I am starting to think ghosts are messing with our dresser top when
> we're not looking? After sanding and staining, I started to varnish
> with Minwax wipe on poly. First coat = fine. A light sand with 320,
> quick wipe with mineral spirits. Second coat = also fine. Another
> light sand and wiped down with mineral spirits. Third coat =
> scratches, scratches and more scratches. Swirls of them everywhere.
> Sanded with 220. Reapplied coat #3 = same thing - marks that appear to
> be scratches. They weren't there with the original wood or with the
> first two coats of poly. Nothing about the procedure of putting on
> coat #3 was changed. Using a blue shop towel, thin coats, always going
> with the grain across the top of the dresser. Anybody have a clue
> what's happening? Help!
> Gail
>
Perhaps the mineral spirits is causing each layer to cure incorrectly and possibly causing the surface to crack. Use a Tack rag instead.