About to put finish on your first pine shelf? Sand to 150–180, raise the grain with a damp rag, knock it back with fresh 180, then wipe on a 50/50 cut of oil‑based poly and mineral spirits in thin, even passes — keep a wet edge and wipe off any excess after 2–3 minutes; curious who here uses a conditioner on softwoods versus relying on careful surface prep and fast, thin coats to avoid blotching?