I have glued a 1/4 inch piece of balsa to a flat surface (a piece of 1" plywood).

I am wondering if I need to lap (sand) the hone surface (the balsa) before I apply the Chromium Oxide.

And when I do apply the Chromium Oxide what is the best way to apply it to a peice of balsa.

I hesitate to mix it with water or oil because I think if I get the balsa wet the grain expansion will ruin the flat lapped (??) surface.

Opinions and ideas please.

Thanks