: I've put 4 coats on Helmsman Minwax Varnish on a newly built kayak. I did the
: hull first and it came out very nice, without dust particles, sags, etc.

: The top side has wooden pad eyes and the cockpit. I'm getting sags and runs
: in these areas. Also, working around these areas is decreasing my ability
: to keep a good wet edge. I've been working one side, about 16 inchs at a
: time. When I return from one side to the next, going over an edge, it
: feels as if I am going over an area that is already setting up.

: I'm ready for the last coat and am thinking of thinning down the varnish
: about 20-30% with miniral spirits to increase the work time.

: I would really like to lay down a good last coat - any thoughts or
: suggestions?

: Thanks,
: Bill

Working around the cockpit and hatches and recessed deck hardware (ouch!) is very challenging. I've been doing it for a long time and it's still hard not to get a few sags.

The problem is you have to apply more pressure in these little spots to get in and around the obstacles and end up dumping more finish than you want. It's hard to tell until it sags later. Foam brushes are particularly prone to this problem.

What I do is to work on the larger adjacent areas and when I'm done and my brush is about dry I'll do the underlip of the cockpit coaming or hatch or whatever. Then immediately work the area around that feature being careful not get too close to it otherwise you will drop more varnish again.

If you get a few sags don't worry. You'll be the only one who knows they're there.

All the best,

Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.LaughingLoon.com