Pony Express wrote:

Yes, some of us do cabinet work. Yes, I have
heard of a tack cloth, but stopped using them when
I figured out what I was doing. Many tack cloths
have oils and rosins that can actually affect the
bonding or the finish. Plain clean cheese cloth
works well.
And I do wipe down with water as part of the
finishing. But I sand again afterward. The idea
is to raise the grain, then sand it off. That way
it won't raise when I use alcohol dye stain.
S

Ah ha! Someone who knows a bit about woodworking! Will use water and re-sand also if
applying a water base finish, Flecto Diamond water based polyurethane is surprisingly hard
and durable. I've got a couple of oars I built for my dink finished with stuff, been on for
three years and still look good, seen a lot of sun.

As for tack rag, make your own and it won't have anything but a trace of boiled linseed oil, should be
tacky, not wet, so close to dry that it won't leave any oils behind.


Cheers
Marty