Finishing a live edge wood slab

I do not know the answer about the drying time. Did they suggest resting the slab in a climate/humidity controlled environment? I might not hurt to research that a bit. If the wood is still wet, I would think that you'll have a hard time with your sandpaper getting clogged. Better let it sit for two months as advised by the seller and spend time learning the craft! Here is what I learned during my recent refinishing project

Get an electric palm sander. Start with 80-100 grit and work your way down to at least a 220 or even as smooth as 320. Sandpaper brand makes an enormous difference. I started my project with the cheapest paper available at HD. I was spending more time changing paper than actually sanding. I then bought a pack of 3M Pro Grade Precision paper and was amazed at how long the stuff lasted. Well worth the money and probably the biggest piece of advice I have for you! I wiped with mineral spirits before staining because there were a lot of waxes and decades of crap on the old table I refinished. You probably won't have to do this with virgin wood, but it won't hurt anything if you do.

I used the 'natural' color Minwax WoodFinish stain which didn't change the wood color, but it really makes the grain 'pop' for a beautiful natural finish. After applying a stain, you might get some areas where the grain raises and makes the surface rough again. Use a #00 steel wool to knock this down and then finish with #0000 steel wool. In fact, I would suggest sanding with #0000 steel wool right before sealing, even if the grain does not raise on you. Blow off with compressed air and wipe with a tack cloth

I also chose a satin finish and went with Minwax Satin Poly wipe on finish. This stuff was great and very easy to control and apply. You put it on with an old cotton sock or tee. Let it dry completely, buff lightly with #0000 steel wool again, blow off, tack cloth and apply another coat of poly. I seem to recall the instructions on the can saying three coats could be used, but i wound up doing at least 5. That's all I can suggest.

Again, I highly recommend the 3M Pro grade sandpaper and the Minwax wipe on poly.

That's a work of art!

WOAH!!!  That is very cool. Excellent work!

Edited by Left Brain 2015-11-18 12:20 PM

Just beautiful, nice job!

Rockin the boxers too, BTW.