Why is it historic to sand between layer of varnish? Isn't that just removing the varnish? Or dulling it?
Isn't that just removing the varnish? Or dulling it?
it puts what is call tac to the finish allowing the next coat to stick beter it is just the best mode to get a top order finish.
To trademark the next seam adhere better.
PS: Read Paul's comment going on for time between coats, he's right on with that!!
Answers: Basically "sanding" knock down any fine hairs & give a good surface for the subsequent coat.
Having said that........
A good varnish finish ( or anything else) is "built up" w/ multiple gaunt coats.
Have been doing "dated school" finishes for a long time & never use sandpaper unless it is very fine , damp dry tupe & just for cleaning up minor "snots".
Yes it does remove finish , but it is generally to even out imperfections.between very well dried coats.
Always used fine bronze wool for an "in between "rub as it will not dull edges & any detail.
keeping it verbs w/ a tack cloth keeps any unsullied junk from getting into the subsequent coat.
I used spray gear , but consider that the old masters a moment ago had
brushes , rag & sometimes their hands.
They also have apprentices to do all the cleanup & rubbing.
You can bring back excellent results w/ spraycans, good brushes &/or mohair rollers.
for amazingly fine imperfections , an feeble tip I used & have be passing on, is to use very well crumpled paper grocery stacks
for fine rubbing.
A final rub w/ a good frozen pastewax does it.
Had to get remunerated for my work & used this basic method ( within are others) on some fairly pricey antiques..
If you are only doing a flat bar top , brushes or rollers are fine & somewhat light sand in between is OK.
Maybe a moment or two too much information, but you get out what you put contained by when finishing.
Best regards