Clean Armor Wood Finishes:
https://mywoodcutters.com/clean-armor-wood-finishing
https://www.cleanarmor.com/wood-coatings/wood-757
https://mywoodcutters.com/CUVO_Model_H24_Handheld_Curing_Light

The best deck stains can revive a weathered deck while adding protection. See which stains came out on top in our hand-on testing.

SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Stain

The product is suitable for use on all softwoods, but the manufacturer suggests letting high-oil softwoods, such as redwood or cedar, age a minimum of 1 year before applying #1 Deck. This gives the natural oils a chance to dissipate, so they don’t interfere with stain absorption.

Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood Stain

A pressure-treated wood deck can look worn or exhibit a slightly green tinge, but Defy Extreme Wood Stain can change that. This semi-transparent stain is available in a selection of realistic-looking wood tones that impart rich, uniform color while still allowing the wood’s natural grain to show. The new tone can counteract the greenish hue that often lingers on pressure-treated lumber.

I put the first coat of polyurethane on some oak plywood shelves last night, and it turned out horrible. The surface has a bunch of little tiny rough bumps...

Oil based poly, especially the typical brands at the big box stores, is way too thick to be applied by brush by most of us mere mortals. And stretching the finish over a larger area in order to obtain a thin coat exacerbates the problem even more. It is just too thick to level on its own if you over work it even slightly.

Even though the can will likely tell you not to thin it, thinning with mineral spirits or naphtha even 10% by volume will vastly improve its ability to level on its own. Naphtha flashes off faster giving the film less time to collect dust nibs, one cause of the bumps you talk about.

Poly on the first two coats does feel bumpy but the more coats with proper treatment between coats will be very smooth.

Here’s what you will need:
Wipe-on polyurethane
Several clean rags
Oil-based gel stain in your desired color
A few pieces of very fine (320- or 400-grit) sandpaper
Here’s how to do it:

1. Use a rag to apply a thin, even coat of wipe-on-polyurethane to the surface of the wood and allow to dry.

2. Lightly sand the entire surface of the wood with 320- or 400-grit sandpaper­, just enough to break the sheen and smooth out any high spots.

3. Apply a second coat of polyurethane.

4. Once dry, use a small rag to apply an oil-based gel stain. Apply perpendicular to the grain, then switch to a circular motion to fully work it into the surface.

5. Once the surface is completely covered, allow the applied stain to rest for 2 to 5 minutes, then use a clean rag to wipe off excess stain, and allow it to dry completely.