Epifanes Clear High Gloss Varnish, 5000ml, CV.5000
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Product Description
Epifanes Clear High Gloss Varnish 5000ml (5L) (CV.5000) provides the ultimate in quality and deep high gloss finish! Large 5000ml (1.32 gallons) container is perfect for your big varnishing projects.
Epifanes Clear High Gloss Varnish delivers the ultimate deep, mirror‑like high gloss finish. This traditional one‑component marine varnish is formulated with tung oil, phenolic and alkyd resins, and enhanced UV filters for maximum protection and longevity.
Designed for both interior and exterior wood above the waterline, Epifanes Clear Varnish provides exceptional flow, flexibility, water resistance, and long‑term durability — even in tropical climates. It is widely regarded as the world’s finest spar varnish.
This size container is 5000ml (5L).
Features & Benefits
- Ultra-high gloss finish
- Longest lasting protection and gloss retention for all marine woods
- Superior flow for easy application
- Excellent flexibility, water resistance, and weather durability
- High build capacity
- Compatible over most existing varnishes
Technical Information
| Type | Traditional marine varnish based on tung oil, phenolic‑modified alkyd resins, and maximum UV absorbers |
| Color | Clear amber |
| Gloss | Ultra high gloss |
| Recommended Uses | Interior and exterior wood above the waterline; long‑lasting protection for all marine and household woods; maintenance of intact one‑ and two‑component varnish systems |
| Film Characteristics | Superior flow, gloss, durability, flexibility, and water resistance; renowned for high gloss retention even in tropical climates |
| Container Sizes | 250ml, 500ml, 1000ml and 5000ml |
| Density | 0.9138 g/cm³ |
| Solids Content | 52 ± 2% by volume |
| Recommended Film Thickness | Wet: 2–2.5 mil • Dry: 1–1.5 mil |
| Application | Brush or spray; roller not advised due to required wet film thickness |
| Drying Times at 65°F / 65% RH | Dust dry: 3 hours • Sandable: 24 hours • Recoatable: 24 hours |
| Spray Application | Thin 15–20% with Epifanes Spray Thinner; Nozzle 1.2–1.5mm; Pressure 30–45 psi; 20–24 sec DIN‑cup 4mm |
| Additives | Epifanes Accelerator, Epifanes Retarder |
| Application Conditions | 47°F–86°F; RH 50–85%; avoid direct sun or wind; avoid wet‑on‑wet application; tip off along the grain |
Download Technical Data Sheet here.
Recommended Epifanes Thinners & Additives
- Epifanes Brush Thinner for Paint & Varnish (TPVB.500 / TPVB.1000) — Recommended for all brushing applications. Ensures proper flow, leveling, and penetration during the first three thinned coats.
- Epifanes Spray Thinner for Paint & Varnish (TPVS.1000) — Designed for spray application. Provides correct atomization, flow-out, and spray viscosity for Clear Varnish.
- Epifanes Accelerator (APV.500) — Speeds up curing and increases hardness. Useful in cooler temperatures or when faster recoat times are needed.
- Epifanes Mahogany Stain (MHS.500) & Epifanes Teak Stain (CTS.500) — May be added up to 10% to impart a warm wood tone. Ideal for restoring color or enhancing grain depth.
- Epifanes Easy-Flow (EF.500 / EF.1000) — Flow enhancer that improves leveling and reduces brush marks. Helpful in warm, windy, or fast‑drying conditions.
Surface Prep & Application
Bare wood must be clean, dry, and free of grease. Degrease with Epifanes Spray Thinner or denatured alcohol. Do not use mineral spirits or water. Sand bare wood to a fresh surface with 60–80 grit, then finish with 100–120 grit. Stain if desired before varnishing.
