ORIGINAL: stalkingbear
Respectfully shato,after grain is full,you do need somewhat of a buildup on surface to protect stock from scratches,nicks,and other minor damage encountered in hunting. I usually apply 20 or so coats altogether,filling grain consists of first 5-8 coats. After that,I only steel wool to rough up surface for better adhesion.
You of course are correct. when I said a minimum of 6 coats, I meant to fill the grain. Further coats can and generally are added to get a slight build up. Steel wool is fine, but I prefer to wet sand as I think that I do a better job of removing any runs. But that the beauty of it, to each there own. I personally don't like a heavy schlaqued(sp?) appearance So I try to keep the build up to a minimum. As you stated it generally takes in the neighborhood of 20 coats.