How do you varnish wood?

Answer 1

Before you apply varnish to wood be sure to clean the surface of the wood. Use a foam brush to apply a thin coat of varnish to the wood. Once the first coat is completely dry, sand the piece, clean away the dust, and apply a second thin coat of varnish.

Answer 2

Depending on interior of exterior will depend on the varnish you need.

There is a high amount of tannin in oak. Most will for exterior lightly sand the oak using 120 then 300 plus sand paper. wipe fully to remove the dust else the wood becomes rough. using a good quality exterior varnish apply one coat that has been thinned down with white spirit (25% spirit) allow to dry and then very lightly sand and clean the wood- This is sealing coat. Apply varnish again - thin coats each time. allow to dry and repeat the light sanding. The sanding acts as a key for the next coat and makes the wood feel smooth. Apply at least 3 coats. If it is outside make sure you use a good UV resistant varnish else the wood can blacken.

For interior wood you can use Tung oil. This will keep the natural look of the wood and still allow for a very good finish. If the wood is likely to be in sunlight then use a UV resistant interior varnish - but make sure you follow the above application guide and use the same varnish throughout else you will have varying degrees of finish

Answer 3

you can spray, but you will get a much smoother finish if you paint it on with the grain, leaving to completely dry between coats then rubbing down with a 240 too 300 plus grit sandpaper to make a key . Following sanding completely wipe the door surface especially in to the panel areas and beading to remove dust. Always apply thin coats for best finish

Answer 4

Spray or brush on are the usual methods, they do have several types of finishes that are wipe-on.