Questions tagged [polyurethane]

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26 votes
13 answers
267k views

What grit sandpaper should I use between coats of polyurethane?

I'm planning on applying polyurethane to a pine bench I've finished staining. I decided on foam brushes for application, but I wasn't sure what grit sandpaper I should use between coats. Is 400 good ...
Doresoom's user avatar
  • 15.7k
22 votes
8 answers
580k views

What is the proper procedure to apply multiple coats of Polyurethane?

Polyurethane is confusing me. ;) I'm finishing a table top with polyurethane. I've sanded down the original finish to bare wood down to 220 grit paper. I vacuumed and wiped it all down, then did a ...
DA01's user avatar
  • 24.3k
12 votes
1 answer
72k views

Is there a more rugged finish than Polyurethane for a heavy use table?

A few years go I sanded a stained table we had. Upon doing so, we discovered that it had really nice wood underneath. So instead of restaining, I applied about 4 coats of satin polyurethane. It looked ...
DA01's user avatar
  • 24.3k
11 votes
3 answers
89k views

If polyurethane is not food safe, why is it used on dining tables?

Why do online sites say that polyurethane isn't food safe, and is there some way I can use it on my kitchen worktop and still be safe? I don't prepare or store food directly on it or use it as a ...
Keith Walton's user avatar
10 votes
4 answers
35k views

What could cause polyurethane to dry with excess gloss?

I'm having trouble with polyurethane (Helmsman semi-gloss) drying much glossier than it should - like an extra-gloss instead of a semi-gloss. I'm using it on stained wood moulding, and when I did the ...
R.. GitHub STOP HELPING ICE's user avatar
9 votes
6 answers
202k views

Why is my desk still tacky two weeks after finishing it with a polyurethane clear coat?

I've recently built a standing desk out of sandply with a mahogany veneer. I have stained it, and two weeks ago added a polyurethane clear coat to protect the stain. However, after doing this, the ...
Malfist's user avatar
  • 596
8 votes
1 answer
26k views

Why do we need multiple coatings of polyurethane?

I just finished my first wood-working project ever, and applied the first layer of polyurethane last night. This morning, it looks beautiful. So I have a few questions: Do I need a second (or more) ...
BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft's user avatar
6 votes
6 answers
6k views

Would it be appropriate to sand a floor between coats of poly with a handheld orbital sander?

Very closely related: How should I sand before the final coat of polyurethane? However, I'm not asking for a how-to or which is the preferred tool/method but rather one specific tool and if it's an ...
Broots Waymb's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
81k views

Why did polyurethane make wood feel coarse?

I have a piece of pine I want to use for shelving. I added some finish and then added a thin layer Minwax Fast-drying Polyurethane (clear semi-gloss) with a foam brush. It looks great, but the wood ...
jhawes's user avatar
  • 175
6 votes
5 answers
37k views

Can I apply water based polyurethane over oil based polyurethane and vice versa?

I can see brush strokes on a dining table from a previous application of polyurethane. I want to sand these and re-apply polyurethane. I do not know whether the previous application was a water-...
Beverly Winfree's user avatar
6 votes
4 answers
66k views

How can I protect my (engineered) hardwood floor from scratching?

I have engineered hardwood that scratches easily (be it from furniture being slid on it, a kid playing with hard toys on it, or simply from regular wear and tear). We currently mitigate the scratching ...
n00b's user avatar
  • 597
5 votes
2 answers
11k views

Can I apply polyurethane to my hardwood floors in sections?

I have a hardwood floor I've recently finished staining. I'd like to apply polyurethane but I don't think I can cordon off the entire area for the duration. Is it alright to apply the sealer in ...
Danny's user avatar
  • 153
5 votes
1 answer
5k views

Why does some polyurethane need to be wiped off, and what happens if I don't?

So, I stupidly applied some polyurethane to my project without reading the instructions on the can. After it was dry several hours later, I finally read the instructions, and to my horror, I saw it ...
BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
2k views

How do you finish a polyurethane coat?

I'm building a table and finishing it with a high-gloss polyurethane. I've seen how to apply the poly and what to do between coats, but what do you do after that last coat? Is it done? Do you wet ...
Luke's user avatar
  • 325
4 votes
2 answers
29k views

What is a "wet edge" and how do I maintain one?

I'm about to polyurethane my floors, and all the instructions I've come across (including the ones on the can) say to "maintain a wet edge". What is a wet edge and how can I maintain it?
virtualxtc's user avatar
  • 2,567
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

How should I sand before the final coat of polyurethane?

I have applied 3 coats of poly so far. I'd like to smooth out the surface before the final coat. What type of sander should I use: Square Buff Floor Sander , Random Orbit Floor Sander , or just a ...
Homer's user avatar
  • 331
4 votes
1 answer
19k views

Are there masks that will reduce polyurethane's VOCs?

