Forgot a step between coats of poly

[Bob Hodge]

I just goofed.  I am working on a walnut table top with semi-gloss poly over dark walnut danish oil.

I will smooth to a better sheen when it is all done.

 

Today, I forgot to scuff the second coat before putting on the third coat of

Minwax, fast dry poly.  It was twelve hours between the second and third coat. 

I have had a bowl "delaminate" just once when I forgot to rough up the surface

between coats so I know it can happen, though it took two years before it happened.  

 

What to do?  Finish with a fourth and fifth coat as planned and take my chances?

Take the hit now, and sand back?  

Maybe the question is about the probability that this lapse is going to cost me.

 

A little wisdom here, please. 

[kmealy]

I've never had nor not aware of that situation, but my best opinion is to scuff down a bit more than usual.  Poly will have  distinct layers and not burn in to prior coats like a solvent based (spaghetti, per Flexner) finish like lacquer or shellac.