[CC69Rat]

When I did mine, I used Minwax Helmsman Spar varnish and a Purdy brush ($25+ for the brush but it was worth it) Northern Red oak.

Initially the wood was right out of the planer so it was pretty slick. We did a good coat of SPAR, let it dry for several days then sanded with 100 grit if I recall. Another coat, dry .. 180 sand. Another coat, dry 220 sand. Coat, dry, 400. Coat, dry 600. By this time you could just about see yourself in it.

I wouldn't worry too much about brush strokes between coats, just do the best you can ( I started at one end to he board and went all the way to the other end without lifting the brush any more than I could help) The Purdy brush will let it lay out as it dries. In my research people suggest no more than 4-5 coats of SPAR. If you get it too thick it will get grey lookin after a while.

The little specks in it sounds like solvent pop to me. Are you maybe flash drying it? Is the stain under the clear good and cured? Maybe the two are reacting to one another (different brands?)

Oh ..