Six years ago during the summer I built a folding utility table in pine. I brushed it in Minwax water based polyurethane in a brown plastic container. I put 3 coats on it and it would dry in about 2 hours between coats I had bought a half gallon of it. I worked great and I was happy. I used it on few other projects with great results. So, a couple of years ago I made another folding utility table. I went to my local lumber yard to get another jug of the same stuff. I looked all over, but it wasn't to be found. I asked my buddy that works there where they were hiding it. He brought me the blue label stuff that you are using. He said it was the same stuff. I got the same results - brush strokes and all. Only difference was the poly acrylic dried in an hour. So there is a difference between the two products. I told my buddy about it. He said thin it down and wipe it on. I tried that but it looked bad, so I said heck with it, after all, it's just a utility table, meant for rough use. I'm going to try another brand next time.
I've been using 90% polycrylic 10% water in a wagner electric sprayer and it may honestly be my favorite way of finishing projects. The finish goes on super smooth, i can spray it in my garage without much worry, and it's relatively affordable. Love the stuff. If I couldn't spray it so easily though, I honestly wouldn't bother with it. I've tried brushing it a few times and it's just too much work and too finicky.
