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Hi @sharnee89,
It sounds like you're having a frustrating experience, and you're definitely not alone—getting a flawless finish on a timber vanity top can be tricky, especially if you're aiming for perfection. Modern water-based or oil-based clear varnishes are generally formulated to level out well, so visible brush or roller marks often come down to the application method, the tools used, or environmental factors like drying time and temperature. If you’re open to it, it would really help if you could share a photo of the current finish and let us know exactly what product you used, as well as whether you applied it with a brush or roller. That way, we can tailor advice more specifically to your situation.
For varnish applications, I typically recommend using a high-quality 4mm nap microfibre roller for the topcoat. It lays the product down evenly and avoids the brush strokes that brushes can sometimes leave behind—especially with fast-drying clear coats. A light sand with 400–600 grit between coats is ideal to knock off imperfections, though I understand that sanding can feel tedious if you're chasing a flawless finish.
I use Cabot's Cabothane for my projects and have been very happy with the results. When applying with a short nap roller, the finish is very nice.
If you’re still struggling despite giving it your best go, it may be worth considering a professional for that final finish. They often have specialised tools like spray systems that can produce a near-flawless coat.
Let us know a bit more about your process and finish goals, and we’ll do our best to get you sorted.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
