Why does the wood I varnished feel rough?

Answer 1

The varnish will need to be sanded down a little.

I've always used steel wool and lightly sand the piece after it has fully dried. You'll then be able to sand off any bubbling of the varnish that you have.

Answer 2

Sand the piece smooth with something like 180 grit. Wipe the dust clean and reapply the varnish. After the varnish is dry, lightly sand with a softer sandpaper, like 220 grit (look on the package...it should say finishing sandpaper). Wipe away any dust and apply another coat of varnish. If the wood is still rough, repeat the steps as necessary. Good luck!

Answer 3

Ashley is correct. Varnished wood must be sanded after varnishing, the wet finish raises the grain. As she said, lightly sand then reapply varnish. Once all the pores in the wood have filled it will feel smooth.

Answer 4

Varnish usually contains some solids, no matter how well you stir it up. Plus, dust will land and cause a little roughness. You need to sand it with very fine sandpaper until it's smooth, then put on a second coat.

Answer 5

It is common for the first coat of varnish to raise 'whiskers` even if you sanded before.
A light once over with steel wool will remove the roughness and your second coat will be smooth.
Don't to forget to wipe off the dust from the steel wool very carefully .

Answer 6

Steel Wool to do the rubbing down between coats....or better still use Scotchbrite, the industrial version of the rough side of your panshiner sponge. Actually, that stuff on the back of the sponge may work too unless it's Marine varnish. Use a new one of course :-)

Answer 7

All valid answers so far. I'll add a thought or two.

PREP/PREP/PREP.

Tac cloth always

Steel wool not SAND paper

The rough is most often caused by agitation in the mix, air bubbles as applied and after in its drying.

I'm way old school and take all the thumbs down or heat that comes my way, but consider that "FINE" as it relates to a finish, even on furniture, is like a master work hanging in a gallery.

Steven Wolf

Answer 8

maybe it needs sanded down first then apply the varnish

Answer 9

Some how you picked up dust and/or gritty particles when you vanished last time it may have even been on your brush. Lightly sand ,try to create a dust free environment ,revarnish with a clean or new brush.

Answer 10

It must be sanded with a light grit sandpaper after each coat.