Water-based clear finishes

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