We named this product Lust because we had a rabid desire to create a one-part, high-gloss spar varnish that was super glossy, flowed well, could be hot-coated, and didn’t need sanding between coats.

Until now, only synthetic finishes mimicking the appearance of varnish allowed multiple coats without sanding. They are popular not for their finish quality, but for their ease of application and time savings. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there’s no substitute for the timeless beauty of real varnish. Until now, achieving such a finish meant lots of time and energy spent applying multiple coats and sanding between each.

We concocted, we tested and retested, and Lust was born. We were driven by our lust for Lust, you might say. Its unique linseed oil modified polyurethane formula and its rapid recoating capability can’t be found in any other marine varnish.

Build multiple coats quickly so you can see the shine sooner and finish the job faster

Lust has a viscosity similar to traditional European varnishes. But unlike traditional European varnishes, it can be recoated in as little as one hour at 72°F. And again, without requiring sanding between coats. The gloss improves, layer by layer. A total of 6-8 coats provide the best UV protection and the highest gloss. If you prefer a matte finish, Lust Matte provides a smooth-as-satin finish that downplays the shine and lets the natural beauty of the wood speak for itself.

Lust High Gloss Spar Varnish puts the bright in brightwork

Lust High Gloss dries fast, hard, and wet-looking. The finish is smooth and durable, with a gloss level so shiny it looks wet, even when it’s dry — making it ideal for brightwork. To protect that glossy amber sheen, Lust is heavily fortified with UV stabilizers. Just as the gloss becomes glossier layer by layer, the UV protection becomes stronger as more coats are applied.

TotalBoat Lust Varnish Details

• Innovative one-part marine spar varnish allows rapid recoating with no sanding needed between coats.
• Recoat in just 1 hour @ 72°F.
• Gives all types of wood greater depth and a rich, warm, amber finish.
• For interior and exterior use.
• Finish: Ultra-High Gloss or Matte
• Color: Clear Amber
• Size: Both finishes are available in Pint, Quart, 2-Quart, & Gallon sizes.
• For a matte finish with greater clarity and depth, Lust is also available in a High Gloss & Matte 2-Quart Combo Kit that includes 1 quart of Lust High Gloss Varnish and 1 quart of Lust Matte Varnish. Apply the high gloss varnish first to create build coats that showcase the beauty of the wood grain, then overcoat with a couple of coats of matte varnish to remove the gloss and achieve a gorgeous matte finish. In addition, Lust High Gloss and Lust Matte are now available in 2-Quart kits—buy 2 and save!

Important Application Notes for Lust Matte: For a low-sheen finish with maximum clarity, we recommend using Lust Gloss or Gleam Gloss for sealer (base) and build coats. Finish with a topcoat of Lust Matte, which can be thinned with TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100 (brush/roll appication) or TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101 (spray application) for improved flow.

Look Who’s Using Lust

n the December/January 2020 issue of Fine Homebuilding Magazine, Peter Gedrys, a finishing expert in East Haddam, CT, says he got great results brushing TotalBoat Lust on a piece of veneer plywood.

Peter says, “Right off the bat, I found that the varnish had good flow characteristics. Overall, Lust is an easy product to work with…the cost is in line with premium alternatives and the dry time is faster.” You can read the complete article in the SPEC section, Great Finds Inspired By Our Best Houses (issue #288).

“Made to improve on slow-drying spar varnishes, this modified linseed oil polyurethane is a worthy competitor.” – Peter Gedrys, finishing expert.