Streaky finish

[S.Alexander]

I'm finishing a knife handle right now with a polyurethane finish. I am using foam brushes to apply the polyurethane and I am ending up with micro streaks on the finish. Can I avoid this by using a different type of brush? Should I sand it with 0000 steel wool or 600 grit sandpaper to get rid of them? Do I need more coats of finish?

Thanks

 

[Sgt John]

Those brushes are very porous, so you will most likely have the streakiness with the application while using them. Very lightly, use 0000 steel wool after application of a coat to remove any and all tackiness. That has worked for me in the past with good results.

 

[woodwrkr221]

I've had better results with a good quality natural bristle brush than the foam brushes but spraying is even better than any brush. Let the finish dry and sand between coats, 320 grit should be fine enough for polyurethane varnish. Three coats is usually enough.

 

[S.Alexander]

Thanks for the replies. It is getting better with sanding and more coats.