Taylor

I haven’t used Interlux Varnish and see there are many types of it. I use Captain’s Z Spar varnish. If you are using a good marine varnish, the application techniques are probably pretty much the same.

Before applying the varnish

Rough sand the epoxied surface with 100 –120 grit paper.

Thoroughly wash and clean the epoxied kayak surfaces with soap and water. (Remove any blushing)

Wait until the surface is thoroughly dry.

Apply the varnish when the ambient temperature is around 80 degrees F.
Apply the varnish in very thin coats.
Remove any dripping varnish during the application trying to brush in only one direction.
Wait until the varnish has thoroughly dried.
Hand sand very lightly between coats with 400 –600 grit paper.
Apply a minimum of three coats of varnish.

The way you describe the varnish peeling off may mean the epoxied surface was not cleaned properly. If that is the case, the varnish will have to be removed and the epoxied surface sanded and cleaned again.

Using a power sander may be the culprit as it may be heating the varnish.

Look at the Shop Tips at Chesapeake Light Craft
http://www.clcboats.com/shoptips.html

Hope this helps

Bobby