betty_white39•3d agoProlific Poster

I used to think a tack cloth was the only way to prep for finish

For years I'd go through those sticky rags like crazy, especially on big pieces. Then a guy at the supply house in Tacoma said to try a damp microfiber cloth instead. I was sure it would raise the grain, but on a recent oak table job I gave it a shot. I just wiped it down with a barely damp cloth and let it dry for 20 minutes. The surface was way cleaner than with a tack cloth, and no grain raising at all. Anyone else have a weird prep step that turned out to be a winner?

2 comments

2 Comments

derek_ramirez3d ago

My uncle swears by wiping everything down with a coffee filter first.

rose_grant783d agoRising Star

Does @derek_ramirez's coffee filter trick work on oily woods too?