WHITE-WHITE. I contacted Jamestown Distributors and the person I spoke with HIGHLY recommended HALYCYON. Accordingly, I made a purchase. Needless to say I was skeptical -- however NOT FOR LONG. Halcyon dries CRYSTAL-CLEAR -- just What I was seeking. NOW ""I'm a believer!"" The paradigm changer features are: .1) It is CRYSTAL-CLEAR - - no yellowing like a typical spar varnish .2) It comes in a BAG -- with a screw air-tight cap (VERY UNIQUE!) VERY easy to pour and re-seal. NO more cans with a metal lid that needs to be secured with a hammer. NO more stirring in a can -- merely SQUEEZE the bag to mix. .3) It is water-based (I had my doubts) - - very easy clean-up NO more Mineral Spirits I used the same bristle brush to apply EIGHT COATS and can use it MORE. .4) It dries VERY FAST! - - thus multiple coats can applies during a single day! .5) NO sanding is required between coats. However, being a PURIST - - I elected to do a light 320 grit sanding between each coat. The END RESULT is FANTASTIC! While it was great working with Jamestown - - I incurred a HIGH shipping cost for just one bag. IF YOU ARE AN AMAZON PRIME USER - - I HIGHLY RECOMMEND making a purchase via Amazon Prime -- to benefit from FREE SHIPPING! BOTTOM LINE - - I am a CONVERT and will never use a typical SPAR varnish again! DH (Akron, OH)
Helpful?
Mansfield, Georgia
5 out of 5 stars.

Yes

3 years ago
Used to finish my wood flag. Goes on great with foam brush, great looking finished product. I like the 1 hour set up time for the next coat.
Helpful?
Glendale, AZ
5 out of 5 stars.

I can't wait to use it.

3 years ago
I have not used the item yet. I am looking forward to seeing the results I get. I put 5 stars, basically I had to. It's not fair to give a rating when I have not used the product yet. I love what I have seen on the web. If I like it, I will get it again and replace the hassles with polyurethane.
Helpful?
Moss point, ms
5 out of 5 stars.

I would highly recommend this product!

3 years ago
I loved this product! I prayed it on a farm house table! The only problem I wish it would have been a little more shiny. Over all I would use it again!!!
Helpful?
Bristow, Virginia
5 out of 5 stars.

So easy to use

3 years ago
I purchased the varnish for my staircase renovation. The product was incredibly easy to use. Dried fast as advertised and feels great to the touch.
Helpful?
Minnesota
4 out of 5 stars.

Convenient!

3 years ago
I normally dread varnishing days. I make canoe paddles, so there is no quick and easy way to do it all at once. Too many curves and surfaces. With traditional spar varnish, I always end up with some drips/runs, no matter how careful I am. And since I use such small amounts, a skin always forms before I can finish a quart. 4 coats of varnish can take a week to finish. This product saves a lot of hassle. I really love that it comes in a bag. I can pour a small amount into a cup and avoid all of the mess of a flooded rim. It dries really quickly, so I can do a several coats in a day. It keeps well from use to use. I even left out some extra overnight, assuming it was wasted, and the next morning it looked the same: no thickening or skin. For the same reason, I am able to wrap my brush and reuse that for 2-3 coats. One thing I noticed is that it does not seem to sink into the wood the same as other coatings. I used this on paddles that had fiberglass and epoxy on the blades but not the shaft. There was a visible transition where it seemed that the halcyon was sitting on the wood rather than soaking into it. The package does advise building up with gloss coats underneath, so I'll consider myself warned. Lastly, it does not seem to self-level the way a traditional varnish does somewhat. So there are minor brush marks in the finish, but if that is the price I pay for no runs, I'll take it. All in all, I would buy again.
Helpful?
Pittsburgh, Pa
5 out of 5 stars.

I would purchase product again

3 years ago
Working in a closed environment so no solvent smell was great, no need for PPE and clean up was a breeze with the waterborne product...
Helpful?
Sunnyvale Ca
5 out of 5 stars.

I would definitely buy this product again. Actually I have!!

3 years ago
Great product. Will definitely use it in future projects. Works as advertised.
Helpful?
Plant City, FL
5 out of 5 stars.

