The first application on the transom is blotchy. Can I put a second coat right over the top of the first or do I need to sand the first coat off and start with bare wood? THANK YOU for any help!
I would put a 2nd coat on and see what it looks like. If it doesn't even out then you my have to start over.
Sounds like you may have had some spots where the old stain/varnish wasn't quite gone.
Keep us posted.
Karl.
You might be able to stain over the lighter areas to match the darker ones. Lots of picky work trying to blend. Might just be simpler to strip and start over.