How to Varnish With a Rag
- 1). Form the rag into a ball shape and hold the ends together so that the ball end of the rag is facing down away from your hand. Use a cotton cloth that is as smooth as you can find. A plain white T-shirt is a good example. Keep five or so T-shirt rags available and switch them out when they become saturated.
- 2). Dip the rag ball into the can of varnish and allow it to soak for 10 seconds. Start in the middle of the object you are varnishing. Place the rag down and begin making strokes that go with with the grain of the wood. Use short strokes at first, then go back over it with longer strokes to even out the varnish.
- 3). Stroke from the center to the outside, working your way toward the edges of the object you are varnishing. Squeeze the ball over the can to get excess varnish out of the cloth.
- 4). Stroke over any small pools of varnish that might have accumulated near the center. When you come to the edges of the object, pull the cloth off evenly and quickly to prevent varnish from pooling on the edges.
- 5). Brush lightly over the varnish while it is still wet with a cloth that is damp with varnish. Examine the surface and wipe off any drips, sags or runs with a clean, dry cloth.
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