> I'v heard that polyester resin is uv resistant. is this true? if so will
> it work to use it instead of epoxy and varnish over my deck?

I just finished buiding a 12 foot tug boat with Polyerster resin. I do not think it has any uv inhibitors. Polyerster is not suppose to stick to epoxy. Epoxy will stick to Polyerster. So you could build a hull with polyester and finish it with epoxy.... but not the other way around. I have several kayaks and the varnish looks great. I store them in the garage and get at least 12 months service between coats. I like the Z Spar Captain's varnis with the T 12 thinner. I use a plastic straw to add the thinner. Pour some varnish into an old Cool Whip Container. Dip the straw into the thinner and cover the end with your thumb. The thinner will be trapped intothe straw. You can now add just the right amont to the varnish. Use a throw away foam brush. If the brush is sticking (or draging) you need more thinner. You can get a good job with 3 coats. do not sand between coats unless you need to.