Rolling TotalBoat Halcyon Water-Based Marine Varnish and neglecting to tip it before it starts to dry may result in an orange-peel texture.

If the varnish was applied with a spray gun, orange peel can occur when the varnish droplets fail to flow and level out smoothly.

Common causes include:

• Applying the varnish too thickly
• The varnish drying too quickly
• Incorrect spray gun settings, such as low air pressure, an improper fan pattern, or insufficient thinning with water

Halcyon can be thinned with water by up to 20%, although most spray applications require only a 5–10% reduction. Thinning by more than 10% may result in reduced gloss. If orange peel occurs, sand the surface smooth and reapply the varnish.