Hi folks,

some of you were kind enough to assist a few months back and... here I go again. I am staining/finishing birch ply. 1st step was Minwax conditioner, then Minwax oil stain. 1st observation was that there was "some" blotchiness and wondering if I f*d up the conditioner/stain. Conditioner left on for 1.5hrs before adding stain. Stain left for 15 mins before wiping. That said, my 1st panel or 3 were a bit blotchy, but I'm up to about 6 panels now and the latter are more even.

Second step was coating with 50/50 mix poly. MOST of the poly was completely absorbed, but I did get some high spots around the edges and grain. Now, there seems to be mixed opinion on sanding between coats with that level of mix. I watched a luxury boat finisher guy say he doesn't sand with 50/50 mix until he's on the 3rd coat, then go to 60/40 etc. I'm not finishing luxury boats, I'm making speakers.

What your thinking on sanding between the 1st 3-4 coats of 50/50 mix? I assume circa 240 grit wet/dry? I'm terrified of burning through the finish when its that thin.

Thanks,

Michael.