"crmay" wrote in message
If I don't quite strip all the varnish off, will I get an uneven
finish?

Yes


Will the sap wood (feature grade) appear strange after liming?

Don't know, probably will be less contrast.


Will the final finish look ok?

Matter of opinion.

Do you have any scraps left? If so, take a piece to the paint store and ask
them what they have for the liming. Keep in mind, most any oil or epoxy
based finish will darken the color when applied. Do a test piece to be sure
you get what you want.