polyurethane issues with wooden cabinet refinishing?

Question

Can't seem to figure out this stuff. How is it suppose to be applied? I just resanded the bubbles and uneven parts out and will have to restain all over again.
It is a mess! Anyone know how this is suppose to be applied to give a clean finish?
Any suggestions would be apprecieated!

Answer 1

Bubbling makes me think there is a moisture issue. Could be a high humidity level in the house. Temperature is also important when using Poly. Check the can for this. I use a good brush when applying Poly and you need to overlap your brush strokes to keep a "wet edge". You said you will need to restain. Was the stain completely dry before you applied the Poly? That could be the problem also. Hopefully, you stirred the Poly instead of shaking it. This will cause bubbles but you will see them as you apply it.

Answer 2

I just finished a dining room table and chairs. I also had a problem with bubbles. I successfully used those inexpensive foam brushes to apply the polyurethane. Do not get into a big rush. It really takes a lot of curing time depending on temperature and humidity. Your polyurethane applies better on wood that is cool and not in the sunlight.

Answer 3

First don't shake the can, stir it. Shaking it will cause bubbles. Second, after you apply your first coat. lightly sand it with a very very fine sand paper. wipe it with tack cloth, and reapply, do this as many times as youwant, till it's as shiny as you want.
However now that you have sanded it down to bare wood, make sure you sand all the poly off, stain it, and then begin with the directions i wrote above. Good Luck

Answer 4

Should use light even strokes, wait for it to dry between coats for more than 12 hours. Keep the amount applied thin and only brush one way.