Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Feb 13, 2013 05:29pm | #1

   You need for the varnish to be well cured.  I'd give at least several weeks, better a month.  Also note that some waxes have stronger solvents than others.  One example is Briwax.  It has toluene and can damage varnish if applied within about the first year.  The Briwax company now also makes a product, Briwax 2000, with milder solvents that can be used similarly to most waxes.

   By the way, wax is a completely optional step, that offers only a bit of cosmetic difference.  It's not really meaningfully more protective, but has to be regularly maintained or appearance will suffer.  I don't use it on very many pieces.

2. 
   Westchester | Feb 13, 2013 06:35pm | #2

   No Rub Out

   Can't add a thing to what Steve explained to you,  but I have a question.  Are you not going to rub out this finish ?  This is the path to the reflection you're after.  Wax can't do what a rubbed out finish will impart.

   SA

1. 
   jf428220 | Feb 13, 2013 07:07pm | #3

   I've got two coats of a water based walnut dye and four coats of varnish on a walnut blanket chest. The pores are not filled, so I'm really doing this for appearance - a little more sheen.

1. 
   Westchester | Feb 14, 2013 06:38am | #4

   Not Charlie Sheen

   Gloss finsh and unfilled grain doesn't look that great.  However with 4 coats of varnish you would have been able to fill a pot hole in a NYC street.   You won't say if you are going to rub this finish but given 4 coats and you want sheen - suggest rub and compound the finish.  The 4 coats of finish should have more than filled those grains.

   SA 

3. 
   jf428220 | Feb 14, 2013 09:33am | #5

   Thanks. I was a little disappointed. How would you rub out the finish?

1. 
   Westchester | Feb 14, 2013 11:31am | #6

   Read through this

   Let me steer you to a link on Homestead's site - they have a great page of instruction for rubbing out. Read through it and come back with any follow up questions.  I think for your circumstances the best bet is to sand down the finish to 600 grit - emery paper w/lubricant and than take 4 -0   steel wool with the grain and go over the entire sanded area polishing up to a nice satin sheen. However give the 4 coats of varnish a month to cure or longer if possible before attempting anything. 

   http://homesteadfinishingproducts.com/htdocs/rubbingout.htm

   I may get some boos here but (skip the paste wax and use pledge as a final polish)

   SA

1. 
   jf428220 | Feb 14, 2013 01:22pm | #7

   Thanks for that link. I've never tried that process but will give it a go in a few weeks.