If your boat’s brightwork is looking a little dull—or you’re gearing up for your first-ever varnishing job—chances are you're choosing between TotalBoat Gleam and TotalBoat Lust. Both are premium marine varnishes that deliver beautiful, long-lasting finishes. But they serve slightly different needs, and picking the right one can make a big difference in how smoothly your project goes.
Let’s break it down
✨ TotalBoat Gleam: User-Friendly and Versatile
If you’re new to varnishing or just want something that’s easy to apply, Gleam is a rock-solid choice. It’s designed to brush on smoothly, level beautifully, and hold up in both interior and exterior conditions. Whether you're restoring a tiller, trim, or a wooden deck box, Gleam is a low-stress solution with a high-end finish.
-
Satin or gloss finish options
-
Self-leveling for minimal brush marks
-
Easy application—great for beginners
-
Lower VOCs for indoor-friendly use
💡 Tip: Gleam doesn’t usually need thinning, which makes it super approachable. Just stir and go!
📦 Shop Gleam
📄 Gleam Tech Data Sheet (PDF)
💎 TotalBoat Lust: Glossy, Fast, and Built for Speed
Lust is the varnish of choice when speed and professional-level results matter. You can apply up to 3 coats in a single day with just an hour between recoats. It dries fast, goes on crystal-clear, and leaves a high-gloss finish that really pops. But it also requires a bit more finesse—especially with thinning and brushing techniques.
-
Crystal-clear, high-gloss finish only
-
Apply up to 3 coats/day
-
Great for exterior brightwork
-
May require thinning in warmer temps for best flow
🛠️ Pro Insight: If you're working in warm, dry conditions, thinning Lust 5–10% with TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100 can help eliminate drag and leveling issues.
📦 Shop Lust
📄 Lust Tech Data Sheet (PDF)
⚠️ Pro Tip: If you want a satin finish, remember to do your build coats in gloss, and your final coat in satin.
Why? For varnish and most clear coatings it is important to not exceed too many coats of a matte/flat/satin for a few reasons:
- It will not penetrate the wood as well as a gloss
- It is not as pure a finish, leading to less UV durability per coat.
- The main reason, as you do more than 2 coats of a low sheen varnish it can begin to look milky and show white spots due to a buildup of the flattening agent used to lower the sheen.
As a general rule, any varnish material should be built up using a glossy material, then, if a satin or matte finish is desired, only apply the satin or matte as the final layer. This will give the best image of the grain, and richest colors.
❓ Common Varnish Questions
Can I apply stain before using Lust or Gleam?
Yes! You can use oil-based stains before varnishing—just make sure they’re fully cured. You can also tint the varnish slightly with universal or oil-based stains.
👉 Read more
Why isn't my varnish flowing smoothly?
Application conditions and thinning are key factors. Check out this support article if you’re struggling with brush marks or poor leveling:
👉 Why Doesn’t My Varnish Level?
How many coats of varnish do I really need?
For best results, we recommend a minimum of 4–6 coats of varnish for lasting protection and depth of finish. For outdoor projects exposed to rough elements, we recommend 6-8 coats.
Do I need to sand between coats?
If recoating within the suggested recoat window, you can often skip sanding between coats. Outside of that window—or for improved adhesion—light sanding with 320-grit paper is recommended. Always refer to the tech data sheets for specifics.
Is matte finish varnish the same as semi-gloss or satin varnish?
Matte is deemed a flat finish (or one of the lowest sheen finishes), while satin and semi-gloss are between matte and gloss.
🌲 Bonus: Start with a Wood Sealer for Better Results
If you’re applying varnish to bare wood, consider priming first with TotalBoat Wood Sealer Varnish Primer. It penetrates deep into the grain, seals the surface, and sets up a strong base for your varnish to adhere to. You’ll get better durability and faster build coats.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
💦 Interested in a Water-Based Option? Check out Halcyon
Halcyon Marine Spar Varnish is the fresh kid on the block, and it comes in a resealable, easy-pour pouch that prevents messes and waste. Halcyon's biggest flex is that it dries super fast, so you can apply up to 5 coats in a day, without sanding between coats. Looking for the ultimate easy varnish? Go with Halcyon.
✅ Final Thoughts: Which One’s Right for You?
-
Go with Gleam if you’re a first-timer, working indoors, or just want a solid finish with minimal prep and drama.
-
Choose Lust if you’re experienced, want that deep gloss, and need to knock out multiple coats in a single day.
- Other things to note: you can overcoat Gleam within hours, when it's tack-free, without sanding. However, Lust you can overcoat sooner, after about an hour. Gleam takes a little longer to dry, and Lust is just a bit glossier overall.
Either way, both varnishes are made to protect and beautify your woodwork—on the water or off. And we’re here if you need help along the way!
Lust Rapid Recoat Marine Spar Varnish
