: My Interthane Plus (2-Part polyurethane varnish) seems to be kicking too
: quickly. It is supposed to have an 8 hour pot life but it is kicking as
: soon as it is applied and creates what appears to be hundreds of little
: plastic crystals that ruin the finish. I have ruled out surface
: contamination and I have tried thinning it with the recommended thinner to
: no avail. The crystals are not in the pot and only appear after it is
: applied. Room temperature is between 68 and 70 degrees. Is this stuff like
: the epoxies we work with and if so, will reducing the amount of hardener
: extend the pot life without compromising the hardness? I don't care if it
: takes longer to set up. I just want a smooth finish.

My guess would be you're having a reactive conflict between the finish and the underlying epoxy which is still curing.

If the last coat of epoxy on your boat is only a couple days old, it is still curing and will react with chemicals in the finish to create some new life form, your crystals.

This is why it is important to make certain your finish is compatible with the epoxy you have used on your boat. Most epoxy makers will recommend a finish that will work even when the epoxy is new.

If you wait a couple weeks the epoxy will have reached a total cure. Then the finish reaction will not be an issue.

I'd suggest contacting the tech rep for the varnish. Tell them the kind of epoxy you've used and how long since it was applied to see if they think that's the problem.

Be patient. You'll get it sorted out.

All the best,

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