I have an Artic Tern that is 13 years old. The epoxy has faded and I don't think another coat of varnish will restore any of its original luster so I am thinking of painting it. I have some marine paint that I think will look good on it. My question is, do I just lightly sand the varnish on the kayak to get a tooth for the paint or do I need to take all of the varnish off. If so, how do I take the varnish off? Sanding or paint thinner?

Charles Robinson

Hi Charles,
I would use a chemical paint stripper to remove all the varnish, wash off the residue and lightly sand the epoxy before painting. If your paint is epoxy compatible, you could paint straight on the sanded epoxy. If not, use a suitable primer.

Mike Savage
South West Cork