: I am varnishing my nearly completed kayak and I am falling into the trap of
: "it's not quite perfect yet...". I am wet sanding with 400 grit
: and fixing to switch to 800 and then 1000 but I'm not satified with the
: finish yet. I keep telling myself that it not a chipendale dresser but the
: perfectionist in me is coming out. Stop me before I sand again. This is my
: 5th coat of varnish and I have bought anouther can!

: Brian Smith

I understand exactly where you're coming from Brian. Really, I do. I too like to see things shiny. I sanded to 1200 and then buffed afterwards (see photo below).

But you know what? On that first outting, I heard the inevitable "screeeeeaaaach" as I paddled over a rock.

All is fine now (well, at least until I get to the finishing stages of my current project) and I've come to grips with the fact that it's just a boat.

Take some comfort in knowing that you're not alone.

Dan

http://www.westcoastpaddler.com
-----