I've seen a lot of conflicting opinions here about this, and the can itself only says you can walk
on after 24 hours.

How much time after I use my 18" lambswool applicator for this poly can I get in there and
rough it up? I'm not going to use a screener machine but rather 80 grit paper on a drywall pole sander,
vacuum and tack-rag for cleanup.

The atmosphere is bone-dry in Chicago and I have radiators so no HVAC to kick up any dust.
The stain was put down last night and I've already cut some closets and the stairs by brush.

Any advice on how soon is too soon to do this and re-apply?
It's 450 VOC btw...

thanks,
almost DONE!!

It's best to test it. Putting it down with a lamby sometimes applies it pretty thick, so dry times may need extending. Woodline poly typically dries well. But you're using a slightly different type than I use, so that one may dry faster or slower. One thing I can tell you, if you second coat too soon, it will be a disaster. The 1st coat will wrinkle, nothing will dry properly and you'll have a very soft finish.

To test, try sanding it finish in a inconspicuous area. If it powders, that's good. If it balls up or gums up, it's not dry enough. Best to wait.

Got it! Thanks!!

I did find a PDF for full instructions. Maybe I missed them on the can, it was hard to read at floor level.
Apparently 8-12 hours is the suggestion and abrade with 100-150.

after 5 hours the closets are hard to the touch with no tack. I'll try sanding a bit of that in the morning.
But I'm going to apply tonight! all my radiators are cut and I'll wait a few hours for those to dry so I don't get
the drags.

Absolutely amazing contrast and grain patterns, the Poly just enrichens the color beyond belief!
Thanks so much Gary for steering me to this Woodline product. Thank GOD I didn't do the box
store junk!!!

BTW one interesting note here is that it says to apply only 2 coats if you stain first!
I'd love to do that if I knew it would hold up alright over time.
I'd love to keep the feel of the wood under my feet instead of a sheet of plastic!