: Why is dilution necessary?

Oh, I forgot to answer your question. Thin the first coat out at least 50/50. This not only lets it soak in for a better primer coat, but it also allows it to dry faster. The first coat always takes a long time to dry. Thinning also makes the finish go on smoother. A thicker coat is going to have more tendency to sag and drip, and to show brush strokes. For following coats you can step up the ammount of varnish, or you can just add a lot of thin coats, but I like stepping it up to about 75% varnish on the last coat. Give it a try, it works good.

And I also forgot to tell you that she gave me a $300 gift certificate to REI!!!! Yeeeeeee Haaaaaaaa..... so much gear, so little time. Man, this girl is definately a keeper!

-Malcolm