varnish before or after canvassing

[woodenkayakguy]

Hi there,finally getting back to working on my otanobee.
have replaced a couple planks and ribs,stripped the inside and found a couple more cracked ribs so will put splints over those.
question is I remember seeing/reading something about varnishing before canavassing
what is the thinking on this?

 

[Dave Osborn]

It's mostly a personal preference, but varnishing first will keep the varnish from soaking through seams into the canvas and softening cured filler.