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TotalBoat Gleam Marine Spar Varnish

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TotalBoat Gleam Marine Spar Varnish

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Product Details

TotalBoat Gleam Marine Spar Varnish features a premium tung oil formula, with a phenolic resin base and added UV inhibitors. It's ideally suited for clear coating on interior and exterior surfaces requiring maximum water & UV resistance.

Gleam was reformulated for improved overcoating & cure times, yields medium build per coat, with excellent flow-out, leaving a smooth, durable surface. It can be scuffed and overcoated faster than before to build gloss, as needed. For brushing, thin with TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100; for spray application, thin with TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101.

Available in high-gloss and satin finishes that are weather resistant and easy to work with over new wood and previously coated surfaces.

Tech Specs
Item Number Size Finish
TB-3509 PintGloss
TB-GLEAMGQQuartGloss
TB-GLEAMKIT-G-K2-Quart KitGloss
TB-GLEAMGGGallonGloss
TB-3510 PintSatin
TB-GLEAMSQQuartSatin
TB-GLEAMKIT-S-K 2-Quart KitSatin
TB-GLEAMSGGallonSatin
TB-GLEAMCOMBO-K 2-Quart Combo Kit (1 Qt. Gloss & 1 Qt. Satin)Satin
Info & Guides
We've reformulated Gleam Satin and High-Gloss varnishes in response to customer reviews to make these formulas better than ever. They still have the same excellent self-leveling properties, and velvety, low-sheen or high-gloss finishes, but Gleam has improved overcoating and cure times so you can finish varnishing faster.

And the Satin varnish provides the same excellent level of UV protection as the Gloss varnish, so it's ideal on exterior as well as interior surfaces.

Gleam Gloss and Satin formulas are available in individual Pint, Quart Kit, 2-Quart Kit, and Gallon Kit sizes.

Our New Combo Kit Creates a Satin Finish with Greater Clarity

You told us you love Gleam's velvety satin finish, but want better clarity. So we've put together a combo kit containing 1 quart of Gloss and 1 quart of Satin that lets you build gloss coats to protect and showcase the wood grain, then finish with a couple of coats of satin to get the smooth, beautiful, non-gloss finish you desire. For the gloss/satin combo kit, select TB-GLEAMCOMBO-K from the product list.

An Easier, Faster Way to Apply Sealer Coats

Bare wood, especially plywood, is very porous and needs to be sealed before applying build and finish coats of varnish. If not, the initial coats of varnish soak into the wood, requiring more varnish (and more money) to apply enough build coats until the surface is uniformly level enough for the final coat of varnish. With unsealed oily woods like teak and mahogany, the varnish's viscosity will not allow it to penetrate the wood grain and adhere properly, which will eventually cause it to lift and ruin the finish—and all your hard work.

For this reason, the first few sealer coats of varnish are typically thinned in order to penetrate and seal the wood. These sealer coats take time to apply, time to dry, and must be sanded between coats. Now there's an improved way to apply sealer coats.

TotalBoat Wood Sealer, is easier and faster than using un-thinned varnish for sealer coats. It seals bare wood grain and smooths the surface on all types of wood, doesn't require sanding between coats, and dries more quickly than thinned varnish. And unlike other wood sealers, it contains UV blockers that protect your beautiful varnish finish down to the wood surface. TotalBoat Wood Sealer is clear, so it enhances the beauty of the wood grain and the varnish finish. TotalBoat Wood Sealer (sold separately) is compatible with 1-part varnish, and is ideal for use with TotalBoat Gleam and TotalBoat Lust varnish finishes. Refer to the Gleam Tech Data sheet for details on using TotalBoat Woods Sealer with Gleam.

Technical Information

Recommended Thinning for Brush/Roller Application

  • First Coat on Bare Wood: Reduce 25% with TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100
  • Additional Coats: Gleam doesn't require added thinner after the first/seal coat, for most brushing applications, but if desired, reduce 5- 10% with TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100
  • NOTE: Do not over-thin Gleam, as it will extend dry times, and will reduce the overall gloss level of the finish.

Recommended Thinning for Spray Application

  • First Coat on Bare Wood: Reduce 25% with TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101
  • Additional Coats: Reduce 10- 20% with TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101

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

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Reviews

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163 reviews with 5 stars.
29 reviews with 4 stars.
8 reviews with 3 stars.
4 reviews with 2 stars.
11 reviews with 1 star.

Overall Rating

4.5

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Filter Reviews

11 to 40 of 215 Reviews
11 – 40 of 215 Reviews
Onnecticut
5 out of 5 stars.

I would buy this product again.

