> If you want a really smooth varnish finish with no brush marks at all in
> it, do you need to thin the varnish slightly so that it self-levels the
> brush strokes out? I have put on 2 layers now. The varnish I am using says
> to thin the varnish 25% on the first coat. On the second coat I didn't
> thin the epoxy, and I can see brush strokes. I am using a foam brush. I
> read somewhere that you should use eaither a very expensive badger brush
> or a very cheap disposable foam brush, nothing in between.

> Thanks in advance,

> Paul

I'm no expert on finishing but I doubt it would be a good idea to continue with further coats of thinned varnish without consulting the manufacturer. My understanding of why the can says to thin the first coat is that this is what is known as a "wash coat." The purpose of a wash coat is to raise the grain of a machined wood surface enabling between coat sanding to remove little spurs of wood fiber that have been bent over during the machining process. (For these purposes machining refers to processes such as planing, joining, sawing, sanding, etc.] Thinning of later coats may weaken or otherwise change the properties of the finish though I'm certain thinning would make for easier application. If you find more information about this I'd like to hear. Tom