Coffee Table

[mater]

That is very nice work.

[GPA61]

Very, very nice indeed!!!

[Wood_workur]

that is really nice, and looks very "heavy-duty_ in the design/construction

[lrogers]

Hard to say which version I liked better; both are beautiful. A design that robust will last for many years and many moves.

[footprintsinconc]

nice job! both look very nice, however, i do prefer no stain over stained aswell.

so is that table top 1" thick oak? and how did you manage to get such a glossy finish on the table top (as seen in the first picture)?

regards,

[softop41]

Well made and looks great the way it isto bad you have to stain; but as you said....SWMBO! The refinishing will probably be a bigger pain than construction and the existing finish were together!
Jerry

[niki]

Thank you

Omar
The top is 1" Lauan, the finish on the unstained version is Clear Glossy Varnish.
My method is (with any finish),
*I sand the surface down to #400 (and sometimes #600).
*I apply the first layer (diluted 30~40%) and let it dry for 24 hours than,
*Without sanding, I apply the 2nd layer (same dilution) and let it dry 24 hours than,
*Very light sanding with #400 to remove any bumps, this sanding is very important because from the 3rd layer the "Build-up" starts and any bumps will be more pronounced.
*I continue with "layer - 24 hours - sanding - layer" till I get the gloss that satisfies me (in this case it was 7 layers).

The first and second layers are acting as "sanding sealer", they penetrate deep into the wood (I noticed it when I stripped the varnish before staining) and fill the pores.

The drying time can vary depends on the Varnish type, temperature and humidity. If when I sand I get kind of "Macaroni", I know that it's still not dry.

In general, I prefer more diluted finish because it's like "self evening" and gives me more time to re-brush especially on large surfaces (kind of longer "open time").

I apply the varnish "cross grain" and than, I brush it along the grain, if the Varnish is not diluted enough, when I come to the end of the surface, the first part starts already to dry.

I use foam brush for all the finishes except Nitro base finish or Oil based Stain.

Jerry
You are correct, it took long time and very deep sanding to get rid of all the Varnish before staining, and I still had the "7 layers" to go...

niki