I made a farmhouse table and stained it with Rust-oleum water based stain and then use the Varathane Triple Thick Polyurethane on top. I have let the table sit out in the garage for a week to cure, but I case still scratch it with my finger nail, like hard wax. Is this normal or will it cure harder? Is this a bad Polyurethane to use?
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By definition that isn't a "typical" poly... I know nothing about how long it takes to fully cure but would suggest contacting the manufacturer to ask. Typically a thick coat does take longer than a thin coat, sometimes longer than several thin coats. – keshlam Jan 23 '16 at 6:12
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What has the temperature been like in your garage? The manufacturer lists the application temperature range as 55°-90°, and generally the cure time goes up pretty fast the lower you get in that range. If it's dry to the touch and stopped off-gassing, I'd bring it into a conditioned space to cure. – Comintern Jan 23 '16 at 15:01
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The weather has been about low 40° high 60° since I applied it, and my garage is unheated and uninsulated. I can try bringing it in to cure more. I am wondering if this is normal for any poly and if I should try switching to a different poly. Maybe the triple thick blend is not a good one. – ScottK Jan 23 '16 at 15:26
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I accepted an answer. However, I do have to say that in my opinion the tripple thick poly is a inferior product. I used the regular poly also and compared the results. The tripple thick seems more waxy and leaves some brush strokes. – ScottK Feb 22 '16 at 19:12
Assuming 70°F, 7 days to cure. You stated your temp has been 40°-60° and did not state humidity. There is nothing wrong with the product, you have used it outside of parameters recommended by the manufacturer (see text below). Take it into a temperature and humidity controlled space and hopefully it will cure hard.
Dry times are based on 70°F and 50% relative humidity. Dry times may be affected by temperature, humidity and ventilation. Allow more time at cooler temperatures. Triple Thick Polyurethane will be dry to touch in approximately 2 hours and can be recoated in 2 hours. Allow 48 hours cure before light use of the project. Allow 7 days for full cure.