Simple, fast and durable

3 years ago
I've seen this product used by several big time makers on YouTube and finally gave it a try. It is simple to apply and the fast dry-time and short turn-around between the first few coats makes the job a whole lot easier. The final coat is a beautiful, smooth finish with a subtle but elegant gloss. I don't think I'll go back to other water-based finishes again.
Helpful?
Myrtle Beach South Carolina.
4 out of 5 stars.

Great product

3 years ago
Definitely recommend this product it holds up well in the sunlight, goes on very smoothly, I recommend using six coats for best durability. I have been using them on wooden Surfboard signs , very happy with the results.
Helpful?
Near da beach, Florida.
5 out of 5 stars.

Awesome product

3 years ago
Used this on some cedar shutters I made for a client. Amazing finish and protection against the elements.
Helpful?
Bristol, RI
5 out of 5 stars.

Using Halcyon three years now - highly recommended

3 years ago
Easy to apply many coats in short time. Plastic envelope easy to pour and seal. Most important- looks great and long lasting !!
Helpful?
Westerly ri
5 out of 5 stars.

Fast drying and easy

3 years ago
Fast drying and easy to use. I installed some new teak on my boat and got five coats of your Halycon Varnish in one afternoon.
Helpful?
port washington NY
5 out of 5 stars.

i love it so far ... time will tell if its durable

3 years ago
my handy man used the varnish and was pleased with the ease of use, self leveling of the varnish, simple cleanup, quick drying and multiple coatings in one day - my only wish is that it isn't as bright and shiny as the traditional varnish I've used in the past ... Epithanes to be honest ... if a glossier finish can be made great ... that's my only con so far ... time will tell if it is a tough as i hope it is ... it covers mahogany rails at my seaside home ... it is exposed to the sun every day
Helpful?
Delaware OHIO
5 out of 5 stars.

Thicker than I expected. It went on extremely fast.

3 years ago
Dry time between coats extremely quick. I found the key is to let the final coat fully dry for 3-4 days prior to exposing to the elements.
Helpful?
San Jose, CA
5 out of 5 stars.

Love TB Halcyon Varnish!

3 years ago
I am using this protect a table saw table. The product was purchased directly from Jamestown Distributors as it was almost the same price as the big online retailers. It came as a kit that had everything you could possibly need: Brushes, tubs, mixers, etc. I will be getting all of my Halcyon Varnish, from here own, from JD Directly!
Helpful?
Canada
5 out of 5 stars.

Best varnish bar none!!

3 years ago
Goes on so clear and such a nice surface finish!!!
Helpful?
Central Florida
5 out of 5 stars.

Great product

3 years ago
First time using Total boat product and it was great lived up to what it said it would do.
Helpful?
Langhorne Pa
5 out of 5 stars.

What a difference

3 years ago
Used for a teak outdoor table. Easy to apply and self leveling. Like painting with butterscotch. Check thus out...
Helpful?
San Diego Ca
3 out of 5 stars.

Finish quality

3 years ago
When applying this with either a brush or a roller on a table top I would get streaks/ lines in the finish. I even got bubbles a few times. I could not figure out why I wasn't getting a nice clean finish. I tried applying it thicker and thinner, going over it several times and was getting the same results. Had streak marks in the finial application even after sanding with 320. The bench top didn't have as many issues and the finish was much cleaner.
Helpful?
101 – 130 of 293 Reviews

Questions

1 - 10 of 117 Questions

Q: null Would this product be a good choice for a DIY vintage truck bed project, material is red oak, and it has recently planed and is ready for sanding and treatment. I like the fact that it cleans up well and has low odor.

5 months ago
3 Answers

A: No, in my application the (exterior) product did not last more than two years. I have gone back to traditional marine varnish.

5 months ago
Helpful?

Q: null Can Halcyon marine varnish be applied over decoupage?

5 months ago
2 Answers

A: Good success using this product on various wood projects in terms of final film quality. The collapsible package preserves contents, and being water based it is user friendly. Paper? based projects (eg. decoupage) of course may be more affected by a water based product, but I do not anticipate fundamental problems. An air brush or airless sprayer for larger projects is probably easiest application method for complex, delicate work, and would minimize water based effects. CDunnrowicz Santa Cruz, Ca.

