Suggestions for a coffee table finish

[Jose Morales-Wade]

Hi,

I'm almost finish with a coffee table (Mystery table from PW Greene & Greene style), Wood is cherry with ebony plugs...
I'm looking for some suggestions for a finish schedule.
Currently my proposed schedule looks like:

BLO (light application)
Garnet Shellac (2 padded coats 2lb cut)
Rock Hard table top varnish (50% with MS)

What do you think of the schedule? How many coats of varnish should I apply?

[Howard Acheson]

Here is an idea for you.

http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=4970750&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=14

In general your finishing schedule should work fine. Let the BLO dry for at least 48 hours. Let the Rockhard cure for 3-4 weeks before attempting to rub it out.

[Scott Holmes]

Sounds like a excellent process.

Are you planning to use the Behlen's Rock Hard as a wipe-on varnish?
If so then thinning 50% is about right. To brush it on you only need to thin about 10%

USE their thinner it works better than MS.

4 brush on coats should be about right.
3 wipe-on coats is ~1 brush on coat.

Might try brushing on first 3 coats then wipe-on last 3-4 coats.

[Jose Morales-Wade]

I was thinking as a wipe-on varnish.. I will try brushing some of the coats and finish with the wipe-on... Do I need the 4 coats on all the surfaces (vertical) or only on the top?

[Scott Holmes]

Top for sure, the rest can be less