: Make sure you scrub the surface with some

: According to the epoxy manufacturer's information for West System
: and System Three epoxies
: I have read, the only solvent recommended to remove amine blush is
: water.

: Yes, water IS a solvent. We don't think of it as one since we drink
: it.

: Detergents or other solvents can be a source of surface
: contaminants which will cause problems with varnish
: curing, fish eyes and orange peal.

: Most solvents are recycled and contain all sorts of contaminants
: and who knows what is in that detergent!

: Each epoxy is a combination of chemicals and as it cures the
: surface has a residue of this mix which
: may or may not interfere with the curing of the varnish.

: I did not know this on my first boat and I applied a varnish which
: was not compatible with the epoxy I used.
: The varnish never fully cured. It gummed up my sandpaper when I
: tried to sand between coats.
: I was a sticky mess I had to remove. I still smell the tacky
: varnish I didn't remove inside the hull, after 20 years!

: A properly cured varnish will sand without clogging 220 sandpaper.

: Each epoxy manufacturer will be able to tell you which varnish will
: work with their epoxy. Contact them. It's worth it!

: If you can wait 30 days for the epoxy to fully cure you might not
: run into problems.

: But if you have problems once, you will probably not find the risk
: worth taking.

: I have found the first coat of a compatible varnish on week old
: epoxy still takes two days to cure.
: The following coats cure in one day.

: All the best,
: Rob

I've had the same exact results just recently on week old epoxy using oil based paint, took a full two days to dry. But once dry then next coat dried quickly.

After reading this before from Rob I expected this, thanks Rob :)

Bill H.