: 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

Spidey, Please describe the use of the rag to apply varnish.

Thanks, Larry C.