Here is the process as I understand it.

Disclaimer; I have finished the first coat of varnisg on my Guilly which is my first boat, so I am by no means an expert.

Use the longboard to fair out the epoxy with 80 grit, then sand with progressivly finer grits (I used a ROS) until you get to 220. Then give it a wet sanding with 220.

The goal is to have a even matte finish all over with no shiny spots (the gloss comes from the varnish). The trick here is to not sand into the glass, dont ask how I know that. If you do sand into the glass you will want to do another skim coat of epoxy to make sure that it is hidden (give the skim coat a quick sanding when it dries).

Now you varnish. Use a marine spar varnish with UV protection.

If anyone has a great way to do the deck and hull at once please let me know, because I want to go paddling NOW.

I understand that 3 coats is the bare minimum, but 6 is recommended, and you should give it a light sanding with very fine paper 220-300 between coats.

Dont forget to wash off all of the dust before you start varnishing again.

Good luck,
JJ

PS the boat looks awsome with the varnish on it, a huge difference from the unvarnished look.

: I am finally about to start the varnishing process on my Guilly, my first
: kayak. I was wondering what type of tough, scratch resistant varnish I
: could use and the best way to apply it. I was also wondering if I do a
: final sanding of the epoxy coat to smooth out the high spots, do I need to
: do a final epoxy skim coat or will varnish be enough to produce a glossy
: finish? Also, how many coats and what is the best way to prep between
: coats?
: Thanks,
: Dave