Having trouble with finish on Ipe, but have done Hickory with great results. I use an old white sock or piece of clean towel, and rubber or unpowdered gloves, and wipe the stain on liberally. I then go over it twice with a clean cloth and essentially wipe it dry as possible. Minwax can be reapplied after a few hours if you desire a darker finish, but you need to be wiping off the excess. I've used Spar varnish and Polyurethane, and Tru oil on Hickory over Minwax, and it's fine. I use a couple of long plastic coated twist ties on the nock groove and hang it on a nail between coats, reversing ends as you go. Not too heavy on the finish coats or it'll run. I wish this Da*m Ipe was as easy to work !! Good Luck !!
