Wood refinishing final passes

[fred1diver]

Hey everyone
I am currently working on a cockpit table for my Pearson 30, I did a nice sanding with 220 grit and added 2 more coats.
Just wondering how you do the final sanding to keep it looking glassy?
I was thinking bronze wool, is that overkill or just let it dry and enjoy?

 

[kappykaplan]

Using bronze wool will result in a satin, not glossy, finish.

 

[shemandr]

While I was staying in Mystic CT, there was a women varnishing a gleaming yacht and a brain picker following her. He asked how she would do the final coat. She snapped "There is never a final coat!"

 

[jssailem]

To have a glossy final coat fine sand 220 or 300 grit. Wipe the surface to remove all dust and imperfections (bug carcasses). Then lay a thin film of gloss varnish on the surface. Let dry and inspect.

 

[jssailem]

Just completed 8 coats of satin varnish on an engine panel.

It is mostly ok.

 

[jviss]

Hey everyone
I am currently working on a cockpit table for my Pearson 30, I did a nice sanding with 220 grit and added 2 more coats.
Just wondering how you do the final sanding to keep it looking glassy?
I was thinking bronze wool, is that overkill or just let it dry and enjoy?

Two more coats of what? Are you using varnish, or Cetol, or some other product?

 

[fred1diver]

At the moment I’m using varnish.
Still need to pre drill some holes and add the screws

 

[BigEasy]

I refinished the companionway ladder a few years ago. After staining, I applied 4 coats of minwax/helmsman spray poly (gloss). Light sanding between coats & very light buff with bronze/steel wool. Final machine buff with aqua buff polishing compound. Result was a deep Semi gloss finish.

 

[BigEasy]

At the moment I’m using varnish.

Very nice!

 

[danooxnard]

BigEasy nailed it. I have used the gloss spray poly on several projects to get that final shine, it is amazing and a very hard long lasting finish.
Dano

 

[jviss]

At the moment I’m using varnish.
Still need to pre drill some holes and add the screws

Nice. So, will it not fold down?

Reminds me, I need to get some varnish onto my cockpit table. A stitch in time saves nine, as they say!

 

[PaulK]

At the moment I’m using varnish.
Still need to pre drill some holes and add the screws

Are those holes big enough to hold cups?

 

[Tally Ho]

Are those holes big enough to hold cups?

Shot-glass holders

I assume those are for the pedestal tubes

Greg

 

[MikeHoncho]

I’d you want it super glossy sand up to 600 wet then compound then swirl remover with a orbital