Read this about how to get a smooth finish

What is a Clay bar and where do you get them?

I’ve not heard of Clay bar. I guess you need to point us in the right direction.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002U2V1Y/ref=asc_df_B0002U2V1Y923910?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=googlecom09c9-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B0002U2V1Y

Or if you want to go for just the bar, using mineral spirits or water to lubricate the clay
http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Clay-100g-Red-Color/dp/B001N5XB3Y/ref=pd_sbs_auto_6

-- San Diego, CA US Navy

Todd, Thanks for the tip. I’m more interested in which of the water based products you use. I’ve tried different water based products over the years and alway end up going back to pre-catalyzed lacquers. One of the biggest problems I had with the water base is you had to be real careful what you put on the finish afterwards. I’ve had some waxes actually bleed into the finish even after curing for a couple days. I was surprised when you said that the claybar worked so well and even using mineral spirits for a lubricate. Please pm me with any info you have about the water based products. Thanks.

-- John @ Myrtle Beach

the clay bar is very fine clay, in what looks like a small bar of soap. it can be bought at most any auto parts stores, made by mothers or california gold. it is made to smooth out paint on a car, such as road grime and tar and oxidation. it costs aboout $25 but is well worth it in my opninion.
i used the minwax version of high gloss clear coat.
i would not recommend using mineral spirits as it will remove the finish. using water is not enough lubrication for the clay to slide. you must use the provided liquid in the kit or the clay will tear apart and not come off the wood. the clay bar comes in a kit. please follow those directions. you cannot buy the bar alone.

First time post here…

The clay bar sounds intriguing, but isn’t the tradiitional method just to rub-out the finish with either fine-steel wool or with pumice/rottenstone?

I’m redoing my own kitchen cabinets as we speak and am too contemplating the finishing job.

-- jay, www.allaboutastro.com

i am not an expert at anything really. i go by trial and error (mostly error) and listening to others. I do believe the traditional finishing method is 0000 steel wool, but for me it left the finish dull. Using the clay bar, it was smooth and flat. There was one area around one know that roughed up a bit, but 2000 grit paper knocked it down and the clay bard slicked it up. If you get the bar and dont like it, just go do your truck! hahahah.