I’m finishing a mission style red oak coffee table, and have been testing finishes on a sample board. I prefer the lighter look of natural oak and wonder if there is any advantage to applying “natural” Minwax stain. I intent to apply a 50/50 mix of varnish and mineral spirits, and would also like to know if I should lightly sand between each application of the varnish mix.
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Replies
no, no advantage. It would be slightly darker than if you applied varnish alone.
yes, you should sand with fine 180g or better, paper between coats.
You can put on about 3 coats of the wipe on before you need to sand, if you don't let the varnish fully cure. And definitely finer than 180--more like 320.
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