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Decorating Defects - their cause and cure

Raising of Grain

Water or water-soluble solutions which come in contact with woodwork will cause the grain of the latter to rise and consequently mar the appearance of any paint, varnish, or other similar finish subsequently applied.
This fact should be borne in mind after bare woodwork has been washed down, or after the application of a water stain, bleach, or other aqueous solution; it will consequently be necessary to sandpaper the surface of the wood when the moisture has dried out, if a perfectly smooth finish is required.
In doing this, painters might with advantage more often adopt the practice followed by the wood-finisher, of giving the woodwork a coat of glue size or shellac varnish and letting this dry prior to sanding.
This has the effect of stiffening the raised fibres, thus making it easier for the abrasive to "cut" through them. The slight additional cost is well repaid by the greater speed and efficiency with which the woodwork is smoothed.