New Project - Converting Bar-Height tables into Computer Desk

[FeuerFrei]

Are these blemishes over the same areas from coat to coat? Or do they vary in location? Do they gradually appear as it dries/sits?

As for the streaks maybe try a foam roller or thin the varathane some with water.

 

[cbrunny]

Blemishes do tend to appear in the same areas - but not necessarily the same shapes - but that might be because i am not spreading evenly in those same areas as I move about the table. They do gradually appear as it dries. They're visible within 5 minutes of finishing a coat.

I did another coat this morning before work. When I was done I watched it dry (superfun, btw) and they were fewer than before. I tried to touch up the spots that were bad but I think it's just me sucking at this. haha. I'll see what it looks like when I get home from work tonight.

Can says not to use rollers as they can cause air bubbles. I did think about thinning a bit. Might try that if I get home to a crappy finish. I'd really like to be done with this project for now.

 

[cbrunny]

Not overly happy with the finish on it but....

DONE!!

Cable management needs a bit of work but otherwise I'm quite happy!

 

[piasabird]

You might be better off with one coat of a wood surface treatment or conditioner that opens the pores of the wood, then one or two good coats of a stain and then finish it with about two coats of clear varathane.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Very nicely done for a first effort at woodworking. I'm sure you learned a lot. As piasabird mentioned a good sanding sealer helps condition the raw wood if you are not planning on staining it. You wisely avoided a roller to apply, good call. A good brush designed for urethane is preferable.

Too bad about the original tops, but it is really tricky to sand veneer finishes. Easier to either paint them or start over, like you did.

You can prep the legs with some sandpaper and rattle can prime then paint. Probably would have been easier to do outside though.