: I tried it several times and I don't like it for varnishing my boats. I found
: it's a great way to touch up nicks and dings but when time comes to put on
: a complete coat I prefer a foam brush. Spidey is the expert for rag
: finishing. I find that when using a rag it takes many-many coats to get
: the thick shiny look a brush gives you after about 4 coats. I also
: question how many rag coats would be required for good UV protection.

I totally agree with your observations.

Applying a finish with a rag is a time honored technique for furniture
finishing where the idea is to build up a few thin coats so the wood is not
buried in the finish.

A boat is very different, needing a thick coat of finish for UV protection.

Use a foam brush to apply your finish. If you are thinking of applying
the finish because you're afraid of drips and runs, try using much less
varnish with the foam brush.

The one very tricky area to varnish with a foam brush is around the
underside of the cockpit coaming. It is easy to get runs here because
you must squeeze the brush under the lip to coat it. To solve this use
go over the freshly brushed coaming underside with a dry brush or try
a rag.

All the best,
Rob