7
votes
Would it be appropriate to sand a floor between coats of poly with a handheld orbital sander?
I had two floors to do once and between coats I used a broom with 3 bits of fine sanding paper taped to the broom head - cheap, cheerful and effective...
Also, had to punch down the floor brads (...
- 28.7k
7
votes
Accepted
Would it be appropriate to sand a floor between coats of poly with a handheld orbital sander?
You could use a hand-held orbital- like you mentioned the biggest downside is time. But you're correct, sanding between coats of poly isn't stripping an old floor- it's just scuffing up the previous ...
- 1,141
6
votes
Accepted
Avoid bubbling when applying polyurethane
Polyurethane and other varnish type coatings are usually installed with a very good fine bristle brush. Brush only one way and use as little brush movement as possible. A back and forth motion will ...
- 12.5k
6
votes
Accepted
How do I fix a sink that became slow to drain after pouring polyurethane down it?
Start with (no, wait - buying your buddy a large quantity of the GOOD version [in your buddy's opinion] of something they like a lot, then...) removing the trap, assuming the trap is not one that has ...
- 226k
6
votes
How to mark a lacquered surface
Get some painter's tape or masking tape and apply it to the cabinet. Then make your marks on the tape for your predrilling.
- 86.2k
4
votes
Accepted
Will wood glue hold two pieces of wood with a polyurethane finish?
Bonding anything together without sanding either down to bare wood grain, or at least scuffing the finish surface prior to bonding, will be tenious at best.
Having said that, if all you are trying to ...
- 171
4
votes
What grit sandpaper should I use between coats of polyurethane?
Lots of good answers here. I was a finisher in a cabinet shop for many years and this is how used to do it.
Avoid anything with silicone to get on your hands or near your wood project. It causes fish ...
4
votes
Accepted
What materials can be used to prevent polyurethane glue from sticking to unwanter surfaces?
The following is a carry over from a CNC video I saw many moons ago, but have lost the link.
Give the selected adhesive a sacrificial material on which to bond. Your thoughts of using plastic bags ...
- 11.3k
4
votes
How are Clopay Intellicore garage door R-values so high?
I contacted Clopay. They sent the attached general information regarding thermal testing of garage doors, however, they did not specifically address how they could achieve the 18.4 R value of my ...
- 41
4
votes
Why does my wooden table have streaks after refinishing it three times?
As Harper mentions old poly can be a problem, but poly that is not well mixed (stirred not shaken) can also be an issue. If you sand you may well have scratches but don’t strip again--you need more ...
- 103k
4
votes
My apartment still smells like polyurethane after over a month! I have a toddler with respiratory issues, please help
From what you've told us, it sounds like you are trying a number of good ideas to help mitigate the smell and lingering off-gassing but maybe not optimally.
I actually would advise against using ...
- 2,025
4
votes
Oil- or water-based polyurethane to refinish stair banister?
I've been prejudiced toward oil based polys for years, but having used water based polys on some projects that weren't all the important, I've been impressed. Water based is much less toxic, easier ...
- 23.3k
4
votes
When do you use polyurethane vs. water based construction adhesive?
I use water-based (project or panel) adhesive on foam board or any plastic which the solvent will dissolve, or where cleanup of spills is a concern. Solvent-based (heavy duty) for almost everything ...
- 149k
3
votes
If polyurethane is not food safe, why is it used on dining tables?
This article says it is food safe only after it is fully cured.
According to finishing expert Bob Flexner, all finishes are food-safe once they have cured. Polyurethane varnish does not present any ...
- 131
3
votes
Accepted
Are there masks that will reduce polyurethane's VOCs?
Yes, their are things that help with polyurethane fumes, masks with volatile organic vapor cartridges, usually activated charcoal.
VOCs are not particles of "stuff" so a particulate filter (N95, P95, ...
- 1,301
3
votes
Accepted
How are Clopay Intellicore garage door R-values so high?
Note the fine print in the chart: "Calculated door R-Value is in accordance with DSAMA TDS-163". Here is DSAMA TDS-163.
From the PDF:
Refer to Figure 1. A typical insulated door has an exterior ...
- 6,458
3
votes
Accepted
When do you use polyurethane vs. water based construction adhesive?
Water based adhesives have the following disadvantages:
Slower drying than solvent based adhesives
Susceptible to freezing at low temperatures.
Lower water resistance than solvent-based products.
On ...
- 3,382
3
votes
Used Lacquer Thinner with Polyurethane on cabinets - did I screw up?
It says in the instructions "do not thin" so you're off label on this one.
That said lacquer thinners is a suitable solvent for thinning most oil-based paints. It also says clean up with ...
- 24.7k
2
votes
What are the steps to cutting polyurethane?
thin the oil based poly at least 10% with mineral spirits before you start. You WILL get bubbles if the varnish is too thick when you put it on unless you are a real PRO. If you put on a coat and you ...
- 21
2
votes
What is the proper procedure to apply multiple coats of Polyurethane?
There is no substitute for sanding between each coat if you want the best finish. I get the best result building or refinishing furniture when I thin oil based urethane 3 parts urethane- 1 part ...
- 21
2
votes
What could cause polyurethane to dry with excess gloss?
Using the same product produced the same result shown - high gloss finish. After letting initial coat set up for 3 hrs, stirring the can well before and during application resulted in the desired semi-...
2
votes
Can water based polyurethane be used to prevent knots in pine wood from bleeding through white paint?
Your knots are going to print through no matter what you do; the knots have a different physical texture than the surrounding wood. Corrcting this would take a painstaking amount of sanding primer ...
2
votes
Can water based polyurethane be used to prevent knots in pine wood from bleeding through white paint?
Shellac is usually applied to knots prior to top coating. I've not heard of a absolutely foolproof method of sealing knots so that will stop potential bleeding from occurring. If you do decide to ...
- 121
2
votes
Can I apply polyurethane to a new table?
(See my above comment) Unfinished or stained wood is best for a poly finish. Have you considered getting a clear glass top protector for your tables? 1/4" glass is pretty cheap and you can get it cut ...
- 569
2
votes
Accepted
Polystyrene scent in bedroom
New plastic off-gasses. Leave it in your car for a week, most of it will go away.
None of it is good, and yes, food containers do leach into food.
Polystyrene less than most, but you're not ...
2
votes
Using liquid sandpaper (deglosser) with polyurethane varnish
Yes, after sanding you can use the liquid deglosser for a final wipe down and cleaning prior to applying fresh coats of varnish. Using it alone in lieu of sanding is not a good idea IMO.
Do not use ...
- 36.7k
2
votes
Reapplying spar varnish/urethane to exterior door
The streaks should disappear with the first new coat of urethane assuming you haven't sanded into the stain or surface of the wood. The wood is probably stained or has darkened due to sun exposure, ...
- 149k
2
votes
How can I blend sanded cedar into the surrounding darker wood with a polyurethane finish?
Wood naturally changes color over time and it looks like your cedar material was no exception. When you sanded the material in some spots you sanded away the surface of the material that had changed ...
- 66.5k
2
votes
How drill polyurethane properly?
Polyurethane can be drilled with a common high-speed twist drill. It seems as though your issue is more related to the shape of the surface rather than the material.
To stop a bit from "walking" you ...
- 36.7k
2
votes
Accepted
Refinishing Outdoor Wood Table
"...stick with the same spar urethane...?"
YES
"Should I expect a fresh coat of urethane to give the stain a more even finish"?
KINDA The spar varnish will slightly darken everything, making the ...
- 36.7k
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible