While the high-gloss finishes created by yacht coatings specialist AkzoNobel grace the fiberglass hulls of some of the world’s most advanced modern superyachts, the protection and beautification of cherished wooden vessels represents a field of specialism which runs deep within the company’s ethos.
For the AkzoNobel team, the role of paint systems in preserving wooden boats takes on extra significance when, in many cases, the owner is also a proud and passionate custodian of the boat’s individual history.
Through its brands, International®, Awlgrip® and Sea Hawk®, AkzoNobel shares that same passion with a commitment to respect each wooden boat’s past while preparing her for an equally important future.
When it comes to timeless appeal, gorgeously varnished timber never fails to attract attention, bringing out the natural beauty of the wood and the craftsmanship behind it, while offering critical protection from UV exposure and abrasion.
For owners, choosing the right varnish for the interior and exterior, and deciding where they want shine and hard-wearing protection, and where they want a calm satin finish, can be challenging.
Backed by decades of experience in varnishes, International® makes that decision easy with its Goldspar® product family.
Goldspar: One family, two finishes
Whatever the timber, and wherever it sits on the boat, there is a Goldspar finish for it, and both are easy to get right.
Goldspar Original is a tough gloss varnish for brightwork, inside and out above the waterline, while Goldspar Satin is an interior varnish for a softer, high-end look below deck. Together they cover every piece of timber on board.
UV resistant and quick to dry, Goldspar Original premium clear gloss varnish is suitable for every timber surface on the boat. The durable cured film offers superior abrasion resistance, standing up to knocks and wear, and is still easy to apply, with a professional finish at any skill level.
Goldspar Original is based on a modified PU alkyd, combining the flexibility and adhesion of a traditional alkyd with the hardness and chemical resistance of polyurethane. Ensuring a long-lasting finish even in high sun exposure, UV absorbers in the film soak up sunlight’s damaging rays and convert them into heat, which dissipates through the surface of the coating, protecting both the varnish and the timber underneath.
The sister product to Goldspar Original, Goldspar Satin is a quick-drying interior varnish that provides a satin matt finish of around 20 to 30 gloss units. It is perfect for achieving an elegant, understated look for quality interiors, with low dust pick-up.
A urethane modified alkyd varnish which blends the natural flexibility and wood-penetrating properties of a traditional alkyd with the toughness of urethane, Goldspar Satin combines hardness and durability with ease of application and is resistant to heat, mild chemicals and the everyday wear common in interior areas like the galley, saloon and heads.
Getting it right: Shine or calm
Goldspar Original and Goldspar Satin are built to work in harmony, with many boats using both. The high gloss of Original, which cures to a light amber, is made to withstand the strong Australian sun, salt and wear; perfect for on deck where the timber on toerails, handrails, coamings, hatches, exterior trim is exposed, as well as for gloss interior joinery.
The Satin sheen, meanwhile, delivers a refined finish below, without the high maintenance look of full gloss, where the ambience is softer and the surfaces, panelling and furniture must cope with heat, spills and daily use.
Both Goldspar products are easy to apply by brush, roller or spray and both can be used on naturally oily timbers such as teak, once they have been properly degreased, so there is no need to strip the wood back.
With one product family, International® makes varnishing simple and easy for every boat owner and every timber onboard.
AkzoNobel returns for the 2027 Australian Wooden Boat Festival.
For more information, visit https://www.international-yachtpaint.com/au/en/products/filters/c_Varnishes/ag_Retail.
