Epifanes Solvents & Thinners

Why the Right Thinner Makes All the Difference

For anyone who has spent time working with premium marine coatings, one truth becomes clear quickly: the finish is only as good as the entire system behind it. Epifanes, the Dutch marine coatings institution solvents and thinners are not generic solvents pulled off a hardware store shelf — they are purpose-built companions to one of the most respected families of yacht coatings in the world. Getting the thinner right is the difference between a flowing, glass-smooth finish and a disappointing result that wastes both time and expensive product.

Epifanes: Over a Century of Coating Expertise

Epifanes has been setting standards in marine coatings since 1902. Founded in the Netherlands by Willem Heeren and his son Albert, the company developed into an internationally recognized market leader in the production of boat paint, primers, clear coats, and other yacht care products. That deep history in formulation chemistry means that when Epifanes engineers a thinner, it is done with an intimate knowledge of how each solvent interacts with their alkyd resins, urethanes, and epoxy systems.

A Thinner Engineered for Each Coating System

Epifanes takes a system-matched approach to solvents — rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solvent, each thinner is developed to complement specific coating chemistries within the Epifanes lineup. This matters enormously in the marine environment, where coatings must flex, adhere under UV exposure, and resist moisture without failure.

• Spray Thinner for Paint & Varnish: Designed for use with all Epifanes one-part varnishes, paints, primers, and Mono-Urethane Topside Paints, this fast-evaporating formula is ideal for viscosity reduction when spraying.
• Brushing Thinner for Paint & Varnish: A high-quality thinner suitable for brushing or rolling most one-component primers, paints, and varnishes, slowing evaporation just enough to promote flow and minimize brush marks.
• Polyurethane Brush Thinner: A slow-evaporating thinner suitable for brushing and rolling Epifanes two-part polyurethane yacht coatings, giving applicators the open time needed for a professional finish.
• Polyurethane Spray Thinner: A fast-evaporating thinner designed for spraying all Epifanes 2-Part Polyurethane Yacht Coatings.
• Thinner for PP Extra: A specially formulated thinner designed for use with Epifanes PP Varnish Extra, a high-quality two-part varnish.
• Epoxy D-601 Thinner: A versatile thinner designed for use with all Epifanes epoxy-based products.

More Than Just Viscosity Adjustment

Epifanes thinners serve purposes beyond simply making a coating easier to apply. Degreasing oily, resinous woods like teak calls for acetone, while mahogany and other non-oily woods are best degreased with Epifanes Spray Thinner for Paint & Varnish — a testament to how these solvents function as surface preparation tools, not just application aids. A quick-evaporating variant may also improve drying in colder climates, facilitate spray application processes, and is recommended for removing sanding residue from boat bottoms.

Experienced boatbuilders and refinishers have long noted that Epifanes plays well only with Epifanes thinners, underscoring the importance of staying within the system for the best possible results. The chemistry is tuned to one another — the solvents evaporate at rates that allow the resins in Epifanes coatings to flow, level, and cure exactly as intended.

Shop Epifanes Solvents & Thinners

Whether you are brushing a classic wooden spar, rolling a topside enamel, or spraying a two-part polyurethane on a performance yacht, there is an Epifanes thinner formulated for that exact task. Browse the full selection of marine solvents & thinners or explore the complete Epifanes brand catalog to find the coatings and accessories that complete your project.