Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Aug 18, 2006 10:50pm | #1

   The first coat of poly will raise the grain a bit and if you try to put too much on, it will pick up a lot of dust. The first coat should almost disappear but there are many brands of poly and some have high solid content. I normally like to put on two coats. This will put enough over the stain so that you can block out and buff without accidentally sanding through to the stain. You always have to be careful around sharp edges, grooves and projections. By blocking out, I mean taking some sandpaper and flattening the top coat. This will start to smooth up the finish. If you have drips or runs, you may have to start with 220 and go as light as possible. Often 400 is all that is necessary. Use a stearated paper or some of the Norton 3X so it won't gum up with the poly and scratch your surface. After taking off the rough, buff with #0000 steel wool, with the grain. Liberon steel wool with a little mineral spirits will give a very nice surface. Clean up and apply a light coat of paste wax.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   plake | Aug 18, 2006 11:36pm | #2

   Thanks a lot for the tips.
   Just to make sure I read it right:
   you said you like to do two coats of poly.
   You mean two coats then sanding then with the 400?Also, I've heard of the mineral spirits and
   steel wool thing but I've never done it.
   Do you dip the steel wool and rub in the spirits
   until its gone or what? Thanks again,
   I'm a wannabe woodworker so I don't know much.