Varnishes have always been considered a mysterious blend of black art and science, but in reality there are only five main ingredients in a top quality marine varnish – oil, resin, solvent, driers and additives. The trend in modern varnish technology, that most affects the long-term durability of a varnish, is the inclusion of additives specifically designed to combat the harmful effects of UV energy, i.e. sunlight. High performance varnishes from Interlux – Perfection Plus, Compass – contain a blend of premium quality UV absorbers and Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS), as well as UV protectors, to extend the lifespan of the varnish coating beyond that of conventional products.