Cans of polyurethane state a number (250, 350, etc) of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC). When sanding wood, a NIOSH N95 is required to safely avoid inhaling the small particles, but.. Does a NIOSH ...
Calaf's user avatar
  • 1,225
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

Does No VOC Polyurethane Work Well?

I am finishing a piece of furniture for my home and would like to use a no (or low) VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) product. However, there does not seem to be many on the market. I found one so ...
TheSean's user avatar
  • 323
4 votes
1 answer
4k views

Can I apply polyurethane to my hardwood floors one room at a time?

I have hardwood floors on almost all of my floors. Most rooms have large (5') openings with no doors or thresholds. When I start applying the polyurethane, is there anyway to do one room at a time ...
Betsy's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
2 answers
7k views

Why is the polyurethane finish I applied a month ago still tacky?

I recently decided to embed my niece's picture into a serving tray style tabletop. I printed the picture, had it laminated, bought polyurethane, followed the directions to a "T". It's now one month ...
Leah Cholette's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
12k views

For pine shelves, do I need to stain before applying polyurethane?

I built some pine shelves. They're pretty, but I don't want them to darken. I'm told I can apply polyurethane to ensure they stay nice and bright. My question is this: do I need to apply some kind of ...
Translunar's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
7k views

Is polyurethane too slippery to use as a protective layer on a deck?

I am in the process of repainting my deck. I'd like to have a protective layer (like clearcoat on a car) that will allow easier cleanup, and would help to pretect the new paint. Is polyurethane ...
vt100's user avatar
  • 165
3 votes
2 answers
466 views

When do you use polyurethane vs. water based construction adhesive?

When do you prefer to use something like Loctite PL, vs Loctite Power Grab?
J. M. Becker's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
14k views

Can I use different brands of Polyurethane on a single project?

I was applying Polyurethane to a wood bookshelf that I made yesterday evening. Unfortunately I ran out before I was finished. There is a small area that has not been covered at all and I need to ...
sixtyfootersdude's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
13k views

How can I finish and seal an interior exposed brick wall?

I have exposed a 100+ yr old brick wall inside, tuckpointed, cleaned with cup brushes on a grinder, and Sureklean 600. I don't have a picture right now but it looks beautiful. Two questions: I want ...
amphibient's user avatar
  • 7,479
3 votes
1 answer
1k views

Are there any DIY polyurethane foam insulation options available?

I recently had a leak (hurricane Sandy) in an "eave"-like space that required the removal of a part of my drywall ceiling. All of the insulation that was above the ceiling was drenched. To replace it, ...
rynmrtn's user avatar
  • 349
3 votes
3 answers
9k views

What's wrong with the polyurethane on this hardwood floor refinishing job?

This is basically what I've done so far: I sanded the floor down to 120 grit with a drum sander (did a pretty good, time consuming job) Put 1 coat of polyurethane down - these problem-spots soaked it ...
doub1ejack's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
37k views

Can you put a matte polyurethane over a semi-gloss polyurethane to make it a matte finish?

I have a piece of furniture that my mom has painted and she put on a semi-gloss polyurethane finish. It is way too shiny for the type of painting. Can we put a matte polyurethane finish over the ...
ACross's user avatar
  • 31
3 votes
4 answers
8k views

Paint vs polyurethane durability

For an indoor project that is likely to get bumped, knocked, etc. (e.g., door or window casing, cabinets, built-in bookshelves, etc.), should one expect that a good quality paint will resist chipping ...
Josh's user avatar
  • 131
3 votes
2 answers
5k views

Can I follow shellac with polyurethane (water-based or oil)?

I just finished building kitchen cabinets out of African mahogany. I am ready to finish the project and I would really like to not screw it up. I'm wanting to use an oil-base penetrating stain and ...
Jaroslav's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
3k views

Should I wax or polyurethane an old pine floor?

I found another question that sort of asks this, but the answers don't provide any detail. We bought a 1918 house in somewhat rough shape. The second floor (with two bedrooms and a nursery when we'...
ghoti's user avatar
  • 131
3 votes
3 answers
2k views

What is the proper way to clean a paintbrush and metal pan with KleanStrip paint thinner?

I am finishing my hardwood floors tonight with an oil-based polyurethane. I bought a natural bristle paintbrush and a metal pan, as well as some KleanStrip paint thinner that is "made with Mineral ...
bfodder's user avatar
  • 571
2 votes
4 answers
18k views

What are the steps to cutting polyurethane?

I've seen a lot of tips about cutting the first coat of polyurethane with mineral spirits to reduce drying time. However, given that it's the first coat, I have a full can of polyurethane. I'd pour ...
virtualxtc's user avatar
  • 2,567
2 votes
3 answers
916 views

How are Clopay Intellicore garage door R-values so high?

