We use water based finishes almost exclusively in our shop. So this is based
on my experience and what I see in your pictures.

I think you are getting an oil/water reaction to oil left in the wood. You
are going to have to completely remove the new finish. Then finish sand and
apply a coat of shellac. You can then proceed with your water based finish.
The shellac should be a good buffer between the two. Try a test piece first
to see if shellac and your water based are compatible.

cm


"TC" wrote in message
...
I have a coffee table I sanded to bare wood. I applied water-based poly
with a brush. I get these puddles or orange peel looking "things" (see
links. I figure it might be the brush so I switch to a foam brush -
same result (yes, I sanded first).

Curious though, the sides are nice and smooth as I expected.

I diluted the poly about 10%. Am I putting it on too thick? What's
happening? The wood was smooth before applying. The poly is new. How
can I salvage what I have done?


http://home.cfl.rr.com/jmartin104/table.jpg
http://home.cfl.rr.com/jmartin104/table2.jpg
--