Finishing the table

After much delay, the table (with the exception of the chairs) is finished. I chose a satin finish polyurethane because I prefer less glossy finishes as I believe they are easier to maintain.

I applied the first coat straight out of the can and once it was dry I used 220 grit sandpaper to lightly sand it to prepare it for the second coat. The second application was not at easy at the first; the finish was glossier than I expected and some brush marks showed through even after it thoroughly dried. I did some quick research online and found that I could add some mineral spirits to the poly and dilute it, thereby making it thinner and easier to apply. This worked excellently! The third and final coat dried to a true satin sheen with

no evidence of brush marks.

So far so good... now onto the chairs!