Yesterday, here in middle GA, it was a lovely sunny day. So I get the cottage, take it outside to DH Big Green Egg table (that's a grill/smoker for those that don't know what a Big Green Egg is ) and decide to try something different. I've looked this kit over for a week, the wood looks good. So I decide to save on some hand sanding and take the buzz sander out and give each sheet a good sanding, before I punch the first piece out. I was so glad, nothing fell out and got lost; none of the wood split or separated. I'm thinking good idea.

So today, I decide to try Holly's technique of sealing. Went to Home Depot and bought sanding sealer, came home took things back out to the table and except for sheets 1 and 2 (the floors) sealed them all with Miniwax Sanding Sealer. This to says it will make sanding easy--I hope another good idea B)

I don't know yet, whether I've saved myself some hand sanding or not, but the sealer really brought out the wood grain and I feel like I've accomplished something. (Don't really know why, all parts still in sheets--now back in the box)

Also by doing it this way, I was able to look over all the sheets and the ones that did have tiny ruts or flaws, I went ahead and filled with putty before sanding.

Also while at Home Depot I bought paint--Nutmeg and Heirloom White. I'm thinking of mixing to get the nutmeg color a little lighter. I haven't decided yet what stain I will use for the floors.

As I posted elsewhere, I'm thinking seriously about making this a dance studio, the open airy top floor I think will work out for that. Downstairs will be office/waiting room and a breakroom, but we'll see when the parts actually start being punched out and put together.