Hello All;

I've read the accounts of builders who build plastic tents, plastic awnings, water mist the work area, and go through all manner of "dust elimination" before applying varnish to their creation. I have done the same when applying lacquer to my project cars.

Since I was applying my varnish to my kayak with a rag (my favorite means as readers of this board probably know by now), I decided to try the first coat without any area preparation - This means the sawdust and powder and newspapers and junk would litter the garage in depths up to 1/4" deep in the corners. I felt any dust would be sanded off in subsequent stages, no big deal.

I did, however, prep my work like anyone should - Mineral spirit wash, tack rag before applying varnish. To my amazement, the finish dried absolutely dust free. I left the garage door 1/2 open, a nice breeze was blowing in, but the dust stayed on the floor and off the work. Conclusions:

It is probably more helpful to clean the finish surface of dust than the floor. I did not use a tack rag before applying epoxy, and had lots of (ultimately inconsequential) dust in every surface I finished. I assumed it was airborn. Now I know better. Windy day, dirty garage, open door, perfect varnish first coat. Don't neglect the tack rag at this stage, even if you intend to sand and buff the final coat as I do. The pic below is after the first rag-coat of varnish has been applied to the hull - several more to go.

Hope this helps someone, Spidey