Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jul 25, 2009 12:02am | #1

   You can certainly rub out varnishes.  Polyurethane varnish is the most difficult of the varnishes to rub out that way because the same softness (tough vs hard) that makes it resist abrasion, also makes it more difficult to buff out to an even gloss sheen, though it certainly has been done. 

   In general though, you would be better off with a traditional resin varnish than with polyurethane.  One other thing to remember that for rubbing out varnish to gloss you want it as well cured as is feasible.  Give it a month before beginning the rub out process, and you will get better results. 

   Also, there is a learning curve with power buffing.  It's not necessary to rub out with a power buffer to achieve  comparable results, though with 5 hope chests to do you will be building upper body strength in the process. 

1. 
   Harmonica | Jul 25, 2009 06:15am | #2

   Steve,Thanks for the information. Glad I asked before applying the poly!Tim Henshaw

1. 
   WillGeorge | Jul 26, 2009 04:36am | #3

   And a wipe coat of Poly is not bad... Not a brush on.. To thick usually... Just a wipe with a rag. Corners are a bummer.. Try some scrap wood of the same and previous finish before the wipe coat of poly ... with a corner,, To do!