After stripping varnish from railing it has light & dark woods. How can I best revarnish to get good finish?
Answers:
I am assuming that you did not know there where several shades of wood under the varnish AND I am also assuming that you would like the finished product to be the same colour. IF this is the case, you will need to, of course, completely and absolutely remove all traces of varnish ( even in the grain ) and then use a stain to make the wood a uniform colour. Min-wax is one but there are many stains available. Often the desired colour can be obtained by applying the stain with a rag and wiping it off - but follow the manufacturers instructions. Following this you can apply a varnish or Varathane coating. It will take several coats with sanding in between coats with ultra-fine sand paper. Wipe down the sanded surface with clean tack rags and mineral spirits before applying another coat. Use a foam brush or a good pure bristle brush again following the manufacturer's recommended application methods. Usually, one wants to always stroke to apply in one direction from the "wet edge". Many hardware stores and paint stores have excellent people ( perhaps even a course or demonstration ) to help you with your particular job.
We don't know what kind of wood you are working with which can make a difference to the outcome. IF it is a railing it is likely oak or maple. Both can be refinished in the above manner with excellent results.
You may wish to finish the job with very fine steel-wool and wax to buff the surface to a satin finish and remove small bubbles or particles - but that is only for a satin finish.
Note ... most of the results are found in the proper preparation of the surface. This means sanding with fine grit paper until to is completely smooth and cleaning dust away completely. NEVER shake your varnish or Varathane as it will cause many small bubbles which will appear in your final work. Stir the can gently and completely with a clean paint stick made for the purpose.
Other answers:
sand it with 150 grit. Varnish that is sprayed on has a better looking finish. First you put one coat on let it dry then sand it with 240 grit paper and then put the second coat on.
sand it with 150 grit. Varnish that is sprayed on has a better looking finish. First you put one coat on let it dry then sand it with 240 grit paper and then put the second coat on.
rico gave a wonderful and thorough answer - impressive - but I found a simple trick from a furniture refinisher >
after he had removed most of the varnish from a white pine door trim, he used rubbing alcohol and steel wool in tiny circular patterns to remove the REST of any varnish traces that also can discolor the wood. Before he finished with a Minwax product his wood trim was evened out with a fresh new look!