Old-World Light Bulb Load

Step 6 Surface Finishing

After filling the grain and the box joints with wood filler and sanding, I applied a coat of Minwax water-based rosewood color wood stain with a cotton cloth. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the wood filler soaked up the stain, leaving a very even finish. I then left it to dry overnight.

I waited another day for the weather to clear up, and on a nice sunny day with little wind, I applied three coats of Minwax Polycrylic matte topcoat, allowing an hour between coats, and sanding lightly with 220 grit before applying the next coat.

The results are pretty good for a first try.