No More Interlux 333

As far as I'm concerned, the secret to a successful varnish job with Schooner Varnish is Interlux Brushing Liquid 333.

333 is now banned in California. West Marine suggests 216 as a substitute. 216 is Xylene. It speeds up drying. Thanks, West Marine, for the advice.

Thinning with 333, which slows drying down, is a huge factor in varnishing in our low humidity and bone-dry breezes.

I don't know of a reliable substitute, so now will have to order from Defender or another online supplier.

Solvent smugglers! That's the new source...

Remember the richer college kids bringing back cases of (Rare and Exotic!) Coors beer from a visit to Colorado, in their VW Microbus in the 60's?
(Decades later, after the microbrew revolution, I figured out that Coors was just another "industrial beer". )

Loren

Interlux Brushing Liquid 333 is 50 - 75% kerosene and 50 - 75% naphtha by volume according to the MSDS.

<cite class="_Rm"></cite>Google "interlux brushing liquid 333 msds" and you can find the data sheet and lots of substitutes.

Does California still allow solvents like Kerosene... naphtha... water?

Interlux called me back and recommended "mineral spirits" as a substitute. "It ought to do the job."

Unfortunately, California mineral spirits (paint thinner) are worthless now, turn white at the slightest provocation and leave lumps of goo on the varnish brush.

So, clean brushes with acetone or diesel. Until I drive to Colorado again.

I 'm willing to pay for the proprietary blend of 333--it works. You only have to varnish in 15 percent Santa Ana humidity once, to get the picture.

I have used turpentine for thinning varnish in the past, and understand that it is considered superior to "paint thinner".
I cannot vouch for the chemistry, however.

Loren

Amazon to the rescue

I just went through this dance when I tried to purchase my favorite oil-modified polyurethane from Bona. I ended up ordering it from Amazon and two days later it was at my door. I was able to find Interlux 333 on Amazon and it allows shipping to my CA address...$16.00/quart. I have much better luck with oil based compared to water borne.

Bona

Matt: I think it was your original post that led me to Bona.

I was able to purchase it through a local paint supplier in the Chicago suburbs, but was told on "Pain of Death" that it was for "Professional Use Only".......I became a "Professional".....I don't know what...

Fortunatly, for purposes of varnishing, our hellish summer humidity allowed me to use it straight out of the can......fantastic stuff....came out beautifully.......

Thanks for your post......at least you know someone who benefitted from it.....

Also...will keep closer tabs on Amazon.....when ever I look for anything my daughter always says "try Amazon"....but I am a slow learner....maybe you are a better teacher....

Thanks again

I understand you guys in California have outdoor urinals.."
http://www.sfgate.com/news/us/article/San-Francisco-park-reopens-with-upgrades-new-6790125.php

I though we had it bad here in Florida with bottom paint but.... http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/2014/12/sea-hawk-paints-executives-prison-terms-banned-coating-case/

That sure beats Defender for a quart:

I learned a lot from this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Brightwork-The-Art-Finishing-Wood/dp/0877429847

I prefer Interlux Schooner Gold Spar Varnish:

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=58214

I find that mineral spirits works just fine as a thinner. I never even considered purchasing the recommended brushing liquid or thinners. I mainly just came up with my own methods after reading Brightwork The Art Finishing Wood.