Brush application with a high‑quality natural bristle brush provides the best results. Foam brushes are suitable for small projects only. “Roll and tip” is ideal for large flat areas.
| Coats | First | Second | Third | At least 4 more |
| Product | Epifanes Clear Gloss | Epifanes Clear Gloss | Epifanes Clear Gloss | Epifanes Clear Gloss |
| Thinner | Brush Thinner | Brush Thinner | Brush Thinner | Brush Thinner |
| Thinning % | 50% | 25% | 15% | 0–5% |
| Drying Time | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Abrasive Grit | 220 | 280 | 320 | 320–400 |
| Abrasive Type | Dry | Dry | Dry | Wet or Dry |
| Coverage | 150–300 sq ft | 150–250 sq ft | 150–200 sq ft | 150 sq ft |
| Remarks | Do not sand through stain | Sand by hand; machines may be too aggressive | ||
Videos
Watch: How To Apply Epifanes Clear Varnish | A Beginners Varnishing Quick Guide, by Dan Lee Boatbuilding
Watch: How To Tip Varnish, by Dan Lee Boatbuilding
Watch: How to apply Epifanes Clear Varnish
Watch: Varnishing a front door with Epifanes Clear Gloss and Woodfinish Matte
Maintenance
For intact varnish systems, apply one or more coats on a well‑cleaned, degreased, lightly sanded surface. Suitable over most one‑component alkyd/urethane varnishes and over two‑component varnishes when properly prepared.
SMSDistributors Expert Notes
- Thin the first three coats. Epifanes Clear Varnish is designed to penetrate deeply into wood during the early build stages. Follow the manufacturer’s thinning schedule: 50% → 25% → 15% before applying full‑bodied coats.
- Do not rush drying times. Even though the varnish may feel dry to the touch, full curing takes longer. Recoating too soon can trap solvents and reduce long‑term gloss and durability.
- Sand only when fully dry. Sanding too early can cause clogging, surface tearing, or dull patches. At 65°F, allow a full 24 hours between coats.
- Hand‑sand only. Power sanders can be too aggressive and may cut through stain or previous varnish layers. Use P220–P220 grits dry abrasive paper by hand between coats.
- Avoid varnishing in direct sun or wind. Rapid solvent loss reduces flow and can cause brush marks, orange peel, or poor leveling. Work in shaded, controlled conditions whenever possible.
- Use a high‑quality natural bristle brush. This varnish flows best with long‑haired, soft bristle brushes. Foam brushes are fine for small areas but not recommended for large surfaces.
- Roll‑and‑tip works well on large panels. Use a foam roller to apply varnish, then immediately “tip off” with a bristle brush along the grain for a smooth, even finish.
- Do not apply wet‑on‑wet. Each coat must dry completely before sanding and recoating. Wet‑on‑wet application traps solvents and causes long‑term adhesion issues.
- Expect at least 7–10 coats for a true mirror finish. Three thinned penetrating coats followed by 4–7 full‑bodied coats produce the deep, classic Epifanes gloss.
- For tropical climates, apply extra coats. High UV environments require 6+ full‑bodied finishing coats for maximum protection and gloss retention.
- Remove amine blush before varnishing over epoxy. Epifanes Clear Varnish is compatible over epoxy only if the surface is fully cured, washed, and sanded to remove blush.
- Maintain annually. One or two maintenance coats each year will keep the finish looking new and prevent the need for full refinishing.
About SMSDistributors
SMSDistributors.com is an authorized dealer for Epifanes marine coatings, supplying the complete line of Epifanes varnishes, enamels, additives, and specialty finishes. We maintain a deep stocking inventory to ensure fast, reliable shipping for both professional and DIY marine finishing projects.
We can also custom tint many colors in house in the Polyurethane, Mono-urethane and Yacht Enamel paint systems.
Our focus is on providing accurate technical data, manufacturer‑verified product information, and easy access to the full Epifanes catalog of products. Customers can reference our detailed technical sheets, videos and how‑to resources to select the right products for their application.
We are committed to delivering genuine Epifanes products, efficient order fulfillment, and a streamlined buying experience.
Category
Epifanes > Varnish