So 'fess up. Among those of you who have paid any attention to my slow-motion project, how many secretly knew that it would prove to be a chore to finish?
(I'm building two of them)
I spent most of the weekend applying gel stain to the various parts. To be fair, the first several hours were devoted to prep; vacuuming the shop and the work, arranging places to put the parts while they dry, etc. Oh, and re-sanding some little imperfections I hadn't noticed before. Damn that raking light.
But I must have spent close to eight hours applying the stain, and wiping off the excess, of course. The "ladder" sides, which I pre-assembled, took the longest time, specifically all the little inside corners.
(don't worry, I'll be replacing those dowels)
I had made some test pieces using General Finishes Gel Varnish as a topcoat, with good results. But now I'm rethinking it. I'm wondering if I should use something that won't require so much laborious removing of "excess" product. I'd like a satin low-buildup "adult" finish. Thoughts?