In 1999 I built my COHO which I used A recommmended varnish(Capt Spar)to cover the kayak And I only applied one coat!!) and I really haven't done much for maintenence on the kayak since except to make sure that it was washed down and cleaned up after my paddles. S o this past weekend I brought my kayak up to my brother-in-law's workshop to sand down and apply a couple of the same kind of varnish. I had bought a new can of Capt Spar varnish later that summer but it was never used or even opened. So this weekend when I start to apply it, it did not seem to have the same results when I did it the first time. There seemed to be lots of small bubbles which I most of them seemed to go away after I went over it lightly with the brush (Same kind of brush that I used in 1999 and I even tried a foam brush with the same results). Now my brother-in-law REMINDED me not to over brush when applying the varnish, but I did have to go over it to get rid of the bubbles. So at 10 ft away I have a beautiful finish but right up close , I have not got a nice smooth finish, Is this from "old " varnish? vs technique of application? OR WHAT?? I know "fresh" varnish is better but is this a sign to get some new varnish?? I know that ther was "talk" in this BB about varnish and age but the question was for varnish that was only one year old?? How long was it on the shelf at the store??? Wayne G.