Replies

1. 
   robjackson | Apr 27, 2021 03:59pm | #1

   Those look like mill marks from either the jointer or thickness planer. You'll need to sand with coarser sandpaper until the marks are gone, then sand with finer grits to get back to the finish you want. Then, you can go back to adding more finish.

2. 
   john_c2 | Apr 27, 2021 05:15pm | #2

   What Rob said. Either start with coarser, or a lot longer with medium or fine.

3. 
   esch5995 | Apr 27, 2021 05:32pm | #3

   Definitely mill marks from a planer. Is that pine? If you used dimensional construction lumber it will always have heavy mill marks and needs to be sanded well start with 80 grit working up to 150-220 depending on the desired appearance. Given I think you are going for a weathered wood look 150 should be fine but an online sander would be better than a RO if one is available, making sure to sand with the grain.

4. 
   rob_ss | Apr 27, 2021 08:47pm | #4

   Only thing to add to the above is a No4 or 5 smoothing plane.
   Worth the effort if you have one, otherwise sand...

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDYPGgjQmF4

5. 
   freesuefcafe | Apr 27, 2021 11:38pm | #5

   Thanks so much for the responses .

   Plastic wrapped Poplar from Menards. It looked great after staining and didn’t look like that until I sanded after first poly.

   So do I sand it down to bare and then restain ?

   This is a back bar alcohol display.

   
1. 
   esch5995 | Apr 28, 2021 12:18am | #6

   That depends if you are after a worn weathered wood look I'm not sure the mill marks are out of place. On the other hand if you are looking for a more refined finish you probably have no choice.

   Plastic wrapped wood? Really? that seems like it could be a recipe for disaster. Sealing wood up at one humidity level and unwrapping it in something entirely different. I could see that ending badly. The big box stores should always be the last place to buy wood, overpriced and low quality as you found out the hard way.

1. 
   rob_ss | Apr 28, 2021 03:55am | #7

   Agree with esch. I think it looks fine as it is, especially for that purpose the stripes add something. Save the effort and use as is.
   Fix it down firmly before it bows tho...

2. 
   _mj_ | Apr 28, 2021 04:57pm | #14

   At least we know the wood was fresh! Considering it is poplar the dent patterns will change every time you lift and replace a bottle. If you're a bunch of raging alcoholics the little waves will be gone in a few months... if not then probably about a year.

   Trying to get it smooth now might be what you have in your head as the goal, but this is like trying to keep a pine floor from being dented by high heels.

6. 
   stantheman | Apr 28, 2021 08:23am | #8

   A pre-stain wipe with alcohol or mineral spirits might have shown planer marks or other defects.

7. 
   DRBWWing | Apr 28, 2021 09:00am | #9

   Sanding is not just sanding. Raking light, wetting with denatured alcohol can reveal mills marks and incomplete sanding.

   You do your best, in spite of everything the occasional sanding or mill mark might still project through, undetected until you apply finish.

   The most sure fire way to remove mill marks is hand plane. But then you have to address plane tracks.

   That said, mill marks can emulate saw marks and in some instances might look ok.

8. 
   freesuefcafe | Apr 28, 2021 10:22am | #10

   Really appreciate all the helpful information. Obviously I’m new at this. I thought this would be an easy project to do for a friend. It has been extremely difficult. Matching the sides up to fit the shelves was unbelievably hard. Finally had it together and stained to my “it will have to do”. And now this. I’ve got plenty to learn. Thanks for the help.

1. 
   john_c2 | Apr 28, 2021 10:41am | #11

   It's a lifetime of learning. Getting started is the hard part. Have fun, and keep building.

9. 
   elmaduro | Apr 28, 2021 11:27am | #12

   Me thinks the intended shelf products will do a very good job of concealing the finish imperfections..

10. 
    hunkeydorey | Apr 28, 2021 01:02pm | #13

    Next time. Before applying any sealer or finish, wipe down the surface with denatured alcohol(my preference) or paint thinner which will immediately accent any surface imperfections including dents, scratches, or as in this case, planer induced stripes. Hand plane, sand, and repair to the perfection you prefer and NOW stain, seal, and finish to your desired luster. Good luck