Each additional coat of clear coat builds up a protective surface. Three or four coats of top coats are recommended. Sand with a very fine steel wool before applying the last coat for a smoother finish. If desired, wax the surface with a good furniture paste wax, or smooth out with a patina rub. Aspen Aspens are deciduous hardwood trees belonging to the genus Populus, which also includes poplars, cottonwoods, and balsam poplars within the willow family.
Aspens have nonresinous buds unlike cottonwoods and balsams.
They are native to the northern quarter of the United States and Canada. The bark is greenish, smooth, thin and becomes dark brown. In the unfinished state, Aspen appears to have little or no grain. The warm natural grain appears after the stain has been applied. Aspen can be finished to look like cherry, walnut, and other more expensive hardwoods.