Tomorrow may the the last day with temps in the upper 50's here in NC before Christmas so I'm going to try to get my finish on the canoe. I've got a couple of questions for those of you who are familiar with the product.

1) System Three's application guide says the LPU won't fully cure for 2 weeks and you shouldn't put a boat in water until then (90% cured in 4-7 days). I'd like to put it in the water and just paddle it for ten minutes and take some photos after a week if possible. Any idea if this would actually harm the finish in any way if we're careful not to drag or scratch it?

2) I'm thinking of doing three coats with the second two crosslinked. The guide also says you can put on additional coats as soon as the previous coat sets and is not marred by a light touch. No sanding is required between coats if you recoat within two weeks for non-crosslinked coats and 8 hours for crosslinked ones. The only reason to lightly sand, then, would be to smooth out bumps caused by dust or lint. The guide doesn't say how soon you can sand if you want to, even though it isn't required for bonding purposes. Anyone have any idea? If that first coat is rough, is it really necessary to do a light sanding or are the second two coats going to smooth it all out - assuming I do a decent job making my dust free tent.

3) How long does the LPU have to cure before you can do things like sit the finished surface on sawhorses to do the other side or add the yoke, seats, etc and finish them? Or transport it?

4) If the temp is in the lower ranges of applicability (55-60), is there any reason to dilute it or should I put it on right out of the can?

Thanks for any tips.

Patsy