I'm trying to give up my addiction to polyurethane and thus recently built some small tables that I finished with Waterlox Original S/F. I've built up several coats on the top, and I'm mostly satisfied with the finish, except for some quite minor dust nibs and wiping marks. I'd like to "rub these out", but this is the first time I've tried rubbing out a finish.
I acquired some 2F pumice stone, 4F pumice stone, rottenstone, parafin oil, and 3 felt blocks.
I took one small table top (about 12" x 12"), made a paste of parafin oil and 2F pumice, and rubbed it vigorously for about a minute. I then thoroughly cleaned the table top with clean rags and mineral spirits, and repeated the process with the 4F pumice and the rottenstone (using a new felt block each time).
The top is now smooth, but definitely has a satin finish. Does rubbing with rottenstone achieve the same high-gloss finish that comes with just straight Waterlox Original? Am I doing something wrong?