TotalBoat Gleam

Easy-to-use spar varnish

High-gloss or satin finish

Quick-drying formula

Fortified with UV inhibitors

TotalBoat Gleam is a high-quality, one-part marine spar varnish that provides a beautiful, long-lasting polyurethane finish with maximum UV protection. Gleam provides water resistance on brightwork on boats, strip canoes, kayaks and more, and is available in high gloss and satin. The forgiving formula makes great results easy to achieve.

Product Overview

• Cleaner/Surface Preparation Solvents:
  • TotalBoat Dewaxer & Surface Prep
  • TotalBoat Brushing Thinner 100
  • TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101
  • Denatured alcohol (bare substrates only)
  • Acetone (bare substrates only, especially for oily hardwoods or bare white oak substrates)
• Cleanup Solvents:
  • TotalBoat Dewaxer & Surface Prep
  • TotalBoat Brushing Thinner 100
  • TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101
• Thinner/Reducer Solvents:
  • TotalBoat Brushing Thinner 100 for brushing and rolling applications
  • TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101 for spraying and cool weather brushing/rolling applications
• Primer/Precoat/Sealer: TotalBoat Wood Sealer (optional for seal coats)
• Paint Strainer: Fine paint strainers are ideal; medium strainers are sufficient for build coats
• Acceptable Substrates: Wood, properly prepared epoxy, previously varnished wood in good condition, or previously painted surfaces

Surface Preparation

Bare Wood

• Wood should be clean, dry, and free of grease, oils, tar, dust, wax, or contaminants prior to sanding.
• Ideal moisture content is 6–8% (less than 10% acceptable). Higher moisture content is not recommended.
• Sand with 220-grit sandpaper in the direction of the grain until smooth.
• Vacuum away sanding dust.
• Optional: Use tack cloth, followed by solvent wipe with clean lint-free rag.
• Allow surface to dry completely before applying Gleam.

Previously Varnished Surfaces

• Strip surfaces in poor condition to bare substrate.
• Only apply to sound coatings without cracking, peeling, or delamination.
• Wash with mild soap and water and rinse thoroughly.
• Wipe with solvent using lint-free rag and allow to evaporate.
• Sand with 220–320 grit in direction of grain.
• Remove residue with solvent wipe and allow to dry.

Teak

• Gray/weathered teak should be cleaned using TotalBoat Teak Cleaner.
• Use Part A and Part B as directed.
• Allow ample drying time before coating.
• Follow bare wood preparation steps.

Epoxy Surfaces

• Allow epoxy to cure 5–7 days before preparation.
• Wash with soap and water to remove amine blush.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
• Sand with 220–320 grit (DA sander recommended).
• Remove residue with solvent wipe and allow to dry.

Previously Painted Surfaces

• Apply only to compatible coatings in good condition.
• Remove contaminants before sanding.
• Sand with 220–320 grit.
• Remove residue and allow to dry before application.

Application

Important – Read Before Varnishing

• Stir or shake thoroughly before use (critical for Satin finish).
• Minimum overcoat time:
  • 1 hour @ 80°F
  • 3 hours @ 65°F
  • 8 hours @ 50°F
• Do not exceed 3 mils wet film thickness.
• Applying too thick will extend dry times and trap solvents.
• Applying too thin may reduce gloss and require additional coats.
• Maximum of 3 coats per day.
• No sanding required if recoated within 48 hours.
• Do not sand for at least 24 hours after most recent coat.
• If multiple coats applied in one day, wait 48 hours before sanding.
• Lightly sand with 320 grit; do not over-sand.
• Do not use solvent wipes within 48 hours of application.
• If tack rag is used, follow with wipe using TotalBoat Brushing Thinner 100.
• Apply minimum 4–6 coats (more coats increase UV resistance and clarity).

Gloss vs Satin Application

• Use Gloss for all seal and build coats.
• Use Satin only for final 1–2 coats.

Application Conditions

• Best results: 60–85°F
• Do not apply below 45°F or above 105°F
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Avoid high humidity, rain, dew, or fog

First Coat on Bare Wood (Seal Coat)

• Reduce varnish 25% using appropriate TotalBoat thinner.
• This improves penetration and sealing.
• First coat may take longer to dry.
• Second seal coat may be applied if needed.
• Alternative: Apply 2–3 coats of TotalBoat Wood Sealer, allow 24 hours, sand lightly, then apply Gleam.

Application Methods

Brushing

• TotalBoat Brushing Thinner 100 provides best flow and leveling.
• Below 60°F, TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101 may be used.
• No thinning required for most applications (after seal coat).
• Optional thinning: 5–10%.
• Do not over-thin.
• Use high-quality natural bristle brushes.
• Foam brushes acceptable but not preferred.
• 1/8" foam or mohair rollers recommended.
• Roll and tip method is effective.

Spraying

• Reduce 10–20% with TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101.
• Use minimal thinning for best gloss and dry time.
• Airless: ~2500 psi, .33–.41 mm tip
• Pressure Pot: 50–65 psi gun / 8–10 psi pot, .89–1.4 mm tip
• Siphon Cup: 50–65 psi, 1.5–1.8 mm tip

Yearly Maintenance

Clean with boat soap such as TotalBoat Boat Soap and water. For exterior use, apply 1–2 coats annually to maintain UV protection.

Warning

RAGS, STEEL WOOL, OR WASTE SOAKED WITH THIS PRODUCT MAY SPONTANEOUSLY CATCH FIRE IF DISCARDED IMPROPERLY. IMMEDIATELY AFTER USE, PLACE IN A SEALED, WATER-FILLED METAL CONTAINER.

Personal Safety

Always use proper PPE and refer to Safety Data Sheets for additional information.

Application Data

Physical Data