There once was a time when I thought I knew what I was doing; that was before further education. Now I know more than I did then, so now I'm seeing more wrong with my methods. I've got a couple of questions but I'm not sure if I'm asking the right questions or all the questions I need to ask. I'm hoping you guys can help me out. I'm learning. This is a hobby, not professional.
I'm working with yellow pine because its cheap. I can see that my joinery skills need vast improvement; so I assume in those areas the finish will be better once the joints are better. I'm now also seeing where I need to pay closer attention when using the smoothing plane.
So the first question is about sanding. I read where its recommended to sand to 220 before applying the varnish. I've read that finer sanding inhibits adhesion. Is it worth the effort to sand beyond 220 to smooth the surface more, then go back and use 220 or am I just wasting my time?
Next question. I think its called a sag. Where two edges meet, I'm finding the varnish will build up along the adjacent edge to the one I'm working on, sorta like surface tension holding it in place. I do run the brush along the edge to pick up stuff that has overrun the edge. This happens after I set it aside to dry. Is there a way to avoid this?
I think I'm going to go back to this practice and I'm wondering if its a good idea. Between coats of varnish, I used to rub down with steel wool. My most recent attempt I didn't do this and I think I've spent to much time rubbing everything out in the end (after allowing enough time to fully cure). Is rubbing between coats a good strategy?
Is there a way to hang something, so that I can coat all the surfaces at the same time, and avoid the runs, drips, and sags that result from the vertical surface? At the moment, I coat one side, laying flat, let it dry, turn it over and do it again. This is taking twice as long to accomplish as opposed to being able to do all sides at once. Any tips in this area?
I'm using a brush. I tried wiping, but didn't care for it. I felt to much finish was wasted to the rag and didn't really like the process of applying it, so I went back to using a brush.
I'd appreciate any advice you guys can give me.
Thanks