Clopay's garage doors with their proprietary "Intellicore" polyurethane foam insulation claim R-values as high as 20.4 in a 2" thick door, or R-10.2 per inch. State-of-the-art spray polyurethane ...
Bungle's user avatar
  • 223
2 votes
1 answer
607 views

Avoid bubbling when applying polyurethane

Is there any way to prevent bubbles when applying polyurethane on old wood (it had paint on before but got removed, if that matters)? I just applied the first coat, will it be better after I lightly ...
amphibient's user avatar
  • 7,479
2 votes
2 answers
100k views

How best to remove fumes after applying polyurethane in a hardwood refinishing project?

I understand that oil based polyurethane used to refinish hardwood floors has a strong fumes and can stay for days. I also understand that opening the doors and letting air flow can help remove the ...
Mahendra Gunawardena's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
1k views

Can I use 0000 steel wool to remove streaks in my polyurethane finish?

Can I use 0000 steel wool to make a better uniform finish?
Carl's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes
2 answers
31k views

How can I clean and dry a lambswool applicator quickly?

I'm refinishing my floor, sanding / stain / poly. One of the most frustrating things is clean up. In particular, the lambswool applicator. It cleans with mineral spirits but it takes forever to dry. ...
MikeSm's user avatar
  • 396
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

My apartment still smells like polyurethane after over a month! I have a toddler with respiratory issues, please help

I just moved into a recently renovated apartment. I am not sure exactly what work was done or what products were used. It has new parquet wood floors and the place was sitting empty for a month. I ...
Vanessa's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes
4 answers
1k views

Can I use polyurethane sealant with Plexiglas?

I have a below-grade basement window in a lightwell. In heavy rain, the lightwell fills to the bottom of the window and then the water leaks into the basement. I've been through a lot of options and ...
Allan's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

Why does my wooden table have streaks after refinishing it three times?

Months ago I purchased a French expansion table. I painted the table legs white and I am refinishing the top and expansion pieces in a dark stain with a semi gloss poly finish (Minwax). I noticed ...
Carissa T.'s user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
8k views

Saving a brush from dried water-based Polyurethane

Today I got distracted while applying some Minwax Pro Spar Urethane (which apparently is water-based) and left the brush sitting on top the can. The distraction lead to a trip to lowes and the ...
Alan Jurisich's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
13k views

What should I do about partially tacky urethane finish?

so I've been refinishing an interior bench. The bench had a very old polyurethane/resin finish which I sanded completely off, there was nothing other than bare wood when I stained it. I stained the ...
benjammin's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
4k views

What caulk to use for basement leaks at cove joint where floor meets the wall? Polyurethane, silicone, or latex-based Drylok?

I noticed a small moist patch of the floor near a radon mitigation system. However, I suspect that it has little to do with the radon system but was due to failed caulking at the cove joint, as there ...
P. B.'s user avatar
  • 268
2 votes
2 answers
543 views

How can I blend sanded cedar into the surrounding darker wood with a polyurethane finish?

I applied unfinished cedar tongue and groove wood, to my ceiling and I applied one coat of minwax fast drying clear polyurethane to it. I noticed that one of the sections turned a light grey and ...
Vince Anthony's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
4k views

Stain, poly, cut… What order should I use when installing window trim?

This is my first carpentry project where 'looks matter'… I recently installed a new window in my living room, and it's now time to trim out the interior. The other windows in the house have simple ...
kgutwin's user avatar
  • 306
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

Why did my third coat of polyurethane finish "buckle"?

I'm refinishing a table I built about 10 years ago. I put 2 layers of gloss polyurethane down and sanded between coats. All was fine at this point. I gave it another light sanding and put a third ...
Landon's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes
1 answer
182 views

I am finishing a table with 2 leaves- do I apply polyurethane to each leaf separately or with table as one unit? Will they be stuck together if I do?

I am finishing a table with 2 leaves- do I apply polyurethane to each leaf separately or with the table as one unit? Will the leaves be stuck together if I do? Can Water based polyurethane be applied ...
julie F's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes
1 answer
104 views

Wood Floor Worn Spot!

I have a bamboo floor that's been work throughout the years in a few isolated spots. Because the majority of the floor looks fine, I'm hoping I can patch up the spots that have issues. I attempted one ...
jgaro's user avatar
  • 121
2 votes
1 answer
133 views

Can hand-rub poly be poured (in drops) then spread?

The last time I applied polyurethane, I chose a variety called "diamond something or other". It turned out that the diamond variety dries so quickly that if I apply a brush stroke one way and then ...
Calaf's user avatar
  • 1,225