re: finishes

Behlen’s Rock Hard Tabletop Varnish
is very resistant to, alcoholic beverage spills, abrasion and water rings,

It has been blended and modified to produce excellent protection while still retaining all the good qualities of varnish like ease of application by brushing and a beautiful amber color.

Only available in gloss, it can be rubbed to achieve any sheen from satin back up to gloss. Rubbing should be done after the last coat of varnish has been applied and all the coats have had time to cure, meaning all the solvent in the varnish has evaporated. This could take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on how many coats you have applied, temperature and humidity. If you are not sure, wait as long as you can before you start rubbing.

If you wish to reduce Behlen’s Rock Hard Tabletop Varnish, you must use a special reducer that has been specifically formulated for it, (Behlen’s Rock Hard Reducer). I have always found that reducing varnish helps it flow out better, it also true for this varnish. I generally reduce the first one or two coats 50/50 (1 part varnish to 1 part reducer). This acts as a sealer and prevents the other coats from penetrating too deeply into the more soft or porous areas of the wood, thus giving you a more uniform sheen. Sand lightly between coats with 320 grit paper and make sure to wipe off dust before you apply the next coat. After the sealer coat(s) are applied, I reduce all other coats about 20 percent (4 parts varnish to 1 part reducer). Three or more coats are usually necessary, depending on how porous the wood is. Once you have a uniform sheen, no additional coats are necessary, but I like to apply 1 more coat after this. Remember to sand lightly between coats with 320 grit paper and make sure to wipe off dust before you apply the next coat & wait as long as you can before rubbing out the top.