> FWIW, my local West Marine distributor warned that Epiphanes brand varnish
> IS NOT compatible with West Systems epoxy finishes.

Any idea what that means, "NOT compatible"? Won't go on well? Won't adhere, or cure? Deteriorates the epoxy?

It's been my impression the fully cured and sanded epoxies are pretty inert surfaces, which is one reason we use them; they are stable, aside from the UV sensitivity for which we use the varnish.

I used Epiphanes over System Three with pretty good results, but in this context it just happened that way, i.e., either product could have been different. I cannot even remember that compatibility was an issue, so I've been thinking we had pretty much our choice in this matter.

I hate to attribute good results to good luck. Any other clues from your vendor as to what the problem may be?