Best way to apply poly varnish to oak

[mrbg07546]

i have some oak doors from how dens. We are planning on varnishing them. I want to give them a go.

1) is this any harder than glossing? I managed to gloss skirting well. And don't want to risk ruining doors.
2)is it best to remove door or locks when varnishing?
3) is foam brushes the best applicator for a beginner?
4 ) should I thin varnish?
5) any more tips?

 

[chappers]

no different to glossing, foam brush would be fine, no need to thin varnish as for removing door furniture that's up to you, but it wont show as badly as say gloss paint on hinges.

 

[ic1927]

If you're using acrylic varnish, and Howdens do specify it for their oak veneer doors, then thin the first coat slightly with a drop of water it makes for easier work on new wood. Then finish with two unthinned top coats abrading between coats with 400 silicone carbide (wet & dry). It makes life easier to remove the handles but no need to remove the door itself.