Hi Peter. I just built a Mahogany hall console table with 4 Birdseye maple drawers (http://www.simonmetz.com/console_table.jpg). I decided to use the hot rod varnish oil finish because of its ease of use and low build up.

The leg stock was cut from 8/4 and the body of the table from different 4/4 stock, Birdseye drawer fronts from 4/4, and a shelf using Mahogany plywood.

On all the different types of wood I have been having problems with some or all areas drying matte, even with extremely thin coats (wet sanded between coats 3 & 4) and at least 24 hours drying between coats. I am applying the finish in a dry basement workshop using a lint free cotton rag. I have tried less japan dryer thinking that the dryer might be causing the top of the finish to dry before the bottom causing clouding.

Any help in sorting this out would be greatly appreciated!

–Simon