Varnish Cure Before Launch?

[Bellbuoys]

I recently renamed my boat, which required sanding the transom back to bare mahogany before ghosts of the old name were eliminated. I have since applied 9 coats of Epifanes and am now wondering: 1) Do I have enough coats?, and 2) How long do I wait before applying the new vinyl nameplate and then launching? Interestingly, for all that is available under Google, I cannot find a response to this one. Thoughts are welcome.

[thegammas]

hard to answer the # of coats question..... how thick were the coats, do you have any high or low spots etc.
As for the sticker, I'd wait at least two weeks after the final coat feels completely cured - nothing but a gut feel behind that answer

[Bellbuoys]

Thanks Peter. Yes, there are probably a few high and low spots. I pulled the boat out into the sunlight yesterday, and took another pass with 320 grit. That 9th coat seemed to be a bit thicker and I didn't like the flow even as it went on. After the sanding, a modestly thinned (<5%) 10th coat was rolled on and I believe this will be it.

And I appreciate your prompt reply to the cure time question.It will be interesting to see if there are other responders as well. I was somewhat surprised that Google yielded nothing on this. I have a posting into the Jamestown Distributors forum as well, and I will share what they come back with.

BTW, in case you are seeing this note first, check your email for separate note.

[thegammas]

There is a great forum/group on Facebook; "Thompson boat owners group"