The end tables I made for SWMBO are Maple stained with H2O-based stain
and covered with Varnish.

I applied the Varnish thinned 2:1 with Mineral Spirits by wiping with
a rag. I waited 24 hours between coats. Between the 3rd & 4th and
5th & 6th coats I scraped away any nastiness. Between the 6th & 7th
and 7th & 8th coats I rubbed it with #00 to smooth everything up.

So now I have 8 coats all applied with at least 24 hours in between.
I wait 48 hours then glue the apron and legs together. I thought the
clamps ruined the finish on the legs but it was just some dust from
the rubber pads that came off with a rough rubbing of a dry rag. Next
day I screw the tops on with some Norm style blocks set in a dado on
the aprons. Tada!

Swmbo is happy they are done (me too). I take them upstairs and she
positions them and carefully places the lamps on the tables with
doilies (sp?) underneath. (72 hours drying time for the tops -
applied in the heated basement).

Yesterday I get curious and lift the lamps and see marks where the
lamps made impressions of the doily fabric on the tables. I mumble
and mutter to myself.

After the in-laws visit on the 25th I will buff the marks out and
apply another coat which will probably fix the marks. But...

How long does this stuff take to cure?