5 months ago
Helpful?

Q: null Can Halycon be applied over urethane products?

6 months ago
1 Answer

A: Hey there, thank you for reaching out. Typically it can once the urethane is fully dried and prepped per previously coated instructions. It can of course vary with different brands, so we always recommend testing first.

6 months ago
Helpful?

Q: null I am going to be foam brushing Halcyon clear gloss on a wood slab coffee table and do not want brush strokes. While I have learned that the first coat should be thinned to help penetration, can I thin the remaining coats as well? What is the recommended (distilled) water-to-Halcyon ratio? Thank you for your time, concern and prompt reply, Mark Talmo

8 months ago
1 Answer

A: You can thin with water but the ratio will vary depending on the tools you are using and environmental conditions. Halcyon dries very quickly so generally is best to lay it on a little thick, don't spend too much time brushing the varnish and let it level itself off. I use foam brushes myself but you can also get excellent results if you spray it.

8 months ago
Helpful?

Q: null What is the coverage area for one quart of the halcyon for one coat?

8 months ago
1 Answer

A: 100 sq feet / coat

8 months ago
Helpful?

Q: null When do you expect Halcyon Clear Satin Varnish to be available again?

9 months ago
1 Answer

A: Hey Steve, thank you for reaching out. Halcyon Satin is currently available

9 months ago
Helpful?

Q: null What is the color chart included on the website images for the Total Boat TB-7712 TOTALBOAT HALCYON CLEAR RUGGED GLOSS VARNISH representing? Do multiple coats turn darker over time? Is that what it's showing? Is there any way to avoid this? I'd like to maintain the natural color of the door. I've already applied the first coat of gloss and like it but I don't want it to get any darker with additional coats. Thank you for your help!

11 months ago
1 Answer

A: The piece in the photo is a display used at live events so customers can see both the color and the sheen in person. The left panel shows the light amber gloss. The middle panel shows the clear gloss. The right panel shows the clear satin. More coats of clear should not change the color. Most varnishes and urethanes will change color slightly as they age. That's why it's important to do regular maintenance coats to refresh the top layer.

11 months ago
Helpful?

Q: null I noticed several users mentioned sealing prior to applying Halcyon. Is sealing necessary?

a year ago
1 Answer

A: Hi Jeffrey. Sealing is optional. It's not required, and if you don't want to purchase the sealer separately or wait for it to cure, I recommend thinning your first coat or two of Halcyon 30% with water to allow it to soak in and seal the grain a little on its own.

a year ago
Helpful?

Q: null I used this product on some teak furniture I restored and it looks great. Very easy to use also! Since I had some left over I tried applied to an outdoor end table. I'm not sure what kind of wood, it's something softer and fine grained. The 2 coats looked great. I waited several weeks before I decided to apply more coats. The coat I applied 3 weeks later is peeling off. Should I have applied all the coats within a few days or is something else going on? It all looked great until I noticed some residue on the surface. I scraped it with my fingernail and most of it is coming off. Any ideas what I did wrong?

a year ago
1 Answer

A: If you wait longer than 12 hours to recoat, you should sand with 320 grit. When properly sanded the surface should look like a frosted mug,

a year ago
Helpful?

Q: null I'm just finishing a teak furniture project using Epifanes Woodfinish. I just ran out of Epifanes and after learning about Halcyon this sounds like a better way to go so I'm buying some for my next project. Can I finish the current project with Halcyon? I only have some small bits to complete and they are on the backside/inside of the chair so not a big deal if the finish doesn't match. Thank you!

a year ago
6 Answers

A: You're right, they're not gonna match. you didn't say if the Epifanes is gloss or matte . . . if its gloss, the Halcyon will never match because the Halcyon is water based and is by nature a satin finish. As far as I know, no one has been able to make a high gloss water based varnish no matter what the advertising says. My only problems with Halcyon . . . 1. Certain chemical cleaning products will soften it . . . 2. It has a shelf life; once you open the container, use it all . . . 3. No Gloss! . . . 4. doesn't wear as well as Spar varnish.

a year ago
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1 - 10 of 117 Questions
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