1. Set out a dust sheet to protect the work area. Make sure the area is well-ventilated.

2. Set the room temperature between 20 - 25, which helps the varnish dry quicker without causing air bubbles and streaking.

3. Make sure all your brushes, rags, steel wool pads and white spirits are nearby for when you needed them.

4. Strip any pre-existing finishes with a paint stripper. Wear gloves and a face mask while you work.

5. Clean the wood to be treated with a steel wool pad dipped in about 1 c. mineral spirits mixed with 2 tsp. linseed oil.

6. Use a clean rag to dry the wood.

7. Pour enough varnish into a separate container to do the first coat, and dilute it with 20 percent white spirits (one part white spirits to four parts varnish). This coat seals the wood. (Read the label before use and follow the manufacturer's warnings and suggestions carefully.)

8. Use a 2" brush to apply this diluted varnish into the wood. Work with the grain.

9. Let that coat dry at least 6 hours, but not more than 20.

10. Apply the second coat (nondiluted) with a new 2" brush.

11. Put on up to five coats, depending on how much wear you anticipate the surface to receive. Use a new brush for each coat.

12. Dispose of rags, brushes and remaining stripper as advised by the stripper's manufacturer.