I have lots of spraying experience, but my problem is that I live in a townhouse. The extra fumes with spraying are not great with my neighbours. I tried last night on a sample and I found that I couldn't do it with the manufacturers recommendation of ~10% solvent. I definately needed more to get a smooth coat and had to increase the pressure on my HVLP gun to near the max. I tried on a sample with 120 grid and the sanding shows definately once the solvent started to evaporate. You couldn't get anywhere near the brushed film thickness due to the extra solvent.

I'll go with 5% solvent in the captains and probably sand and polish afterwards for the finish I like to see.

Rob made another comment regarding polishing through. I have also seen people who have done that. I used also polishing equipment lots and a Kayak is definately not easy. That's why I am considering polishing at ~600-700 rpm with a 6 in pad. Starting with #2 and just going for the minimum should not remove too much material, but beware of corners.

I am not sure if the faint halo syndrome which Rob described was actually the epoxy. From wood magazines I got the comment that you polished into the previous coat. I don't know who is right.

Andreas

: Andreas - you mention spraying your last coat of varnish. Just be aware if
: you're not already that spraying is an artform. Having done both, I
: believe getting a good varnish job with a brush is a lot easier. With
: spraying you have to have the viscosity right on the money, your sprayer
: has to be in good condition - clean etc. the viscosity has to be right to
: melt on overspray and you have to know when enough is enough or you can
: get runs. Practice first if you haven't done it and are going to.