Are you brushing, spraying or rolling ? What product are you using ?

First I used brush on semi gloss and decided it was a little too shiny. Looked online and several said I could put on satin wipe on over the top. That is when the problems started. I watched videos of them wiping it on. Tried to copy the technique and it didn't work. Took it all off and started over with just wipe on only. I never could get a smooth surface and it was not an even shine either. :(

Wipe on finishes are best left to pros they are hard to work with. Are you wanting to just refinish it short term or do you want a finish you won't touch again for a long time ? If its something you want to DIY every four years try the acrylic varathane furniture clear other wise have a pro furniture shop or paint contractor spray on a conversion varnish that stuff is hard I've used it on bar tops

Ugh, I sure didn't want to haul it somewhere. But I do want to finished to withstand use for many years. 35 years ago we inherited a round oak table from grandparents. I refinished it and just used tongue oil. It is still is pretty good shape, although I always kept a tablecloth on it especially raising the kids. What about thinning the poly 50/50 with mineral spirits for better flow??

what brand is the poly ? that ratio is to high I wouldn't thin it that much whats the problem with brushing the poly as is just sand the current finish down with 320 and recoat

I have Minwax. I am going to go get the best brush and try again I guess. Also, the wood grain goes in different directions and comes to a point in the middle. So how do I brush with the grain?

Thank you so much for the info! I will try. Do you think two coats will be enough?

I always do three