: I am ready to apply a finish on my Artic Tern. I'm wondering whether to use
: varnish, such as Z-spar Captain's, or the System Three LPU finish. I used
: System Three epoxy. I'm doing this in my basement so I'm a bit concerned
: about the ventilation if I use varnish.

: Anyway, how difficult is it to apply the System Three LPU as opposed to
: varnish, and can I varnish in the basement without dying of fumes? I live
: in Portland, Oregon so it would be too cold in the garage, I think (high
: 40s/low 50s). Does the LPU work well?

: Thanks, anybody and everybody.

I used the System Three Top Coat Clear LPU for a number of years. I found it much more difficult to use than the Captain's varnish I'm currently using.

I brush all my finishes. To brush the LPU and I suspect to spray, you need 90% humidity to allow the finish to flow and level to create a smooth glassy finish. With lower humidity the LPU dries TOO fast and will leave brush strokes and rough edges. Also because you don't sand between coats you can't see much difference between the old and new finish so it's very easy to miss spots.

It is very thin and watery so you must prep sand to at least 320 grit and apply twice as many coats to match a varnish finish.

It seems like an appealing finish but I was not happy with the results and I also don't care for the color/visual "feel" of the finish.

If you close in your work area with plastic walls and put a fan in a basement window you could work with regular varnish.

Good luck!

All the best,

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