What is Epifanes Rapidclear and why choose it?
Epifanes Rapidclear is a fast-drying, semi-gloss urethane varnish with UV filter, designed for quick and easy protection of wood above the waterline. It provides good adhesion on all kinds of wood, including teak, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Sanding between coats is not strictly necessary when recoating within 72 hours, which significantly shortens application time compared to traditional varnish systems. Rapidclear is also suitable over existing varnish systems, regardless of brand, and can be used as a quick-drying impregnating base coat before finishing with high-gloss or matte Epifanes varnishes.
Main features
- Fast-drying semi-gloss finish: Semigloss appearance (approx. 75% gloss) with a transparent amber tone.
- Excellent adhesion: Adheres well to many wood species, including dense oily woods such as teak.
- Reduced sanding requirements: Sanding between coats is not absolutely necessary if recoated within 72 hours.
- UV-filtering protection: Formulated as a wood protector with UV filter for wood exposed above the waterline.
- Interior and exterior use: Suitable for all wooden parts and objects above the waterline, both inside and outside.
- Versatile compatibility: Can be applied over any other varnish system, irrespective of brand, and used as a base for Epifanes Clear Varnish or Epifanes Woodfinish Gloss/Matte.
- High coverage: Theoretical coverage of about 140 ft² per litre at 1 mil dry film thickness.
- User-friendly application: Best applied by brush or spray; application by roller is not advised due to the required wet film thickness.
Technical specifications
- Type: Oxidative drying
- Base: Urethane resin
- Gloss level: Semi-gloss (75%)
- Colour: Transparent amber
- Density (20 °C / 68 °F): 0.89 g/cm³
- Viscosity: 25 seconds ISO cup 4 mm (DIN 53211/4)
- Solids content: approx. 40–43% by volume
- VOC level: approx. 507 g/l (about 57% organic solvents)
- Recommended wet film thickness: 2–2.5 mil (60–70 µm)
- Recommended dry film thickness: 0.5–1 mil (25–30 µm) per coat
- Theoretical coverage: approx. 140 ft² per litre at 1 mil dry film thickness
- Packaging: 750 ml and 4000 ml
- Shelf life: 3 years in unopened container, stored dry between 41–86 °F (5–30 °C)
- Drying times at approx. 65% relative humidity, 1 mil dry film:
- 50 °F (10 °C): dust dry 2 h; recoatable 10 h
- 59 °F (15 °C): dust dry 1.5 h; recoatable 8 h
- 68 °F (20 °C): dust dry 1 h; recoatable 6 h
- 77 °F (25 °C): dust dry 45 min; recoatable 4 h
- Application temperature (substrate and air): approx. 8–30 °C (47–86 °F)
- Recommended number of coats (system build-up): 5–6 coats Rapidclear
- Brush thinner: Epifanes Brushthinner for Paint & Varnish or 100% mineral spirits (not low VOC)
- Spray thinner: Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish or denatured alcohol
- Typical spray settings: 0–10% thinning; nozzle 1.3–1.5 mm; 30–45 psi; 16–20 s DIN 4 mm
Applications and use cases
Field of use
- All wooden parts and objects above the waterline.
- Interior and exterior wood on yachts and other wooden structures.
- Suitable on teak and other hardwoods as well as softwoods, after proper degreasing and sanding.
As a stand‑alone finish
- Apply 5–6 coats of Epifanes Rapidclear for a durable semi-gloss protective system.
- Sanding between coats is not absolutely necessary if recoating within 72 hours; for a smoother finish, light sanding with Scotch-Brite or fine abrasive is recommended.
As a base system for high-gloss or matte finishes
- Can be used as quick-drying impregnating base coats prior to Epifanes Clear Gloss Varnish or Epifanes Woodfinish Gloss/Matte.
- To obtain a high-gloss finish, sand the final Rapidclear coat with 220 grit and then apply two or more coats of Epifanes Clear Gloss Varnish or Epifanes Woodfinish Gloss.
Surface preparation
- New wood:
- Degrease bare wood with acetone (or Epifanes Cleaning Solvent as specified in some technical sheets).
- Sand wood with approx. 180 grit (P180) and clean again.
- Apply the first coat of Rapidclear; thinning is not necessary.
- Existing varnish systems:
- Clean and degrease existing varnish (for example with denatured alcohol).
- Sand with around 240–320 grit, depending on the system.
- Apply at least two coats of Epifanes Rapidclear.
