Prepping Mahogany (Honduran) and White oak as part of a traditional varnish buildup with the Epifane High Gloss Clear. What I have done in the past is to wait until really cured and sand initially by machine and then eventually with a block to knock down high spots and provide the flattest finish possible. Reducing to start and then applying thicker coats. I apply coats until it appears fab or I run out of time. It's a 7+/- coat process to get the desired result. I basically follow their directions.
Question: Between coats, can I use the 3M (Stotch-brite) abrasive pads (7447 and 7448) designed for the Marine Industry with aluminum oxide grit built in (at least on the red)? They are rated like steel wool with the 0 and 00 abrasiveness. 0 compares to 120, 00 compares to 180 grit according to some sources I’ve researched. That's actually pretty coarse compared to the sanding I would normally do. But the finished result really looks like a good prep for the next coat, and the sense I get it that removes less material. Do you think these are suitable for prepping varnish (Epifanes) between coats?
Separately: I'd be interested in hearing comparisons of the Epifane's Clear Varnish and their Wood Finish Gloss for those who have experimented. The 72 hour recoat without sanding would seem very attractive.
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