Water-based clear finishes
Raising the grain first will help you get perfect results
When applying a water-based clear coating on oak, walnut of certain othertypes of bare wood, water in the coating can "raise the grain" of thewood, creating a rough, or fuzzy surface.By properly planning you job, you can avoid this problem and get a perfectfinish:
First, sand the wood as smooth as possible.- Next, deliberately raise the grain by pre-dampening the wood with clean water, using a wet rag or sponge.
- Allow the wood to dry for at least half an hour.
- Sand the wood with fine-grit sandpaper (garnet paper; 180-220 grit) in the direction of the wood grain.
- Dust off the surface.
- Apply the first coat of clear finish.
- If slight "fuzzing" still occurs, lightly sand and dust off the surface again.
- Apply additional coats of clear finish to achieve the desired result.
-- Text and photo from the Paint Quality Institute