9 months ago
I use Gleam to put a nice gloss finish on my boat's brightwork. It's easy to use and takes fewer coats than traditional varnish.
Helpful?
Houston, TX
5 out of 5 stars.

I love Total Boat Gleam

10 months ago
I have several pieces of furniture I made on my back porch. I refinished a mahogany table with Gleam 2 years ago. Recently I refinished two white oak end tables with Gleam. Suburb!
Helpful?
Minneapolis
5 out of 5 stars.

This is some good stuff!

10 months ago
I bought two quarts of this finish to refinish two 17.5' Pygmy kayaks that I've had for many years. I brushed it on with a regular brush and 'tipped' it off with a foam brush. I got five coats on the hulls and six coats on the decks. The boats are gorgeous! The finish was recommended to me by someone at Jamestown Distributors and they couldn't have come up with a better finish. I'm very, very happy with the way the finish went on, the protection it provides, and the final results will keep these boats being 'headturners'.
Helpful?
Michigan
5 out of 5 stars.

Nice stuff

11 months ago
Leaves a beautiful finish. Follow up with two coats of satin
Helpful?
Hampton Ga
5 out of 5 stars.

Awesome

11 months ago
So I've been working on a few home outdoor projects and I wanted to try the GLEA'M over the arms to a Adirondack chair. Great results after wood conditioner, the stain then after a couple days of curing applied the Gleam and it looks great I think. Thank you Jamestown distribution and Total Boat for your products and services
Helpful?
Bozeman
3 out of 5 stars.

Lust is a better choice

a year ago
Gleam darkened a reclaimed project beyond expectation and the smell is quite strong. Lust is a better choice.
Helpful?
Delaware
5 out of 5 stars.

Good stuff

a year ago
Been using this as my go to varnish for a couple years now, and have had no problems. I do thin it until it wants to leave the brush freely.
Helpful?
Sparta, NJ
5 out of 5 stars.

Easy to use

a year ago
I like this varnish. I find that it lays down really nicely right out of the can. This is the second large project I am using it on and I am happy with the results. I have found that I get better results with single coats and let it cure then sand lightly and repeat, rather than applying 3 coats. It takes a lot longer, but the results are superior. I have not tried ""Lust"". They say you can do 5 coats with lust and then sand. The single coats work best for me. I'm using Wizz velour rollers to apply the varnish and really like the results. I'm not even tipping after. Probably best to tip the final coat for best results.
Helpful?
Melbourne, Florida
5 out of 5 stars.

Beautiful results and so easy to use

a year ago
Highly recommend Gleam 2.0. Love the Satin finish, it look great, knocks the hard core shine back just the right amount and keeps it looking beautiful. So easy to apply, 3 coats per day, 1 hour dry time for my environment, done in 2 days and great results.
Helpful?
Wyoming, NY
5 out of 5 stars.

Beautiful Finish

a year ago
This was an indoor renovation to a previously varnished bannister of 40 years in a high traffic area. After appropriate sanding, I was a bit unsure of the application process and finish quality. I was blown away with the beautiful final look and consider this a quality product.
Helpful?
Rising Star, Texas
5 out of 5 stars.

Second purchase

a year ago
Great product. Told by sales in my recent purchase that I couldn't wood use a restoration oil prior to applying Gleam. Was advised that the oil base I used previously ( Real Milk Paint Company's - Outdoor Defense) could be used because both products shared a similar base composition. Works great together!
Helpful?
lake Wautauga
5 out of 5 stars.

pleased

a year ago
Had old finish that had been neglected.Sanded with 80 then 220 applied varnish in 3 coats looks great.Needs more in fall but I got it acceptable to meet deadline. Very forgiving product.Great recommendation.
Helpful?
Pensacola fl
5 out of 5 stars.

Yes

a year ago
Extremely good finish after 5 coats. Liked the way it worked, Took getting use to applying with foam brush. Very thin consistency, Need very little varnish on brush to avoid runs!!'
Helpful?
Manistee, MI
5 out of 5 stars.

Great product

a year ago
We use this product for all of our mahogany trim. Excellent product and manufacturing friendly.
Helpful?
Guntersville AL
5 out of 5 stars.

I would definitely buy this product again.

a year ago
The varnish worked great. Application was smooth and effortless. I applied 3 coats a day which cut the work down considerably. The best part is it looks great!
Helpful?
Massachusetts
4 out of 5 stars.

This is my second time with this product.

a year ago
I remain cautiously optimistic! It is interesting in that my 'working' quantity remains unskimmed for a considerable period of time (several days), yet, as advertised, dries to recoat very quickly. Left in a partially full can for an extended period of time (maybe two years, most certainly one), it forms an exceedingly thick skin. And, yes, I have recommended it!
Helpful?
Minniapolis, MN
5 out of 5 stars.

great fish and easy application

a year ago
I have tried a variety of other varnishes for water craft application. This is best I have seen. Dies to a durable weather resistant finish.
Helpful?
Imperial PA
1 out of 5 stars.

