I'd varnish the whole board first (allowing uninterrupted strokes) then lay the pad in position, mask around it and lightly scuff the masked area. Remove tape and stick pad.
And you're gonna look just fine on that pink pad ;)

Ian

: I am reaching the end of my Malco SUP build. I am building this for
: my wife so I am attaching a pink traction pad on the deck so I
: can't be accused of building it for myself.

: My question is should I varnish everything and then place the self
: adhesive backed traction pad on the deck or place the traction
: pad on the scuffed up epoxy and then varnish only the exposed
: deck/hull? I am mildly concerned that the pad will slowly peel
: off over time if I varnish under the pad due to the varnish
: aging normally and gently disintegrating.