Sand any raised wood grain or uneven globs of shellac with 400 grit sandpaper.
Sanding primer with steel wool.
He would do his initial blocking with 80 grit then recoat and sand with 120 150.
Wipe the surface with a tack cloth to remove the dust.
Think it was an etching primer.
I always use oil based primer on woodwork and cabinets so that i can sand it down to a super smooth feel before beginning my finish painting.
For large flat surfaces use a sanding block to get even pressure.
Primers may be applied with a roller or paintbrush or from a spray can.
Without a smooth base you can t get a smooth finish.
Follow immediately with the first coat of primer.
That said sanding bare wood beforehand to create a smooth foundation is key.
Using steel wood to polish wood might seem out of place and actually harmful to the surface of the wood but it isn t if done properly.
Alternately use a piece of superfine 0000 steel wool to buff between shellac layers.
Steel wool can be used instead of fine sandpaper for many sanding jobs.
Sand lightly with 240 grit sandpaper between coats then let the last coat dry for at least 24 hours.
Sanding removes defects and levels ridges.
3 drys and 2 wets each round of sanding preceded by priming.
The very fine strands of steel gently cut into the surface being sanded removing an ultra thin layer.
Use 220 grit paper or fine sanding sponges to sand everything down once the primer has dried enough that it generates dust when.
Synthetic steel wool creates an even silky smooth finish that s a joy to look at and feel.
This age old two step technique is commonly used on shellac and lacquer finishes but it can work well on water and oilbased.
Start with 120 grit sandpaper and work to finer grade sandpapers ending with 320 grit.
The steel wool is very fine and will actually scrape off a very fine layer leaving a silky smooth finish often referred to as a hand rubbed finish.
I don t think he was using epoxy as his base as i don t remember anyone using it then.