ORIGINAL: Hacimsaalk
the i got Hellsman flat in a spray can, and pretty much emptied the whole can. after every 2 or 3 coats, i took 300 grit sandpaper and sanded it, then i gently rubbed steel wool over it.
I am currently doing the same thing on the stock for my Marlin 336. I believe this is what they call mudding or filling in the grain? After you apply whatever finish you want you remove some of it to fill in the grain. I think it makes a world of difference. I am on my 7th coat and slowly but surely my stock is looking almost perfectly smooth, no feel of grain.