While it is VERY important to use two thin but full coats of Fashenhues white or cream base coat underneath all Fashenhues Translucent Stains, you may use either two coats of white or two coats of cream, or one cream and one white (our preference). The main reason for this preference is that the cream shows up nicely on the white bisque, and then the white base shows nicely on the cream coat, making it easier to see what has already been covered and what still needs to be covered. It simply makes it a little easier to be sure you haven’t missed spots. Once dry, there will only be a “sheen” with no shiny areas. It’s okay to see a glint of cream through the white. Just be sure you have at least 2 coats of coverage so that when translucent colors are applied, they are more maneuverable, and will not soak into the bisque. Be careful not to use too much base coat so as to fill all the crevices you will use for the antiquing process.