How to Burnish Varnish Between Coats

Burnish between coats of varnish for a glassy finish.

Burnishing is a process applied in woodworking to achieve a glass-like finish. This process takes extra time and therefore has been overlooked by furniture makers more interested in time than quality. Basically, burnishing is the polishing of a finish to a high gloss using a soft material like denim as a sandpaper. Burnishing sands and blends varnish into wood fibers until a super-shiny finish is obtained. You can burnish after the final coat of varnish, or between coats for best results.

Things You'll Need

• Denim

Instructions

1. Fold a piece of denim into a small pad. After the varnish has dried according to the time schedule on the manufacturer's label, begin rubbing the varnish in small circles 4 inches in diameter.

2. Rub vigorously in the same circle until the surface of the varnish begins to get warm. Start another circle overlapping the first circle by 1 inch. Continue rubbing the varnish with the denim until you have rubbed over the entire surface of the varnish.

3. Rub back over the surface of the varnish, this time rubbing parallel to the grain. Rub short strokes, 4 inches forward and 3 inches back moving lengthwise down the varnish until you come to the end. Start another pattern overlapping the first pattern by 1 inch. Continue rubbing the parallel pattern until you have rubbed over the entire surface of the varnish.

4. Apply another coat of varnish and let it dry according to manufacturer's directions.

5. Repeat Steps 1, 2 and 3. Continue with as many coats of varnish as you desire, rubbing between each coat.

Tips & Warnings

• You can rub or burnish the varnish after the last coat.

• Make sure that the varnish is dry before burnishing. Test rub on a small corner to check that it is dry.