Hi Jeff;

Since I'm getting closer to the varnish phase, I've been thinking about what alternatives are available as well. My thoughts on spraying are that it would probably just as hard to keep it from running and sagging as with roller or brush. I always sprayed other paints pretty "dry" to get a buildup without sags, but don't have any idea how that would work with varnish - And I won't test it on my deck!

Also, since we are wet sanding between coats anyway, and I suspect we'll all buff the final coat, I've decided to go with a rag for application. Simple, fast, and easily controlled. For years no woodworker would ever apply varnish with anything but a rag, and a wet pumice rubout between coats. Any buildup beyond what one can get on with a rag will have to be sanded out as runs & sags anyway. I'll forgo the pumice in lieu of a wet sanding block, but the basic rag for application seems like a straightforward way to go - At this time, at least . . . ;-)

Best Regards, Spidey