Tacky spots in TotalBoat Halcyon Water-Based Marine Varnish are usually caused by contamination on the surface that the varnish was applied to. To repair the tacky spots, remove the tacky Halcyon, clean the surface with a clean cotton rag dampened with denatured alcohol, let the surface dry, sand with 220- or 320-grit sandpaper, and reapply Halcyon.