What is Epifanes PU Clear Gloss and why choose it?
Epifanes PU Clear Gloss is a two-component polyurethane clear varnish system consisting of a base component (Comp. A) and a curing component (hardener / Comp. B). It delivers an extremely high-gloss, transparent finish and incorporates advanced UV filters to protect wood against discoloration and loss of gloss. Thanks to its high scratch and water resistance, the coating is designed to withstand all natural elements, including tropical climate conditions, and can be polished after full cure.
It is suitable both as a full system on bare, stable wood and as a protective clearcoat over existing polyurethane varnishes, epoxy surfaces and Epifanes Poly-urethane yacht coatings.
Main features
- Two-component PU system: Base (Comp. A) + hardener (Comp. B) for a durable, chemically curing film.
- Extreme high gloss: Transparent, mirror-like finish that can be polished after full cure (7 days at 68 °F).
- High-end UV filters: Helps prevent wood discoloration and loss of gloss, even under strong sunlight and tropical conditions.
- Excellent durability: High scratch resistance and excellent water resistance for long-term protection in marine and outdoor environments.
- Versatile adhesion: Suitable on all existing polyurethane varnishes regardless of brand, on epoxy as UV-protective topcoat, or as a complete system on bare, stable wood.
- Brush, roller or spray application: Optimized for longhaired soft brush or roller; spray application possible using Epifanes Poly-urethane Spray Thinner.
- Professional-grade product: Classified as a flammable liquid; may cause an allergic skin reaction and may cause drowsiness or dizziness. For professional use, with appropriate protection and ventilation.
Technical specifications
Product data (mixed system)
- Type: Chemical drying, two-component polyurethane varnish.
- Base: Acrylic poly-ol (Comp. A) with isocyanate hardener (Comp. B).
- Appearance: Transparent, high gloss.
- Colour: Clear.
- Density (Comp. A): 1.035 g/cm³ at 68 °F.
- Density (Comp. B): 1.05165–1.075 g/cm³ at 20 °C (approx., depending on specific B SDS).
- Viscosity (Comp. A): 40 s, ISO cup 4 mm.
- Solids content (Comp. A): 63 ± 2 vol.%.
- VOC level (Comp. A): approx. 380 g/l.
- Organic solvent content (Comp. B): approx. 38.9%.
Packaging and mixing
- Standard kits:
- 500 g Comp. A + 250 g Comp. B = 750 g set.
- 2 kg Comp. A + 1 kg Comp. B = 3 kg set.
- Mixing ratio (by weight): 2 parts Comp. A (base) : 1 part Comp. B (catalyst).
- Induction time at 68 °F: 10 minutes before application.
- Recommended wet film thickness: 2–2.5 mil = 1–1.5 mil dry.
- Theoretical coverage: 130 ft² per kg at 1 mil dry film thickness.
Shelf life (unopened, dry storage 41–86 °F)
- Component A: 3 years after production date.
- Component B: 1 year after production date.
Application conditions
- Ambient temperature: minimum 50 °F, maximum 86 °F.
- Relative humidity: 50–75%.
- Substrate for bare wood: Degreased and sanded with 180 grit; first coat thinned 10–15%.
- Maintenance coats on existing varnish: Degreased and sanded with 320 grit; first coat thinned 10%.
Thinners
- Brush / roller: Epifanes Poly-urethane Brush Thinner or Epifanes PU Slow Reducer.
- Spray: Epifanes Poly-urethane Spray Thinner.
- General guidance: Thinning ratio depends on product temperature and working conditions. Avoid over-thinning.
Drying and pot life (mixed product, at 65% R.H. and 1 mil dry)
| Temperature |
Dust dry |
Sandable / Recoatable |
Pot life after mixing |
| 50 °F |
4 hours |
48 hours |
5 hours |
| 59 °F |
3 hours |
30 hours |
4 hours |
| 68 °F |
2 hours |
24 hours |
3 hours |
| 77 °F |
1 hour |
20 hours |
2 hours |
Note: Horizontal parts and higher wet film thickness will extend drying times. Do not apply wet-on-wet.
System build-up example on bare wood
- Step 1 – First penetrating coat
- Product: Epifanes PP Varnish Extra.
- Number of coats: 1.
- Thinner: Epifanes Thinner for PP Varnish.
- Thinning ratio: 25% (heavily thinned for full penetration).
- Drying time at 68 °F: 2–3 hours.
- Sanding: Dry 220 grit.
- Step 2 – Build coats
- Product: Epifanes PP Varnish Extra.
- Number of coats: at least 3, preferably more, to fill grain and deepen lustre.
- Thinner: Epifanes Thinner for PP Varnish (0–10% as required).
- Drying time at 68 °F: 2–3 hours between coats.
- Sanding: No sanding between coats within 48 hours; after 48 hours sand with 320 grit.