Gleam 2.0

a year ago
The gloss was wonderful but the Matte product was a total disaster. I think the pint can I received had been sitting on the shelf at your facility too long. All products have a shelf life and the one I received showed signs of breaking down in the can. After thoroughly mixing I sprayed a coat with my HVLP gun and the finish was not even. Next I used the Mohair roller and that turned out worse. Every time I had to mix it due to the slug of material in the bottom of the can and that was only 12 hours later that it settle out of solution. Fortunately I used this on a practice piece just to see what it would look like. I'm not going to use this on my butcher block counter top, Epfanes is the product I will use instead.
Helpful?
New York
4 out of 5 stars.

A good finish

a year ago
A good finish, and love added coats after an hour. However, if material is not well sanded it will peal.
Helpful?
Mt. Pleasant, SC
5 out of 5 stars.

Great product.

a year ago
Can be reapplied in 3 hours.
Helpful?
LONG ISLAND NY
5 out of 5 stars.

YES

a year ago
USED TO REFINISH TRIM AND CABIN DOORS FOR MY 1980 LHURS ENDURA. SANDED EVERYTHING DOWN TO BARE WOOD AND APPLIED FIRST COAT WITH 50/50 MIXTURE OF GLEAM AND MINERAL SPIRITS. FIRST COAT SEALED AND RETURNED WOOD TO ORIGINAL COLOR. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO NEED 6-7 COATS BUT AFTER THE 4TH COAT( LIGHTLY SCUFFING WITH 320 GRIT SCOTCH PAD BETWEEN EACH COAT) EVERYTHING LOOKED SO BEAUTFUL I WAS ABLE TO STOP AT 4. ABSOLUTLY WONDERFUL PRODUCT . GREAT TIME AND LABOR SAVER
Helpful?
Cambridge MD
3 out of 5 stars.

Old Varnish?

2 years ago
Must have been on the shelf for awhile and required a lot of stirring. Would be great if paint products were shaken before shipping.
Helpful?
Florida
5 out of 5 stars.

Love this varnish

2 years ago
This is great stuff. Flows on smooth. Can get 3-4 coats on in a day. After 6-7 coats I let it dry two days, then sand it smooth and apply another coat or the satin. Highly recommended.
Helpful?
Home wood shop Michigan
5 out of 5 stars.

I would indeed buy this project again.

2 years ago
I used the product Gleam 2.0 to clear coat a wood surfboard I built for my son. He will use the board on primarily the west coast.
Helpful?
Mcminnville , oregon
5 out of 5 stars.

Works for me.

2 years ago
I like the pint size as my projects are smaller and the quart size thickens up before I use it all. I use polyfoam brushes and have used this combination for a long time and always get nice comments on my finishes.
Helpful?
Southport NC
5 out of 5 stars.

I would by this product again

2 years ago
Works well . Nice finish. Used to build gloss and depth before final satin coat. If you a working on an indoor project be warned this produck has a very strong odor and you may want to consider a low voc water based otion
Helpful?
Rocky Hill Conn
5 out of 5 stars.

I Would definitely buy this product again

2 years ago
This product was so easy to use and the results were above my expectations I would definitely buy this product again!
Helpful?
Wilmington, NC
5 out of 5 stars.

First time user

2 years ago
I just used this product on my spruce boom for a Pearson Vanguard. I sanded the boom down to bare wood, washed it, let it dry and applied a coat of thinned down West Epoxy with Special Hardener. Sanded lightly and applied another coat. Sanded again and put on three coats of Gleam Gloss in one day, sanded lightly and applied three more coats another day. The Gleam is very forgiving and levels out very nicely compared to other varnishes I have used.
Helpful?
Crystal Lake Il
5 out of 5 stars.

Awesomeness

2 years ago
I love how easy it goes on and how durable the finish is on. I was using another varnish and was getting so frustrated with the results! I use it for finishing my fly fishing nets.
Helpful?
Montana
5 out of 5 stars.

Easy to apply by a non-expert

2 years ago
I have done a little varnish work in the past but it always seems to be a struggle to get a smooth finish. I rolled with a 4"" foam weenie roller and then tipped with a 4"" chisel point foam brush. Two coats a day for two days then 320 grit for 5th coat. Best finish I've ever had.
Helpful?
11 – 40 of 215 Reviews

Questions

1 - 10 of 76 Questions

Q: null If I purchase gleam quart gloss/satin combo Saturday night when is the quickest I can get it delivered to Beaufort sc.

