Review on Varathane 200061H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane - 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) - Gloss Finish: Product Review, Features, and Buying Guide by Dan Toliver

I bought this to use on a simple, no-fuss project in my workshop where the temperature there is kept at around 70 degrees while I work becomes. Here in the Arizona desert, winters are relatively mild and humidity remains fairly low. However, I reduce my open glass and working hours as much as possible. I used a new foam brush to apply this to a new smooth Baltic birch plywood coated with two coats of a quality water based top coat finish and dried well, prepared with a white 0000 pad laid perfectly flat on the biscuits. I have used the exact same color with other clear top coats in the past and have had very good results. I did not apply this finish vertically. It applies easily from the can but does not level well on the surface. The result is countless brushstrokes, overlapping marks and imperfections that can be felt with the fingertips and seen throughout the dry finish. I can really see where the finish isn't aligned as it's applied and blended. The dried coating looks like a coarse linen. I used 400 grit paper and a 0000 grit white pad to remove as many raised lines and ridges between coats as possible, but after three coats and repeated buffing and buffing, the finish appearance is a far cry from what it was i would call good. Definitely NOT a finished IMO for a serious wood project. I think it dries too quickly long before it has time to even out on the surface. It should probably only be used in climates with higher humidity or damp rooms.