Application guidelines
- Use a long-haired soft brush or air-spray equipment. Application by roller is not advised because of the necessary wet film thickness.
- Distribute the varnish evenly and "tip off" along the wood grain.
- Avoid retipping and do not apply wet-on-wet.
- Do not apply excessively thick wet films to prevent sagging and drying problems, especially on horizontal surfaces.
- Avoid working in direct sunlight or strong wind to prevent too rapid solvent loss and poor flow.
- If the product pulls or is difficult to apply, up to 10% thinner may be added.
- To adjust the wood tone, up to 10% Epifanes Mahogany Stain or Epifanes Teak Stain can be mixed into the varnish, or Epifanes Rapidcoat can be used in the system.
- If more than 72 hours passes before recoating, sand by hand along the grain with approx. P400 / 320 grit or Scotch-Brite.
FAQ
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Is Epifanes Rapidclear suitable for both interior and exterior wood?
Yes. The technical datasheet specifies that Rapidclear can be used on all wooden parts and objects above the waterline, for both interior and exterior applications.
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Do I need to sand between coats?
Sanding between coats is not absolutely necessary if the next coat is applied within 72 hours. For a smoother finish, light sanding with Scotch-Brite or fine paper is recommended, and sanding is always required if more than 72 hours has elapsed.
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How many coats should I apply?
The system build-up recommends 5–6 coats of Epifanes Rapidclear. For a subsequent high-gloss finish, sand the final Rapidclear coat and then apply at least two coats of Epifanes Clear Gloss Varnish or Woodfinish Gloss.
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Can I apply Rapidclear over an existing varnish?
Yes. After cleaning, degreasing and sanding the existing varnish layer, Rapidclear can be applied over any brand of varnish. At least two coats of Rapidclear are recommended on existing systems.
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What is the drying time before recoating?
At about 68 °F (20 °C) and 65% relative humidity with a 1 mil dry film, Rapidclear is typically dust-dry in about 1 hour and recoatable after about 6 hours. Lower temperatures, higher film thickness or poor ventilation will extend drying times.
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Which tools are recommended for application?
A long-haired soft brush or spray equipment is recommended. Roller application is not advised due to the required wet film thickness.
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What is the coverage of Epifanes Rapidclear?
The theoretical coverage is about 140 ft² per litre at 1 mil dry film thickness. Practical coverage will depend on surface condition, application technique, shape of the object and working conditions.
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Can I tint Rapidclear to restore the original wood colour?
Yes. The datasheet allows adding up to 10% Epifanes Mahogany Stain or Epifanes Teak Stain to Rapidclear to retrieve or adjust the wood colour, or incorporating Epifanes Rapidcoat into the system.
Section 14 – Transport information
- UN number / ID number: UN1263
- UN proper shipping name: PAINT
- Transport hazard class: Class 3, flammable liquids (label 3)
- Packing group: III
- Environmental hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant.
- Special precautions for user: Warning: flammable liquids.
- Hazard identification number (Kemler code): 30
- ADR tunnel restriction code: D/E
- Limited quantities (ADR / IMDG): 5 L
- Excepted quantities (EQ): Code E1; maximum 30 ml per inner packaging; maximum 1000 ml per outer packaging.
- Stowage category (IMDG): A
- Bulk transport according to IMO instruments: Not applicable.
Section 8 – Personal protective measures
Exposure controls and personal protection
- General hygiene measures: Do not eat, drink, smoke or sniff while working. Wash hands before breaks and after finishing work. Immediately remove soiled or contaminated clothing.
- Respiratory protection: Use an appropriate respiratory filter device (Filter AX) for short or low exposures. For intensive or prolonged exposure, use respiratory protective equipment independent of the surrounding air. A half-face mask for organic vapours and solvents according to EN140 type A1 or A2 is recommended.
- Hand protection:
- Use protective gloves that are impermeable and resistant to the product.
- For permanent contact up to 15 minutes, butyl rubber gloves are indicated.
- For protection against splashes, gloves of chloroprene (approx. >0.7 mm, breakthrough >60 min, EN 374) or nitrile rubber (approx. >0.3 mm, breakthrough >60 min, EN 374) are indicated.
- The exact breakthrough time and suitability must be confirmed with the glove manufacturer.
- Eye/face protection: Tightly sealed safety goggles.
- Body protection: Protective work clothing or protective suit as appropriate.
- Ventilation: Work only with adequate ventilation or local exhaust; avoid formation of aerosols.
*Contenido generado por IA
