Thanks. I'll be trying both suggestions this weekend. Spidey, I have a 6" automotive buffer. What do I buff with? Do I need some kind of rubbing compound?

In regards to sanding, 220 - 320 -400 -600 ok? Or should I start with 320? I've been doing 220 - 320 between varnish coats on my hatch covers. I get the feeling I'm taking most of the varnish back off between coats.

Dwight
: Hi Dwight;

: Regardless of how you apply the varnish, you will probably want to buff the
: final coat. Light wet sanding with progressively finer grits, followed by
: a buff, will produce a superior finish in all cases. These days 9-10"
: automotive buffers are available for 19.95, and would make fast work of a
: kayak even for an amateur.

: I got pretty good at shooting lacquer (similar to varnish in lots of
: respects) in years gone by, and the difference between a sprayed final
: coat and a sanded & buffed final coat, ESPECIALLY for an amateur is
: night-and-day. More so for a brushed finish.

: Best Regards, Spidey