The product ULTIVAR is an acronym for 'ultimate varnish' and this is truly what it is.

A survey amongst our customers revealed that most were not happy with current varnishes, imported or locally produced. We therefore saw a need for a product to be developed locally and tested under local conditions. This task was enormous considering the permutations regarding available resins and oils, modern and old, together with a huge variety of other raw materials that would eventually yield the end product.

Initial Test

We produced twelve initial samples based on a number of binders and applied these to pine panels that fitted into an instrument (QUV) which bombarded the exposed surface with very strong ultra violet light, humidity and temperature to about 40 degrees Celsius. We also obtained thirteen local and imported varnishes that we exposed to the QUV in the same manner. As a QUV test takes 1000 hours (42 days) we prepared another set of panels on Meranti wood. The difference is that Meranti is denser and contains more oils and anti-oxidants.

Initial Test Results

Most locally produced varnishes failed between 300 and 800 hours, whilst one of our experimental samples passed 1000 hours on both Pine and Meranti. Only one other product passed 1000 hours on pine, but failed on Meranti.

Second Test

This step tested the binder, which gave excellent results. We set out to refine and develop the product further to incorporate the other twelve components in the correct quantities to conclude the development of Ultivar. We again exposed the final product to 1000 hours of QUV with excellent results.

Final Test

We prepared a series of exposure panels on a number of products both on Pine and Meranti. Apart from minor discrepancies the exterior exposure of 10 months gave similar results to that of the QUV. Further trials involved professional contractors to test for application properties, re-coating time, appearance, gloss and flow. We are now confident and proud that we have successfully concluded development of the ultimate varnish, the quality of which the re-seller and end-user can be extremely confident.

Application

Surface preparation: Wood surfaces must be clean and firm. Moisture content must not exceed 15%. Sand lightly with 180 grit sandpaper and remove dust. For dark wood, wipe surface with cloth soaked in mineral turpentine to remove natural oils.

All woods: Stir contents thoroughly. Dilute the first coat 20% with mineral turpentine and apply liberally. Ensure application to end grain of wood. Apply second and third undiluted coats 24 hours apart with light sanding between coats. Previously varnished surfaces must have all old varnish removed with Titanium Paint Remover. Sand, remove dust and apply as above.

Application method: Brush
Drying Time: 24 hours
Cleaning of utensils: Mineral turpentine
Packaging: 1l, 5l
Colours: Antique (light brown)