On Apr 23, 8:49 am, Mike wrote:
I've finished putting the final coat of Helmsman on my bar top and it
looks absolutely stunning! (this is my first 'serious' project, so
excuse me if I seem to be more than just a little proud!). After
reading various posts and websites, I thinned the first coat 1:1 with
mineral spirits, then put the remaining three coats on full strength,
sanding lightly with a 220 grit before each coat. The finish is now
like glass! However, there are occasional bits of something that
easily come off with a fingernail. I'm speculating that they're
bubbles - not too ugly, and they'll probably wear off in time.

Skinover, maybe? That green spar varnish is like pudding.
Since it cures by oxidation, the surface cures way faster than
the base. This is worse with long oil (spar) varnishes. Try
Behlen's Rockhard (or a similar short oil phenolic) next if you
like varnish.

My
concern is that people will not resist the temptation to remove them
for me and, in so doing, potentially damage the finish. I've read
that my next step should be to wet sand with a 400 grit, then hit it
with an automotive polishing compound. Will this eliminate the
'problem', such as it is?

Let it cure for at least a month before wet sanding, or you'll
completely strip off the hardened skin. The gummy base
layer won't shine up with the finest sandpaper made.

Frankly, I'm reluctant to take this last
step because I just know I'll screw it up. The Helmsman seems a bit
softer that most finishes (it supposedly can accommodate temperature
expansion/contraction of the wood), so I don't know how it will take
to this final step. How about a paste wax? Will these bits be eased
off while buffing? Is a wax product good for a spar urethane finish
or will I be creating other problems?

Any other suggestions/recommendations?

Satin finish instead of gloss. Rub out with 0000 steel wool and wax
after full
cure. Until then, use coasters under the beer, sheets of butcher
paper under
the pretzel bowl if you absolutely can't wait to use the bar.