Questions tagged [polyurethane]

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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 ...
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1 vote
0 answers
22 views

Applying stain after sanding off first coat of polyurethane [migrated]

We refurbished an old family table. We did the whole process of sanding and now have finally applied the stain (1 coat of Provinal) and applied the first coat of polyurethane. After we applied it we ...
0 votes
0 answers
39 views

Polyurethane Gummy After Cure

I finished a plywood table top with varathane water-based polyurethane over a year ago. The top was hard and used extensively after curing. Recently my daughter was playing with modeling clay (that ...
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0 votes
1 answer
235 views

How do I fix a sink that became slow to drain after pouring polyurethane down it?

Situation and problem My buddy has a woodworking shop which he graciously allowed me to use for a woodworking project. I am a total novice in these kinds of areas, which will be doubly clear in a ...
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0 votes
0 answers
60 views

Help with table finish cracking

We have an alder table that is about 10 years old. We just noticed some cracking in the finish as you can see on the pictures. We are trying to figure out what to do to stop more from forming and what ...
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0 votes
0 answers
50 views

Smell from Polyurethaned Floors

I am moving into an apt in 10 days. The landlord redid the floors and used oil based polyurethane. I am concerned about the smell as he just did this several days ago and wanted to know if it’s safe ...
0 votes
0 answers
141 views

Polyurethane cracking/bubbling on hardwood floor

Hi all I’ve recently stained and polyurethaned my hardwood floors using an oil based poly but I’ve noticed it has started to crack/bubble because I stupidly decided to put 97% isopropyl alcohol on a ...
0 votes
0 answers
114 views

Fix hardwood floor finish damaged by ironing carpet?

I did a boneheaded thing. I used medium heat iron over a damp rag to iron out some creases/curl from a couple of wool carpets, and damaged the PU finish on my floor. How to fix this - any special ...
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-1 votes
1 answer
134 views

Sealing indoor rough cedar wall [closed]

We have a rough cut cedar wall in a cabin that is pretty hairy and tends to flake off everywhere. I've tried sanding it but haven't had much luck, seems like it will just make it look bad. Is there ...
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0 votes
0 answers
955 views

Exterior polyurethane to apply outdoors in cold weather?

Is there some kind of polyurethane I can apply outdoors in 40 degree weather? The one I looked at, Helmsman Spar Urethane, appears to require a minimum temperature of 50 degrees.
0 votes
0 answers
39 views

Dried bits of polyurethane in recently refinished floor?

Over the past few days I refinished the hardwood floors in my living/dining rooms. I sanded the floors with a Home Depot random orbital sander rental at the beginning of the week before applying a ...
0 votes
1 answer
530 views

Water based polyurethane over water based wood stain

I made myself a small desk out of pine plywood and square tubing. I stained the pine with water based stain, then applied several coats of clear, water based polyurethane. The last coat was applied at ...
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2 votes
1 answer
180 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 ...
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0 votes
0 answers
18 views

Heavier than poly transparent coat for vintage door

I got this door at a local vintage shop and stripped (for the most part) many coats of paint. I first used StripKleen, then Dumond SmartStrip, then sanded. There is a little more removal to do (...
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3 votes
2 answers
315 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?
1 vote
0 answers
28 views

Epoxy flexane mixture for flexible epoxy application

For those who understand plastics and epoxies in particular, curious to know if I can add flexane urethane (or similar elastomer) to epoxy paint without worrying about compatibility issues. IOW will ...
1 vote
0 answers
78 views

Paint semi-gloss over polyurethane?

Can I paint (trim work) semi-gloss right over polyurethane without stripping it first? Would it require primer?
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1 vote
4 answers
2k views

Oil- or water-based polyurethane to refinish stair banister?

I didn't know that water-based polyurethane was available as an alternative to oil-based until I saw it today at the store. I am refinishing a vintage stair banister and some surrounding trim. I ...
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1 vote
1 answer
149 views

Varnishing at low temperatures

I need to varnish (I have an oil-based polyurethane) some piece of furniture. I can't do this in my house, but I could do it in garage, however I worry about the temperature, obviously the garage is ...
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2 votes
1 answer
2k 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 ...
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0 votes
1 answer
63 views

Generic water-based polyurethane for concrete desk?

I recently made a desk with a concrete top. It was a little rough so I smoothed the top with a liquid mix of just cement and water. I'm now preparing to finish it. I have a pot of water-based ...
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0 votes
2 answers
769 views

Wait how long after applying wood stain before urethane pass?

I am wondering how long after applying the stain do I need to wait before applying urethane. The weather in my parts is a bit capricious, so I am keen to keep wood outside as little as possible.
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0 votes
0 answers
350 views

Polycrylic getting sticky and peeling/wearing off

I coated a bare wood acacia table for a computer desk with Minwax polycrylic about 4 months ago and made sure it was dried the recommended 24 hours before regular use. 4 months later, I noticed the ...
  • 101
0 votes
3 answers
1k views

Applying urethane to table: brush or pad?

