Add another coat of varnish?

The finish on my Islander MT-4 is very thin, and there is a spot or 2 on the curved sides that are ... well... "splintery" is to strong a word... but they "catch" your finger a little and I'd like to add a bit more clear coat protection to smooth that out.

What is the process for adding another coat of varnish? Is it very different then fine woodworking? Special stuff? I'm thinking I;ll just do the sides and leave the top, neck, and back as-is.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I'd be reluctant to put a coat of 'varnish' on it. Lots of issues exist with finish material, technique, and prep.

On satin finish ukes with a rough finish spot or uneven oil finish, I lightly use '0000' steel wool and lemon oil (or Howards Feed and Wax); go with the grain. As always do a test spot first, usually on the back.

YMMV.

Yeah, I wouldn't add finish layers without knowing what you're putting them over, for sure. Some finishes are not compatible and you can easily make a situation worse.

If the finish is rough enough to snag clothing you might want to try simply waxing it. The Lanikai LU-21 and LU-11 series ukes often have tops that are rough enough that I'm concerned about splinters. Paste wax (I like Renaissance Wax - expensive but well worth it) rubbed in vigorously and buffed with a rag seems to eliminate the problem without a lot of muss and fuss.

I love the idea of waxing it, I think I'll try that ... I really don't want to mess it up. Is Renaissance Wax a brand or a variety? Any specific product recommendation?

I've attached 3 picks of the trouble areas. I draged a cotton ball over the worst to show the most egregious spots. This is the side that faces up at me. The other side has no prickers, nor does the top or back.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25203913@N08/6814144114/sizes/l/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25203913@N08/6814144538/sizes/l/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25203913@N08/6814144324/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Sporin said:

I love the idea of waxing it, I think I'll try that ... I really don't want to mess it up. Is Renaissance Wax a brand or a variety? Any specific product recommendation?

I've attached 3 picks of the trouble areas. I draged a cotton ball over the worst to show the most egregious spots. This is the side that faces up at me. The other side has no prickers, nor does the top or back.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25203913@N08/6814144114/sizes/l/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25203913@N08/6814144538/sizes/l/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25203913@N08/6814144324/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Click to expand...

Renaiisance Wax is a brand (made in the UK, I think). I was introduced to it by a guy who made custom Native American Flutes and used nothing but the wax when customers wanted a natural wood appearance. If I remember right I paid somewhere around $25 for a 200ml tin but that was a few years ago and the tin is only about half empty. I use it on everything from flutes to guns to guitars and ukes. Great stuff.

John

I'm pretty sure this Conservators Wax is the same (microcrystalline) as Renaissance Wax.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=20090&cat=1,190,42950

Thank you everyone, that seems like the smart way to go, I'll let you know how it flows.