First I will admit that I am perplexed. To date, I have developed a very good finishing technique applying polyurethane. First I brush on two 10% thinned coats, sanding to 220 grit after the first coat and then to 400-600 after the second. The thinning really allows the poly to flow and fill any minor imperfections. Then I wipe on two or more coats using a wiping poly (which is nothing more than 3 parts thinner to 2 parts poly). The final "wiped on" poly gives me a very smooth finish with no "nibs" and no need for further polishing. The problem with poly (that I use) is that it imparts an amber tone to the wood, which for cherry, walnut or darker woods is not a problem, but for maple, especially birds-eye maple, I don't like it so much.
So I am looking to switch to a clearer finish that does not impart this amber tone.
My preference: I really prefer to stick with a brushable finish with wipe-on capability. I don't have a quality sprayer and I don't have a good area to spray in. And the finish I get using the previously described technique is quick and, man, do I get the positive comments. I would like to avoid polishing (with Rottenstone or pumice suspended in paraffin oil), just because I don't like polishing - it's a little messy and tough to remove all the polish from the finished piece.
What will give me a clear (not amber) finish that I can apply much in the same way as I described above?
thanks........russ