Ken,

I have used a rag for most of the varnishing I have done...at least the successful varnishing anyway. I thin the varnish out, probably at least 20% and rub it on with a rag. Why 20%? I haven't the faintest idea...and I don't know if it's 20% or 30% or what. It just works for me, I just add thinner 'til it feels right.

Anyway, I keep rubbing 'til it's pretty dry, not tacky at all, and that's not very long at all. Sorta like "wax on..wax off" No runs, no sags, no worries. So what's the catch you say? It's a satin finish even with gloss varathane, which is what I use. Low lustre, but it looks wonderful on my riverboat banjo and the wooden machines I've made.

I've never tried buffing it to a gloss. but I'm sure gonna try it tonight. I've been struggling with how I'm gonna get a high gloss finish on my GB...if I ever get to that stage. 8-) If it works, I'll defintely use my method..very low skill requirement. Try my technique on some scrap and see what you think....works for me!