Well, I did a lot of searching, and I'm shocked it isn't on here already. Or perhaps it is too simple a question. My wife and I are varnishing our kayaks. We've done the full sanding job on hers, and started applying varnish. System 3 Spar Varnish. Gloss, I think. Anyway, I went through the instructions in my Pygmy book, the instructions on the can, and the instructions on the website (outdoor wood instructions, as well as their technical data sheet). As well as asking a friend about varnishing. Everything I got indicated that as long as you don't exceed the "second coat application without sanding time," you're OK to lay down a second coat without sanding. Unless you want a show boat. Well, I can tell you, neither of us wants a show boat. We want it to look tidy, but not a show boat. So, we put down the first coat, and then wait until we're in the window where you can put down a second coat without sanding. Put down a second coat, and it seems to be quite slow in drying (temps down to around 65-70F here today; 18 - 21C). So we try calling Sys3, but can never get them to answer. Or get through the busy signal. Anyway, call up Pygmy, at which time we're informed that we should never apply the second coat until the first is completely cured, and we're required to sand between coats (although a wet scotch-brite is acceptable for that).

So what gives? What is the real answer? We, or at least I, am quite frustrated with this, and after this long a project, I'm about fed up with the complications. Help?