Epoxy trim before varnishing?

[Zack]

I am just about at the varnishing stage of my Rob Roy. Has anyone ever given the decks, gunnels, and seats a coat of epoxy prior to varnishing? I'm thinking this would add more durability to the finish or would i be just wasting my time? All the trim is black walnut, and I have purchased Epifanes varnish. Any thoughts/ opinions would be appreciated.

[HighPlainsDrifter]

Yes, I do just that.

Jamestown Supply has a nice article on the benefits of epoxy before varnish

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/us ... est+System

[Patricks Dad]

You should definitely give all the trim a good coat of epoxy (or even 2) before varnishing. You will build thickness in the finish much faster... If you have scuppers on your inwales, watch the end-grain in there. It will soak up the epoxy (give those an extra coat or 2).