10 months ago
1 Answer

A: Hi there! Shipping to South Carolina generally takes about 3 business days.

10 months ago
Helpful?

Q: null What stains types/brands work best with Gleem.

11 months ago
1 Answer

A: TotalBoat does not test stains for compatibility. However, you should be able to use it with the Interlux and Epifanes stain listed on this website. Whatever stain you use you should do a test piece following directions provided under the product support tab at the top of the screen.

10 months ago
Helpful?

Q: null Sanding off old varnish from wood transom. Boat located in So. Florida. Which would work better; Gleam or Halcyon

a year ago
4 Answers

A: I love Gleam Have not tried Halcyon so cannot comment Pete G ?

a year ago
Helpful?

Q: null When spraying, what is the typical coverage for a quart and a gallon of TotalBoat Gleam?

a year ago
2 Answers

A: 80-100 square feet per coat per quart and 320-400 square feet per coat per gallon

a year ago
Helpful?

Q: null I purchased Gleam 2.0 with the intention of varnishing the ash gunwales on my canoe. The gunwales were oiled with Watco Danish oil over 1 yr ago, but does not hold up well to the outdoor elements. What is the proper prep before applying Gleam 2.0, I have sanded off as much as possible already.

a year ago
3 Answers

A: Mario,I've had some experience with overcoating a Watco finish with solvent-based (""oil-based"") varnish.I have successfully applied solvent-based varnish over Watco coated walnut. Since Watco is a polymerizing penetrating coating, it's important to be sure the Watco is fully cured, but if a year has passed since its application, that shouldn't be a problem. Based on my experience, I'd say go for it! Good luck.

a year ago
Helpful?

Q: null Is Gleam a good choice for use on a cedar plank floor in a 3 season porch? It gets some rain, snow and sunshine through the screened windows. I've looked at several exterior varnishes and polyurethanes and all are not recommended on floors.

a year ago
1 Answer

A: Hey Eldin. Thanks for asking. The reason most varnishes are not recommended for floors is usually because the high gloss finish can be very slippery. Gleam gloss will have this same issue, but the satin will be less slippery than gloss and could be used as a top coat to reduce sheen and slip. However, it's still important to use good judgement, especially in high traffic areas, and also to remember that varnishes are not generally suitable for water exposure for over 24 hours, so you'll need to make sure water and snow don't accumulate on the surface and sit for a prolonged period.

a year ago
Helpful?

Q: null I plan on putting the Gleam 2.0 over the outside of my drift boat. Can you paint over the Gleam 2.0 with Wet Edge topside paint?

a year ago
2 Answers

A: Hi Walter. Thanks for reaching out. Yes, you can paint over Gleam 2.0 with Wet Edge, but if you haven't applied either yet, only one is necessary. To use Wet Edge over Gleam, let the Gleam fully cure for 5-7 days, then sand the surface lightly with 220 grit and clean with denatured alcohol before applying Wet Edge.

a year ago
Helpful?

Q: null Can I brush coat gleam 2.0 spar varnish on wood in 55-58 degree outside weather or do I need to wait 2 weeks or longer until weather temps reach 65+ degrees outside? I'm not working in a controlled inside environment. Thanks

a year ago
2 Answers

A: Generally the best option is to wait for ideal conditions but you can apply Gleam in 50 degree weather. It will extend the cure time. Start early to take advantage of the warm part of the day. If temp drops below 50 while curing it may not set up. Sometimes it helps to use spraying thinner instead of brushing thinner in cold temps.

a year ago
Helpful?

Q: null I could tell the can wasn't full. gleam 2.0 . Anybody else notice only 26 oz. in the quart?

2 years ago
1 Answer

A: I've purchased Gleam varnish several times & the can has always arrived ""full to the brim"" Very Truly Yours,Robert 

2 years ago
Helpful?

Q: null I'm interested in refinishing a park bench with wooden ""slats."" also, a 100+ year old bench swing with wooden slats. What refinishing process should I use? I see maybe the penetrating sealer may be the first step in the process. I'm also interested in a satin finish, not gloss. Is that available? Thanks, Bob

2 years ago
1 Answer

A: I had the same problem with a much more contemporary park bench that took a lot of Florida sun. I used satin marine spar varnish as you suggest you might do. It worked well for about five years and now needs to be re-done if I want to keep the bench. The wood deterioration stopped. You will definitely need at least three coats, the first to seal the wood, the second to smooth the surface, and the third to begin making it look good. If you love it, you might go to five or six coats. If it gets a lot of sun exposure, plan on re-doing the project in 5 years.

2 years ago
Helpful?
1 - 10 of 76 Questions
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