Epoxy and Varnish

I just learned something, so I thought I would share it.

I decided to apply fibreglass to one higher plank seam on the boat to beef it up a bit. I did this OK and applied two coats of epoxy with sanding in between coats. Subsequent to curing, or what I thought was curing, I applied marine varnish over all the varnished areas in the boat, including this new epoxy. I sanded it before the varnish.

The varnish dried in the normal time everywhere except on the new epoxy. Even days later it remained tacky. After some research on the web, I found others had seen this problem and one recommended fix was to apply more varnish containing "cobalt driers". I obtained some of this and brewed up a mix of varnish with a few drops of the driers in it and gave it a go. The result is fine. All dried and no tackiness. Eckersley's Art suppliers in Canberra had the driers available.