My brother wants me to put a coat of polyurathane on a dining room table he bought at auction and the wood type is unknown(it's an oval table laid out in what looks like 4 sections. The grain is laid out in a "V" type pattern on each end). He doesn't want the look to change, just wants a more durable surface. He had been using table protectors that came with it. The grain is actually able to be felt(uneven), but the finish is very good and looks nice. Myproblem is, do I simply wipe down with lacquer thinner and apply polyurethane, or am I going to have to do something different. I don't want to ruin the table top, so am kind of afraid to do anything. help!

I have stripped and Minwax stained an antique, the same way I always do...this time, however, when applying varathane its beading...like theres some wax or residue on the wood...I have no idea what I did differently....any ideas? John