I'm using System 3 varnish on my Arctic Tern. I put on my first coat this weekend, and the varnish went on well. On Saturday, I warmed the varnish before using it, and applied it in a warm environment using foam brushes. On Sunday, I opened up the garage to do a little touch up sanding, and left the door open while I was varnishing. I could tell the difference between warmed varnish and warm boat and room-temperature varnish and slightly cool boat. I closed the garage door, turned on the heater and completed the job. I don't think you need to thin the varnish, but you have to move quickly. I had a few drips and sags with this first coat applied by an unexperienced builder, but no real problems. I'm glad to be past this first step in finishing the boat -- I've been obsessing over varnishing the boat for most of the winter.

Jim