Better brushing technique and a better brush. Some poly's are a bear because if they don't run, they foam up.
Casey

My gut reaction is that you're putting too much on. As mentioned, a good brush can help.

What you're using also comes in a spray can. You'll need more coats.

Thinner coats and better paint brushes.

Any brush less than about $20 is likely to be pretty poor quality for finish work like this.

Simply rubbing on coats with a lint free linen pad might be better than trying to brush.

Thanks, I tried using a cloth, messy but it seemed to run less. I did use a natural bristle brush. I'm in Florida and the humidity doesn't help. Takes too long to dry.

Jane

Objects like this are tough to brush because of all the edges and convex corners. It's both tough to keep a wet edge and to avoid getting too much or too little in the intersections.

That aside, don't trust the Home Depot guy for finish advice. Helmsman won't last a year. See this for why: http://hardwoodlumberandmore.com/Articles/ArticleViewPage/tabid/75/ArticleId/1/Marine-Varnish.aspx

Here is a link that might be useful: an alternative

How depressing! I have spent so much time trying to get this basket done. I have to do one section at a time so it doesn't drip. Takes hours to dry, then I turn it to the next side and do that one. Have been sanding each and every little bit before putting on a second coat....

Bobsmyuncle, I have been wasting my time. I read your link about the door test. I should have painted the basket. This poly will peel in a few weeks. Now I would have to sand it all off.

Well, I guess I'll just stick the orchid in the basket and wait for basket to rot out.

Jane

" I did use a natural bristle brush."

A pretty meaningless phrase now, especially at HD (the home of cheap).

I have some brushes running well onto 60 years old that are still going strong.

For finishing work with solvent based finishes I have a pair of 'badger hair' brushes that ran around $30 each many years ago.

Mostly I use them strictly for lacquering.

Some of the newer man made flagged brushes from better manufacturers seem to do very well with shellac.

Brush manufacturing seems to have split into inexpensive and not very well made, and higher quality at a sharp price increase.

I hate having to use an expensive brush with finishes that have expensive solvents or even no real solvent) and have to pitch them.

The 'throw away' brushes then become an option for at least initial coats.

This post was edited by brickeyee on Thu, Apr 25, 13 at 11:52