Any woodworking experts out there?

[forgop-cl]

Years ago, I worked for a family construction company and spent a number of days doing nothing but making trim. I recall staining it, sanding it, and then putting a coat of varnish on top of it that would leave it as smooth as glass.

Fast forward to the present, I have a nice oak kitchen table that I sanded down to some gouges in the surface. I've applied a coat of stain 24+ hours ago and sanded down with a 180 grit sandpaper. For some reason, I thought I recalled using something like 320 grit sandpaper, but 180 was the highest I could find at the local Menards. I've applied another coat of stain this evening.

What do I specifically need to do to get a much smoother surface? I don't necessarily need it to be as smooth as glass, but something that will be relatively smooth and have a nice shine and be protectant of liquids obviously. Any tips are greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Paint]

Why sand the stain? I would put on a couple coats of urethane let dry and sand with 320 then add 2 more coats of urethane,and repeat to desired gloss and smoothness.

[big04deuce]

Forrest (GolfNut) does some wood working. He makes some great ash trays!!!

[GolfNut]

"Paint" has you going in the right direction. Oak is a porous wood, and sometimes it's a good idea to use a pore sealer prior to staining to even out the surface of the wood. If you do not have this issue, then proceed with the PolyUrethane coats, and fine some dang sandpaper other than 180!! Use a tack cloth between your sanding and further coats of poly to get rid of the grit, and throw a couple more coats on.
As he said" repeat as necessary"

PS. buy a GOOD brush for the poly, don't cheap out on it. Bubbles are not your friend, get a good brush.

[Mtmouse]

You should be able to fined 220 grit without a problem. When you apply the Poly, use 000 steel wool between coats.

[forgop-cl]

Thanks for the tips. I looked at the stain I put on it and it says it's a stain/poly all in one. I'm gonna put on one last coat of stain and then go out and get some poly to put on top.