- Step 3 – High-gloss topcoats
- Product: Epifanes Poly-urethane Clear Gloss.
- Number of coats: 3.
- Thinner: Epifanes Poly-urethane Brush Thinner / PU Slow Reducer (approx. 15%).
- Drying time at 68 °F: 24 hours between coats.
- Sanding: Dry 320 grit or Scotch-Brite, sand by hand along the grain.
Applications and use cases
- Yacht and boat brightwork: High-gloss finishing of masts, handrails, cap rails and exterior woodwork exposed to sun, salt and water.
- UV-protective topcoat over epoxy: Clear gloss layer over epoxy systems where UV protection is required.
- Refurbishing existing PU varnish: Overcoating well-degreased and sanded polyurethane varnishes (any brand) to restore gloss and add durability.
- Exterior and interior wood: Bare, stable wood surfaces finished as a complete multi-coat system with PP Varnish Extra plus PU Clear Gloss.
- Clearcoat over Epifanes PU colour systems: Extreme high-gloss clearcoat over Epifanes Poly-urethane Yacht Coatings.
Application guidelines
- Use a longhaired soft brush or a suitable roller for best levelling.
- Evenly distribute the varnish and tip off along the wood grain; avoid retipping and avoid excessive wet films to prevent curtains and drying issues.
- Do not apply wet-on-wet.
- Avoid direct sunlight, strong wind or large temperature differences between product, substrate and working area to prevent rapid solvent loss and poor flow.
- If the product pulls and becomes difficult to apply, up to 10% thinner may be added.
- To retrieve or adjust the wood colour, up to 10% Epifanes Mahogany Stain or Epifanes Teak Stain may be added to the varnish.
- After drying, sand lightly with 320 grit or Scotch-Brite by hand along the grain before recoating.
- Polishing is possible after full cure: 7 days at 68 °F.
FAQ
1. Is Epifanes PU Clear Gloss suitable over other brands of polyurethane varnish?
Yes. The product is stated as suitable on all existing polyurethane varnishes regardless of brand, provided the surface is properly degreased and sanded (typically 320 grit) before application.
2. Can it be used as a complete system on bare wood?
Yes. It can be used as a full system on bare, stable wood. For faster build-up and better grain filling, the technical sheet recommends using Epifanes PP Varnish Extra as undercoat followed by Epifanes PU Clear Gloss topcoats.
3. How long should I wait before sanding and recoating?
At 68 °F and 65% relative humidity, the coating is generally recoatable after about 24 hours. Lower temperatures or higher film thicknesses will extend drying time, particularly on horizontal surfaces.
4. When can the surface be polished?
Polishing can be carried out after full cure, which is stated as 7 days at 68 °F.
5. Can I spray Epifanes PU Clear Gloss?
Spray application is possible using Epifanes Poly-urethane Spray Thinner. For optimal spray results, the manufacturer additionally recommends the specialized Epifanes PU Speedcoat Clear Gloss.
6. What is the pot life after mixing the two components?
Depending on temperature, pot life ranges from approximately 5 hours at 50 °F to 2 hours at 77 °F.
7. Is this product suitable for use in tropical climates?
Yes. The product description explicitly mentions that the coating will withstand all natural elements, including tropical climate conditions.
8. Is Epifanes PU Clear Gloss safe for use by consumers?
The safety data indicate hazards such as flammability, potential for allergic skin reaction and possible drowsiness or dizziness. Several documents specify it as for professional use. Always follow local regulations and safety instructions.
9. What is the theoretical coverage?
The theoretical coverage is approximately 130 ft² per kg at 1 mil dry film thickness. Practical coverage will be lower and depends on substrate condition, application technique and shape of the object.
10. Can I mix this product with other coatings?
No specific information is given on mixing with other brands or systems beyond the combinations stated (PP Varnish Extra and Epifanes polyurethane yacht coatings). For other combinations: Consultar ficha técnica del fabricante.
Section 14 – Transport information
- UN number / ID: UN1263.
- UN proper shipping name: ADR: 1263 PAINT; IMDG/IATA: PAINT.
- Transport hazard class: Class 3 (F1) flammable liquids; label 3.
- Packing group: III.
- Environmental hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant.
- Special precautions for user: Warning – flammable liquids.
- Kemler hazard identification number: 30.
- EMS number (sea transport): F-E, S-E.
- Stowage category: A.
- ADR tunnel restriction code: D/E.
- Limited quantities (ADR/IMDG): 5 L.
- Excepted quantities (ADR/IMDG/IATA): Code E1 – up to 30 ml per inner packaging and 1000 ml per outer packaging.
Section 8 – Individual protection measures
According to the safety data sheets for Epifanes Poly-urethane Clear Gloss Comp. A and the curing component (Comp. B), the following personal protective equipment and safety measures are recommended:
General protective and hygienic measures
- Keep away from food, beverages and animal feed.
- Immediately remove soiled or contaminated clothing.
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