2torial #0549: Learn2 Varnish a Wood Surface (Continued) Prepare properly for the second coat It is a good idea to wait one full day before embarking on your second coat. First you must use the sandpaper to softly "take back" (usually in one pass) the first coat. Do this by sanding gently with the grain into the first layer of varnish. You want to rough up the surface enough so the second layer can set without going through to the bare wood. Clean the surfaces with the tack cloth. Now you can repeat the varnishing steps again! -end- Learn More! or All steps at once (printable version)