I am finishing the stain coat of my revamped desk, and I am wondering, after much enjoying using a staining pad rather than a brush, if I could use a pad for the urethane as well — or will that leave ...
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0 votes
2 answers
164 views

Refinishing table, Water-Based Polyurethane Dries Fast and Leaves Blush after Sand. What to do?

Here are the facts: Pine table I applied a wood conditioner at the beginning. I stained in the garage with the garage door open. Super high humidity now. The water-based polyurethane dries super ...
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0 votes
1 answer
254 views

Finish plywood for closet organizer

I am building a closet organizer using plywood. I want to put a clear finish over the plywood to protect it. I am going with either Shellac or Water-based Polyurethane to avoid the nasty smell. I ...
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-1 votes
1 answer
2k views

How can I fix streaks left in wipe-on polyurethane varnish?

I recently stained my cherry color builder grade kitchen cabinets to an espresso color using General Finishes Java Gel Stain. I Put on 3 coats and all went well. I then applied 2 coats of the Minwax ...
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1 vote
0 answers
229 views

How to apply spray-on polyurethane to a textured paint?

I am wanting to spray on coats of water-based polyurethane to a painted wood surface using a HVLP Spray Gun. The painted surface already has textured particles added into it to improve slip-resistance....
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2 votes
1 answer
94 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 ...
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0 votes
1 answer
1k views

Well Pump Setup: Best Materials to Use for Pipes

I live in Southwest Florida, and we have well water. I am in the process of redoing our whole well input plumbing setup and wondering about the best materials to use. This is what I'm proposing as a ...
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2 votes
1 answer
805 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 ...
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1 vote
2 answers
2k views

Ventilation when using water-based stain & finish

With oil-based stains and finishes, reading SDS safety sheets makes it clear that safely using the products requires nitrile gloves, serious ventilation, and a respirator that can handle VOCs. With ...
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0 votes
1 answer
746 views

Which Glue for Refrigerator Door

Our refrigerator has two little nubs built into the door that holds the butter door on. One of the two nubs cracked off, exposing the insulating foam underneath. I was going to use a super glue ...
-4 votes
1 answer
2k views

Adhesive that binds strong but can be cleanly removed

I have something I need to bind strong. Much stronger than super glue, but probably less than gorilla glue, although it's not bad if the bind is that strong. I need it to have a quick setting time, ...
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1 vote
1 answer
341 views

Does water based polyurethane affect the color of paint?

I recently painted a dresser. I originally painted it a darker gray than I wanted so after putting the initial two coats on I took the paint back to Home Depot and had them lighten the rest of the ...
2 votes
3 answers
7k 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 ...
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 ...
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1 vote
1 answer
13k views

How long to wait between coats of polyurethane?

I sanded down a 2 inch old Maple butcher block bowling alley and stained 48 hours ago. I then applied 2/3 poly to 1/3 mineral spirits and let sit in direct 80 degree sun from 10-4 pm. It was ...
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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 ...
-1 votes
1 answer
1k views

Can I remove polyurethane but leave the stain?

I recently finished several doors in our house, using two coats of stain - one each of a different stain - and polyurethane to finish. For one door, I forgot to put on the 2nd coat of stain by ...
1 vote
2 answers
223 views

Can I use polyurethane to coat a painted wall tile and safely use as a trivet?

I would like to hand paint ceramic wall tiles to use as a food trivets. If I coat the tiles with polyurethane, to prevent the paint from chipping off, will it be safe to use as a trivet for hot pans ...
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6 votes
6 answers
4k 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 ...
1 vote
1 answer
370 views

Refinishing Outdoor Wood Table

About 3 years ago I built an outdoor patio table from home depot pressure treated lumber. I walnut stained it and applied 3 layers of Helmsman spar urethane. It looks like the sun/rain has worn down ...
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2 votes
3 answers
570 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 ...
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0 votes
4 answers
12k views

What is mineral spirits called in Australia?

I'm looking at cutting Polyurethane to use for a rub on finish, and the marvellous instruction articles and videos all say to do this with "mineral spirits". I am in Australia and unsure what this is. ...
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0 votes
2 answers
721 views

Polyurethane finish over stained wood - can I combine brush and rub on techniques?

I am finishing a coffee table with Polyurethane. Used it many times, but have never managed to completely eradicate those pesky brush marks on the final finish, despite sanding between coats. So this ...
  • 1
0 votes
2 answers
3k views

How drill polyurethane properly? [closed]

I am building an electric skateboard for which I bought a pulley with a belt that will transfer torque from the motor. This pulley is mounted on a wheel with 5 M3 screws and here is the problem. All ...
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0 votes
1 answer
6k views

Will wood glue hold two pieces of wood with a polyurethane finish?

I have a piece of stained red oak plywood that is 1/4" thick and ~ 1 square foot in area. I will be gluing it to a 1" x 2" red oak board. Both the plywood and board have been stained and finished ...
-1 votes
1 answer
184 views

Is there a rubber type glue that sets in under 5 minutes?

I'm looking for a very strong glue, similar to sikaflex 227 Sika Sikaflex 227 Polyurethane Sealant Black is a one component, moisture curing, elastic adhesive/sealant that is used for ...
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2 votes
1 answer
90 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 ...
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