Refinishing a Stanley #3 wooden level

[Don Morris]

I'm refinishing my Dad'a #3 Stanley 24" wooden level. It's made of cherry and has some sap wood. Thus some pre-treatment is in order, prior to staining. But what type of top coat would be best to keep it the smoothest and most even surface? Thanks for any help, and suggestions. Don M

[Valk Wilkinson]

I would personally go with a natural finish like tung oil or whatever. If ya insist on using a film finish you could always use some light coats of lacquer and just do a fine sanding between coats. Its going to chemically bond to itself so it really shouldn't have any adhesion problems down the road. After the last coat maybe just give it a quick wet sanding with a block and buff lightly to taste.