Ok guys...now that the missus is in her prime battle mode...I have been roped in to 'varnish' or 'stain' the new girls cot. So...I am in the process of sanding back the bulk areas with a belt sander with 120 grit...didnt want to go much harsher..thought an 80 would mark it...anyway it seems to be doing fine. Now I do Google a lot etc etc but does anyone know if there are any 'special' ways I have to prep the raw timber when I stain it?? I was going to go for a stain without varnish...but should I still varnish it?? to seal it or something...any help would be nice. Here is a video..sorry for the poor quality...and Bundy the superdog had to have a cameo...he he he he