I just used the clear gloss WR-LPU for the first time yesterday and also found it very easy to work with. I've never used varnish before so I can't compare the difference in the two materials.

I applied the LPU outdoors in a shaded area. When I started, the temperature was approximately 72 degrees F. Humidity was 62%. I thinned the LPU with 10% distilled water and had great results. Entire process took a total of about 8 hours. It wasn't nearly as difficult to apply as I had been expecting.

I used a roller and then tipped off with a foam brush. I did find that you've got to get it right the first time because you can't go back and fix any problem areas. You'll end up with a bigger mess trying to tip it off after it begins setting -- my advice if you notice a dry spot after applying, leave it alone and do another coat on top of it a half hour later. I am speaking here from experience -- I ended up with 5 coats on the hull and deck by the time I was done (the folks at System 3 said to use 3 coats). The final two coats each had the crosslinking agent added -- this would have been one crosslinked coat as per the instructions but I missed a spot or two on the first go round.

I found that working with smaller areas made the application a lot easier -- keeping the edge 'wet' at all times helped to blend each area to the next. I found that doing a section about 18" to 24" wide was about right (section height was from sheer to keel or sheer to deck peak). You have to work quickly but not so much that it makes it difficult or pressured.

Interestingly, the first coat was quite glossy but less than I had hoped for. After applying three coats the shine dramatically increased and was quite stunning. Daren Neufeld dropped by to have a look as I was finishing and he was very impressed.

Overall, I'd say I'm very pleased with the final result. I have a couple of brush stroke marks but nothing serious. I think if I'd thinned it with 15% water the brush strokes would be non-existent (System 3 says that you can thin to max. 25%). As I mentioned, I have no experience with varnish so I can't give any opinion on whether it was easier than varnish or not but I'll keep this board posted on how well this product wears. The boat will be used for tours and for rental purposes so I expect the LPU will get a good durability test.

BTW: I used a bit more than 1/3 of a gallon to put 5 coats on a Pygmy Osprey Double.

Dan
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: In the FWIW department, I`ve just finished "varnishing" the hull of
: my boat with this stuff and it works really well. A hundred times easier
: to use than varnish. I just thined it with a little water and painted it
: on with a foam brush. Came out a lot better than the previous
: "real" varnish (Z-Spar Flagship) job I did last year.
: Unbeliveably forgiving compared to varnish. Dry to the touch in 30
: minutes. No fumes, sags, streaks, cliffhangers, or dobies. Water clean up.
: If this stuff is, as they claim, significantly harder, more durable and
: scratch resistant than varnish (don`t really see how it could be less)
: that`ll be icing.
: I got the satin finish, and it`s nice, but very flat. I think I`ll try gloss
: next time.