: That love/hate thing--I think you have been breathing too many
: fumes from the varnish. Step back. Get a fresh breath. take
: another step back.

: Now look at your boat and all those defects will be much smaller.
: It is a matter of perspective. If you want people to think you
: have a perfect boat, just paddle faster so they can't get close
: enough to see the tiny flaws. :)

: You'll be varnishing every year or two. Don't bother saving the old
: varnish for more than a few months. It will not last for the
: next time you do a complete varnish job. Buy a new can next time
: and you'll eliminate most of the 'second year' varnish problems.

: PGJ

Bleed a little propane into the can (thru an unlit propane torch) and the old varnish will last a really long time as long as the can is sealed and undisturbed. The propane is heavier than air so the varnish doesn't gradually oxidize like it would in a partial can. All varnish should be strained before use, even brand new out of the can just opened. Best to just use a mixing pot like you'd use for epoxy then just pour what's left back into the can.

Helps much if you find yourself a nice short rubber squeegie (like window washers use), when wet sanding, occasionally wet the surface with a big sponge and squeegie the excess water off, you'll imediately be able to see those area you sanded and those you didn't, otherwise you have to let the surface dry to check, takes lots of extra time.

Btw, I enjoy varnishing, I know most don't, but I do.

Bill H.