about 18 hours later, i then lightly sanded and started to wipe down with lacquer thinner.

Rob is right. Don't use lacquer thinner on fresh varnish. While lacquer thinner is ok to use on well cured varnish, it will break down varnish that is not fully cured.

When I read most cans of varnish they suggest wiping the surface down with brushing thinner. Usually they suggest their proprietary brand of thinner, but mineral spirits is fine.

Water is OK to use, but I prefer just vacuuming the surfaces, to remove most of the dust, then wipe down with mineral spirits, when that dries I apply any masking tape need followed by a wipe down with a tack cloth. Then I go prepare my varnish, while the varnish is running through the filter I wipe down once more with the tack cloth and proceed immediately to varnishing.