Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Oak finish

I had a new oak handrail installed going up to a second floor, can I get some ideas on how to finish it, do i just put a poly coat on it?

First you need to sand it [180-220 grit] then dust. It is then ready for stain or poly/varnish. It will take 3 coats of poly, sanding lightly between coats.

OK I did all that after the final coat of poly can I polish to remove any slight bubbles, and how? Thanks!

Not a problem so long as you don't want a really glossy sheen.

Start sanding with 220 grit sandpaper (if this is too soft a grit drop down to 180). Get the bubbles out. Work your way using 220, 320, and 400 grit (use a sponge to wrap the paper around to make sanding easier). The goal is to remove the scratches and to make newer, less visible scratches.

Next, get some 0000 steel wool at Lowes or somewhere. Dab some mineral oil on it and use this to rub the 400 grit scratches out.

Wipe the rail down and buff on some paste wax (Minwax or Johnsons) and buff it off. Will look really nice--- this is called a "hand rubbed finish".

Much easier than it sounds, you'll get the hang of it quick.

If you do want the glossy finish, follow the same steps mako derscribed except instead of wax apply 1 more coat of slightly thinned poly. Poly should always be stirred - never shaken.