Well I'm about four of my three hand rubbed coats of the Lime Wash / Varnish in. (Yes, you read that right).

Frankly it doesn't look much different to the photo's above.

I like the smoothness of the hand rubbed finish, but it'll take about ten or more coats due to the thinness of the coats.

I feel like I should do a couple of thick brush coats, but I know that will create a different load of work when it comes time to smooth it all out.

Any suggestions, other than "patience Grasshopper" or "shut up and keep applying"?