TotalBoat Halcyon

Water-based marine varnish with excellent UV protection

Apply up to 5 coats per day with no sanding between coats

Available in Clear Gloss, Amber Gloss, and Satin

TotalBoat Halcyon is a one-part, water-based marine varnish that delivers a durable, UV-resistant finish while enhancing wood grain clarity. Its low-odor, low-VOC formula allows for fast recoating and easy soap-and-water cleanup.

Product Overview

• Cleaner/Surface Preparation Solvents:
  • Denatured alcohol (bare substrates only)
  • Acetone (bare wood only, especially for oily hardwoods or white oak)
  • Water (for removing sanding residue only)
• Cleanup:
  • Water (mechanical removal required once cured)
• Thinner/Reducer:
  • Water (0–20%)
• Primer/Precoat: TotalBoat Wood Sealer (optional, for traditional varnish appearance)
• Paint Strainer: Fine or medium
• Acceptable Substrates: Bare wood, previously varnished wood, epoxy, and properly prepared painted surfaces

Surface Preparation

Bare Wood

• Wood must be clean, dry, and free of contaminants.
• Ideal moisture content: 6–8% (below 10% acceptable).
• Sand with 180–220 grit in the direction of the grain.
• Remove all sanding residue using vacuum or tack cloth.
• Wipe with appropriate solvent and allow to dry completely.

Previously Varnished Surfaces

• Remove all poorly adhered coatings.
• Wash with soap and water and rinse thoroughly.
• Wipe with solvent and allow to evaporate.
• Sand with 220–320 grit sandpaper until smooth.
• Remove residue and allow to dry completely.

Teak

• Clean weathered or gray teak using TotalBoat Teak Cleaner.
• Allow at least 48 hours drying time before coating.
• Follow bare wood preparation steps.

Epoxy Surfaces

• Allow epoxy to cure for 5–7 days.
• Wash to remove amine blush.
• Sand with 220–320 grit sandpaper.
• Clean surface and allow to dry completely.

Previously Painted Surfaces

• Apply only to compatible coatings in good condition.
• Sand with 320 grit sandpaper.
• Clean and allow to dry before applying.

Application Conditions

• 50–90°F and under 85% humidity
• Do not apply below 40°F or above 105°F
• Avoid direct sunlight, dew, fog, or precipitation

Application

• Shake or stir thoroughly before use (especially Satin).
• Apply at 4–6 mils wet film thickness.
• Cloudy appearance during application will clear as coating dries.
• Minimum overcoat time: 1 hour (must be tack-free).
• Up to 5 coats per day under ideal conditions.
• Recoat without sanding within 12 hours.
• Do not sand for at least 12 hours after final coat.
• If multiple coats are applied in one day, wait 48 hours before sanding.
• Sand with 320 grit sandpaper before final coats.
• Apply 3–4 coats for interior use and 4–6 coats for exterior use.

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Finish System (Gloss, Amber, Satin)

• Use Clear Gloss or Amber Gloss for all build coats.
• Apply Satin only for final 1–2 coats.
• Satin applied directly to bare wood may cause white spots.
• Clear and Amber may be blended to achieve custom tone.
• Satin may be blended with gloss for custom sheen.

First Coat on Bare Wood

• No thinning required for penetration.

Using Wood Sealer for Traditional Appearance

• Apply 2–3 coats of TotalBoat Wood Sealer.
• Allow 48 hours drying time.
• Sand with 320 grit sandpaper before applying Halcyon.

Application Methods

Brushing/Rolling

• No thinning typically required.
• Up to 20% water may be added if needed.
• Adding more than 10% may reduce gloss or cause sagging.
• Use high-quality synthetic bristle brushes.
• Foam brushes may reduce film thickness and gloss.
• Use 1/8" or 3/16" foam rollers.
• Roll and tip method recommended for large areas.

Spraying

• Thin 5–20% with water.
• Use minimum thinning required for best finish and drying.
• Airless: ~2500 psi, 0.33–0.41 mm tip
• Pressure Pot: 50–65 psi gun / 8–10 psi pot, 0.89–1.4 mm tip
• Siphon Cup: 50–65 psi, 1.5–1.8 mm tip

Maintenance

Clean with boat soap and water. For best results, sand lightly with 320 grit sandpaper and apply 1–2 maintenance coats annually to maintain UV protection.

Warning

RAGS, STEEL WOOL, OR WASTE SOAKED WITH THIS PRODUCT MAY SPONTANEOUSLY CATCH FIRE IF DISCARDED IMPROPERLY.

Personal Safety

Use proper PPE and ensure adequate ventilation. Refer to Safety Data Sheet for additional information.

Application Data

Physical Data