On Tue, 16 Oct 2018 19:04:21 -0400, Meanie wrote:

Finishing my stair treads and risers with clear polyurethane. I sanded
up to 220 and the surface was very smooth to the touch. After 3 coats of
poly (4 coats on treads), the touch isn't really smooth. I can actually
fell parts of the grain and was wondering if that's normal or not.
Perhaps I'm expecting a smooth glass like touch to finishes such as
shellac or lacquer but uncertain with poly. Is this normal? If so, what
are opinions about lacquer over a poly finish?

Thanks

You might not want the tread to smooth, the grain provides texture and
friction. Would say with red oak it is normal.

Lacquer I would forego, the poly will wear better than lacquer.