How to Make a Surfaced Area Smooth

Use the rougher sandpaper first over the entire surface, sanding in the same direction as the grain. Proceed onward with the finer gauge sandpapers until the surface is smooth to the touch. The amount of sanding for the best finish is not an exact science and takes much practice. Go slowly and test the smoothness often for the best results. Wood is a natural material and will never be completely perfect.

Dust off any excess sawdust from the surface. Use warm water and mild soap to wipe it clean to ensure there is no excess dust or dirt on the surface that could get sealed in by the remaining steps in the finishing process.

Coat a foam brush liberally in the chosen stain. Brush on the stain as wet as possible and use a clean rag to wipe away the excess. Brush in the same direction as the grain for a natural-looking finish. Finish one coat for the entire surface and wait the necessary time for it to dry as stated on the stain product label. Evaluate the need for further coats and proceed as needed with the same procedure. Overlapping the coats before they are dry may cause a change in the final color or an uneven tone overall.

Apply the oil-based polyurethane with another foam brush. Ensure the coat is evenly applied in the same direction as the wood grain. Once the varnish has dried -- this usually occurs overnight -- sand off the first coat of varnish using a fine gauge sandpaper, such as 250-300 gauge. Brush off the dust and clean the surface with a damp cloth. Apply another coat of varnish and perform the same process until the surface is the desired color and smoothness.

Brush on one last coat of oil-based polyurethane varnish and leave it to dry. Leave it unsanded as this will be the last coat. Once the surface has dried completely, it will be as smooth as possible.