Clearn/ protective finishes

Submitted by Angel Rose on Fri, 05/18/2012 - 06:37

So I made my first piece. I was so proud and it was beautiful. I stained the top, painted the bottom and just needed to add a protective clear finish . . . . . .

This is where it all went wrong! I used Polyurethane. This yellowed my paint, went on gloppy, and no matter how lightly I apply it to my stained seat bench, it has thick brush strokes.

I am really upset and feel that my piece is ruined. . . . I do not know the difference between all of the finishes, and thought Poly was the way to go since it seemed that almost everyone on this site uses it.

WHAT are the differences, and what are my option for repair on my piece?