Hi Larry (and Bill);

It's really as simple as it sounds. I searched through my rag bin for a lintless rag that would hold a fair amount of varnish. I settled on the bottom 1/3 of a white crew sock that had seen better days. It had been washed enough times such that anything that could be called lint had long since left . . . ;-)

I used my $6/gallon Walmart closeout spar varnish with UV protectant, and poured about 5oz through a strainer into a clean soup can. I didn't need to thin it, as the first trial application went on easily and leveled nicely.

I folded the "sock rag" one time to get 4 layers of cloth at the working end, and proceeded to dip it into the varnish. Working quickly, the best technique seemed to be swirling the rag to thoroughly wet an area about 1' x 2' or less, and then immediately dragging the rag parallel to the keel to level the varnish. This could be done several times if necessary with the varnish remaining liquid and able to self level. It was so easy, I can't really claim any great technique, it kind of reminded me of the way we roller a wall with latex - Work it around haphazardly, and then add some smoothing strokes.

I did one-half of the boat first, letting the keel separate the halves. When I started the other side, the first side was still wet enough to blend and level without problem. In fact, the only screw-up I had is where I missed a small spot (totally) on one side of the kayak - Perhaps that's why we use 4-5 coats!

I did not get even one run or sag - - The entire hull looks like the picture, and I worked with a pretty wet (drippy) rag. I'll probably put on one more coat without sanding, and then sand before the next two coats, then finish with a sand and buff. Right now after one coat it looks pretty good, I don't believe many people would consider buffing it if this is what it finished out like after all coats. I'll continue to post pics & descriptions on my web site.

"Raggin' it . . ." Spidey