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Title / Demonstrate knowledge of clear marine finishes and application
Level / 3 / Credits / 4
Purpose / People credited with this unit standard are able to: identify and describe marine clear finish types; explain marine varnish preparation considerations; describe application and use of marine varnish and oils; and identify marine varnish maintenance requirements.
Classification / Boating Industries > Boatbuilding
Available grade / Achieved
Guidance Information
1Marine varnish formulations and application techniques differ from domestic and industrial applications. This unit standard is specific to the marine environment. Marine specific factors to be considered include: severe exposure to sunlight requiring more robust coating systems; constant presence of salt water in sea conditions leading to retention of moisture on the surface of clear finishes; higher traffic and wear on surfaces because of the confined spaces in boats; common requirement for very finely finished components; difficult application environments; clear finished timbers are commonly of highest available grade, must be durable because of the marine environment, and often contain oil or are very dense. These factors require unique application techniques to meet practical, aesthetic and technical standards.
2Definition
Work policies and proceduresrefers to the documented procedures and policies providing guidelines of the tasks and activities carried out in the workplace. This typically includes relevant health and safety policies to manage risk in the workplace.
Outcomes and performance criteria
Outcome 1
Identify and describe marine clear finish types.
Performance criteria
1.1Marine varnishes are identified and appropriate use is described in accordance with composition.
Rangevarnishes include but not limited to – single pack polyurethane, 2 pack polyurethane, tung oil additive, oils.
1.2Marine stains are identified and appropriate use is described in accordance with visual effect.
1.3Marine varnishes as identified in performance criteria 1.1 are described in terms of performance, advantages and disadvantages, and deterioration.
1.4Marine varnish gloss levels are described in accordance with usage and performance.
Outcome 2
Explain marine varnish preparation considerations.
Performance criteria
2.1Timber seasoning requirements are explained in terms of varnish performance.
2.2Preparation differences between timbers are explained in terms of presence of natural oils and degreasing.
2.3Sanding methods and alternatives are explained in terms of surface cutting, surface hardness, and film build.
2.4Cleaning and drying techniques are identified and explained in accordance with workplacepolicies and procedures.
2.5Varnish application schedule is developed in accordance with product specification and substrate type.
Rangeincludes but not limited to – number of coats, thinning, over-coating times, preliminary sealing.
2.6Storage requirements are explained for varnish, oils and stains in terms of safety and shelf life.
Outcome 3
Describe application and use of marine varnish and oils.
Performance criteria
3.1Application methods for varnish and oils are described in terms of advantages and disadvantages.
Rangespraying, brushing, rubbing.
3.2Conditioning of varnish and equipment is described in accordance with workplacepolicies and procedures.
Rangemay include but not limited to – brushes, stirring, mixing, decanting, housekeeping.
Outcome 4
Identify marine varnish maintenance requirements.
Performance criteria
4.1Varnish deterioration factors are identified in terms of service environment.
Rangemay include but not limited to – sun, salt, abrasion.
4.2Effects of film build in terms of maintenance are identified.
4.3Typical varnish and oil re-coat times are described in terms of service environments and condition of existing applied coating.
4.4Typical defects in varnish systems and remedies are identified in accordance with workplacepolicies and procedures.
Planned review date / 31 December 2020Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 14 December 2007 / N/A
Rollover and Revision / 2 / 26 July 2018 / N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0136
This CMR can be accessed at
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the NZ Marine and Composites Industry Training if you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
New Zealand Marine and CompositesIndustry Training OrganisationSSB Code 101812 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018