: OK - after the first and second coat of varnish I was chalking it up
: substrate imperfections, but I continue to get a pitting in my 3rd coat of
: varnish. These are small and frequent pin size depressions in the varnish
: on one part of my after deck. I thought that after 3 coats sanded between
: each that they would go away. Do I have a contamination problem? If so why
: would they stay in the same spot?

Hi Mike,

Because the inperfections show up in the same place all the time I would say that you have a contamination in the area. The contamination could be anything from silicone to oils from your hands.

To fix the problem you will have to use a wax and grease remover before sanding again and then again after sanding and before applying another coat.

To tell you the truth, I can't recommend a product because I don't know how how resistant the varnish is to them. Your best bet is to check with the varnish supplier for an appropriate product.

Ian