After 2 days of finishing (and 5 days away with the family on spring break), I returned to inspect the finish on the 3 upper doors and was, to put it mildly, disappointed. The color was good, but the poly coat was streaky and uneven. I have researched a bit more on the internet and it seems as if this isn't an unusual problem. On my test pieces, it was easy to get a consistent coat. But on the larger areas, well...
So this morning I sanded everything down to baseline and started in again. I will stir the poly much longer this time, I guess some of the flattener can settle out in the "satin finish" types. Also, I will cut it 50/50 with mineral spirits to try to get it to lay down a little better. Frustrating setback, but what can I do. I've put way too much time in this thing to settle for a streaky finish. I know it would drive me nuts every time I looked at it!
Good news is the light retrofit kits showed up, so I have something to do between coats. Unfortunately, I need to make the light panel, but the shop is in "clean mode" now for the finishing work. Can't very well stir up too much saw dust. I'll try to mock up what I can in the mean time. Wish me luck.
Also, any other finishing advice would be great right now. I'm happy to listen.
So this morning I sanded everything down to baseline and started in again. I will stir the poly much longer this time, I guess some of the flattener can settle out in the "satin finish" types. Also, I will cut it 50/50 with mineral spirits to try to get it to lay down a little better. Frustrating setback, but what can I do. I've put way too much time in this thing to settle for a streaky finish. I know it would drive me nuts every time I looked at it!
Good news is the light retrofit kits showed up, so I have something to do between coats. Unfortunately, I need to make the light panel, but the shop is in "clean mode" now for the finishing work. Can't very well stir up too much saw dust. I'll try to mock up what I can in the mean time. Wish me luck.
Also, any other finishing advice would be great right now. I'm happy to listen.