Because this creates so much sanding dust that the shop vac can’t catch, I don’t normally use it for the remaining sanding. You can see in the brush how full it still is, so as it gets close to emptying, you want to go refill it just like before. Vacuum, mop, and/or wipe every surface clean. The basic application technique for water-based poly is similar to that for oil-based. It’s like the foggy mirror above, and it makes the finish seem deeper, and softer. After that, give the polyurethane 24 hours to air-dry. Also make sure the surrounding area is clear of any objects that you want to keep clean, just in case you make a bigger mess than you mean to. In general, you should expect to apply twice as many coats via wiping as you would with the thicker method. [1] X Research source Dust and other particles that dry in the polyurethane will result in an uneven surface. Water-based poly is colorless. Turn the machine to a low power setting, then rub the sander in slow, horizontal motions across the surface. Shellac, lacquer and even oil based varnish all spray better. Take a circular sheet of smooth sandpaper and fit it into your sander. Read on for another quiz question. You can read more about Adam here. These are cheap foam brushes that lay on an even coat just right, and after each coat you can just throw it away. I, "I did this years ago when the concept was introduced in India but this time I went through your article again, to, "Thanks, I definitely needed to know the simple and proper way to apply polyurethane Also, I did not know how, "The article told me every step and all the supplies I would need. You need to load the applicator with enough material first. If you use wipe-on-poly instead, even after seven or eight coats it still doesn’t build up quite the same durable finish as three or four coats of regular poly. But for the best all-around finish for indoor furniture and shop projects, nothing beats a good polyurethane. Experts suggest applying polyurethane to floors with lambswool applicator or roller for a clean and even result. So you need to know how to apply polyurethane, and that’s what I want to help you with today. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. With each wipe, overlap half of the previous wipe for even coating. Shake for 10 seconds occasionally during use. When applying a gloss finish, there’s really nothing you have to do to the polyurethane itself. During any project, you will probably create a lot of sawdust in your shop, which settles on everything. To apply polyurethane, start by removing any old finish from the wood and sanding it down so that it’s completely smooth. Polyurethane tends to become rather sticky when drying in sun light, leading it to collect any particles blowing around. If you do prefer to use a fan, clean the dust off, and also make sure it’s not blowing towards anything that has dust on it. This is too long and can result in these two rows not blending well, and some pretty nasty streaking. Because there’s no cleanup! Why shouldn't you put a fan in your immediate work area when applying polyurethane? 5.1 Mix the polyurethane as well as pour it into a coating tray. Most projects will be ready for normal use in 24 hours. That’s enough to really seal up the wood and reduce it’s moisture absorption rate. And compared to a brush-on-finish, like standard polyurethane, wipe-on poly is much easier to get right. I’m guessing you don’t enjoy that any more than I do. Note that performance degradation due to temperatures up to 93°C (200°F), even when end… Usually I prefer a satin-finish, as it creates a nice sheen that reflects light, but not in the way a wet surface or a piece of glass would. Synthetic brushes tend to leave visible brush marks when used with polyurethane. ", refresh the memory. When brushing, go over the whole surface area with your brush again, without reloading it, once the first coat is complete. Nope! For tips on how to avoid drips on areas that aren’t perfectly flat, read on! If you really want that mirror finish, spray the final coat. Anything you may get against or work from while applying your finish should be dust free. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Fine-grit sandpaper will give your wood a pretty smooth finish. Apply the first coat of polyurethane using the best technique for the surface. Next, mix two parts polyurethane with one part mineral spirits and brush it onto the wood to seal it. If you need help learning how to stain wood, there’s a link for you at the end of this article. Water-based poly remains clear, but oil-based poly does turn an amber shade over time. This means it will settle again and you’ll need to do a final wipe down. Wipe off any excess stain. I use disposable cheap foam brushes. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Try again... Why is it a bad idea to shake polyurethane? Read on for another quiz question. Can I use a paint pad for the second coat? Here’s me in action using this exact process: The first coat will really soak into the wood, so after it dries do not worry about sanding. 5.4 Permit the coat to dry out completely. rollers lets you apply the poly fast and evenly. Spray less accessible areas with aerosol … When applying poly for baseboards, do I need to be so fussy in sanding in between coats? Yes! This is what I did when I first started, and why I quickly moved over to wipe on poly as it was much easier. Just lightly sand and it should quickly feel smooth to the touch, especially after coat #3 and beyond. Apply it in a well ventilated area inside without direct contact from the sun, and leave it to dry naturally, rather then trying to speed up the process. Smooth out any drips or runs. If so, the second coat can be applied. Definitely 5 if it’s a surface that needs additional protection, like a table top. Hold it there for a few seconds so it really soaks in and fills up the brush. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. I’ll link to my article on applying wipe-on poly below. That's super-useful on flat surfaces, because it reduces the number of overall coats needed to protect the wood. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Can you paint over oil based stain and varnish with polyurethane? This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Or, use the bristle brush to provide a thin coat on the flat surface. 5 Detailed How to Apply Polyurethane to Floors. And then follow the grain for brushing. However, it is also unbelievably finicky. Read on for another quiz question. Follow directions for application instructions and dry times. Polyurethanes are some of the best wood finishes that you can find in the market today. For water-based polyurethane, dampen your cloth with water. Apply two to three more coats of polyurethane. The Steps to Applying Polyurethane. May 7, 2017 - DIY Tutorial: How to Apply Polyurethane. Dunk the bristles roughly an inch (2.5 cm) into the polyurethane to load the brush. Sand the wood down again after it dries. So there’s no need to go beyond 220 on the bare wood itself. 5.5 Sand down blisters or irregular spots. Note – If you’re going to stain your project first, do that now. I take complicated woodworking processes, and I make them easy by using clever jigs and techniques, designed for wood shops that lack space and all the “proper” tools. Fold a clean cloth into a square, roughly palm-sized, to apply your coats. After that (or for non-table top surfaces), to get rid of all the machine and sanding marks I’ll use 80 grit on a random orbital sander. – The Why And The How To Apply A Wax Finish, Tack cloth or mineral spirits (for dust clean-up). Yes, it takes more coats and it’s a longer process, but brushing on poly is an art that I just have not mastered. % of people told us that this article helped them. That way you avoid stirring up dust while the poly is drying. I hope that sounds good to you, because that’s what you’re getting into here today. It’s not quite the same as a spar varnish, which should be used when doing outdoor projects. Do this to make sure it’s smooth and there were no detrimental dust nibs in that last coat. Don't use a roller because it will not go on evenly or dry smoothly. This means a durable top coat is a critical part of building quality projects. I recommend applying 3 to 5 coats of polyurethane. Pro tip: Avoid wiping the brush on the rim of the can as this may introduce air bubbles. Extra-fine sandpaper is the finest grit you'll need to use on wood before you apply polyurethane. You do this because the wipe on poly is thinned down. ", "In a fraction of a second, I understood because of pictures. ", important dust-free workspace was, thought just going outside was good enough. That’s why for the most part I try to avoid using nice brushes (if at all possible). Wipe contoured surfaces with a clean cloth, going with the grain. But with a satin poly, you want to stir it really well before using it every time. Wait until the 30 day mark (after that last coat) before stressing the finish with wear, heat, chemicals, etc…. Is it colorless and if so, can color be added to it? It creates an incredibly durable top coat that can withstand years of heat, cold, cleaning chemicals, and abuse. The foam brush has a nice straight edge tip, so when you get to the edge of the material, you’ll stop the brush right at the edge and lift off. Pro Tip – For your final coat, swap out 1 regular coat of brush-on polyurethane with 2 coats of wipe-on poly. Regular oil based polyurethane goes on much thicker than finishes like wipe-on poly, or lacquer. Sand very lightly using a fine grit sand paper. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. If you have a good sniffer, then use it to gauge your curing finish. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If, after you've sanded the wood, you notice a scratch, what type of sandpaper should you use on the scratched area? Continue to repeat Steps 3 and 4 until you get the look you want. Get some 400 grit sandpaper and sand the surface using a sanding block. Because this is an oil-based finish, it’s slow to dry and tends to blend well into the preceding rows. It all depends on the environmental conditions (temp and humidity basically). With the lack of time, space, and proper tools, he always finds ways to get great results without over-complicating or over-thinking the process. I personally have never seen it happen, but it does make sense. Let it dry at least 12 hours and check that it’s basically dry to the touch. With even strokes, use the paintbrush to apply the water-based polyurethane. Learn more... Polyurethane is a protective finish applied to wood to guard against it wear and other damage. It’s discussed on many woodworking forums and videos, that applying too many coats of satin polyurethane can make the finish become dingy or mirky. Then touch the brush at one corner of the surface, apply a little bit of pressure, and slowly brush one entire row without stopping or lifting. Click on another answer to find the right one... {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Apply-Polyurethane-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Apply-Polyurethane-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Apply-Polyurethane-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid1566046-v4-728px-Apply-Polyurethane-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"