I'm working on a counter/table project and am down to the third and final coat of oil-based, satin-finish poly (brand Olympic). I've sanded between the coats so far, but what do I do about the inevitable bubbles and dust that settles in the final coat? Surely, I can't leave it like that. FYI, the wood is unstained maple, and I used an oil-based wood conditioner before the first coat. I also use a nice Purdy angle sash brush meant for oil-based paints. I do not shake the can, nor do I try to overbrush.
Some have said I should thin the final coat, but others have said the major brands (Minwax, Olympic, and Varathane) suggest you use it at full strength. I read where one guy gets a thinner consistency by pouring the poly into a bucket and heating the bucket on a hot plate. I will try this in the future, but it's too late for this project, unless I go for coat #4.
Have read that I can lightly buff it with 0000 steel wool and then lightly rub the wood with rag slightly damp with mineral spirits...the guy said this would make the final coat very nice and shiny. This sounds intriguing...do you think it will work?
Any other suggestions on how to smooth out the final coat of poly without dulling it by sanding?