The end tables I made for SWMBO are Maple stained with H2O-based stain and covered with Varnish.
I applied the Varnish thinned 2:1 with Mineral Spirits by wiping with a rag. I waited 24 hours between coats. Between the 3rd & 4th and
5th & 6th coats I scraped away any nastiness. Between the 6th & 7th and 7th & 8th coats I rubbed it with #00 to smooth everything up.So now I have 8 coats all applied with at least 24 hours in between. I wait 48 hours then glue the apron and legs together. I thought the clamps ruined the finish on the legs but it was just some dust from the rubber pads that came off with a rough rubbing of a dry rag. Next day I screw the tops on with some Norm style blocks set in a dado on the aprons. Tada!
Swmbo is happy they are done (me too). I take them upstairs and she positions them and carefully places the lamps on the tables with doilies (sp?) underneath. (72 hours drying time for the tops - applied in the heated basement).
Yesterday I get curious and lift the lamps and see marks where the lamps made impressions of the doily fabric on the tables. I mumble and mutter to myself.
After the in-laws visit on the 25th I will buff the marks out and apply another coat which will probably fix the marks. But...
How long does this stuff take to cure?