If it doesn't soften, it's some type of curing finish, such as polyurethane, varnish or tung oil. Smooth and Flatten the Finish. Apply finish in thin coats at a spread rate recommended by the manufacturer. He is pursing a Bachelor of Science in biology from Kennesaw State University. You will need to thoroughly abrade or buff the coat with very fine abrasive-as fine as will knock down the sheen, … They can form even when you use a high-quality paintbrush, however, and if you don't catch them while they're fresh, they become part of the finish. To create a completely polished surface, it may be worth it to sand the surface of your wood. The result will be an uneven sheen.

However, if your project is a light color—whether stained or unfinished wood—it is best to protect it with a finish … Polyurethane Finish Tip#1: Start With a Thick Coating.
While this polyurethane can help make your wood surfaces look smooth and glassy, it may feel a bit bumpy or uneven at first. Polyurethane should cure for two weeks to a month after the last coat is applied. If you put polyurethane on a rough surface you will get a rough finish. The only way to get rid of the bubbles is to sand , which means more time and effort.

A slightly damp cloth can help pick up anything remaining (but make sure the wood is dry before you apply). 2. Both water-based and oil-based products give off strong fumes as they dry (although oil-based is decidedly worse), so proper ventilation is a must. Painters and furniture finishers hardly ever apply polyurethane with a roller because of its propensity for forming bubbles. To be honest I was a little sloppy trying to finish in a hurry.

Just like air bubbles, drips can be an issue with polyurethane. Crystal clear or amber tone: Many clear finishes add a rich, warm, amber tone to the wood. Others remain crystal clear. The bubbles will dry in your finish and leave the surface bumpy. Then, remove any dust nibs with 1,500-grit sandpaper or a piece of brown paper bag.

Second, as @keshlam says, make sure there is no dust at all on the surface before you apply the finish. Tried 3m …

When it comes to finishing furniture or hardwood floors, polyurethane is the key to protecting and preserving the stain. Apply only one thin coat.

Some brush marks and bumps raised area. help.

I am in the process of applying polyurethane varnish to a finished workpiece and have been sanding between coats as advised by the manufacturer instructions. No air movement during application and for several hours after. That’s not to say you should apply each coat thickly. I initially wondered why this was necessary until, after applying the first coat, I noticed that the wood was bumpy where it hadn't been previously.

Try to avoid direct sunlight shining on the floor, which will heat the wood and cause the finish to set too quickly. Now I have a very rough surface. Buff the surface with car polish for a shiny finish or use paste wax for a satin finish.

Apply the finish in a clean, well-ventilated area.

Painters and furniture finishers hardly ever apply polyurethane with a roller because of its propensity for forming bubbles. You can choose whichever look you prefer for your project.

They can form even when you use a high-quality paintbrush, however, and if you don't catch them while they're fresh, they become part of the finish. The first thing to understand is the need to begin with a thick polyurethane finish film to ensure that you don’t buff right through to bare wood. Finally, using a soft cotton rag or polishing pad, buff the finish to a high shine using automotive paste wax, photo below, which has fine abrasives that polish the finish even further. How to Fix Furniture With Uneven Polyurethane Coating. Four regular coats of urethane applied one over the other is a good starting point. Clean the surface with detergent and water if it has been waxed. Applying polyurethane in even coats is a crucial, though not always simple task. Oil- and water-based polyurethane finishes provide a hard, clear coating to protect wood flooring, walls and furniture.
It seems completely counterintuitive, but to make a finish If the finish balls up on the sandpaper or it won’t buff out to more than a satin sheen, let it sit for another week or two. I just finished my 3rd layer of polyurethane on my DIY maple dining room table. Polyurethane takes hours, not minutes, to dry; that's a lot of time for dust to settle or bugs to land on the surface, marring the final product. These are some of the basics…. How to smooth out a rough Polyurethane finish.