When I varnished mine I did not use tape. I was using Flagship and applying it with good quality foam brushes. I simply followed the sheer on the hull with the varnish and after it dried did the same with the deck. There were no bulges or noticable overlaps, it just looked like one continuous layer of varnish. The varnish will settle and spread out evenly as long as you don't put too much on and creat a run. I looked at the varnish from as many levels/angles as possible to make certain that I had good coverage and no drips.