Polyurethane wood finishes are modern variations of oil-based varnishes with alkyd binders that cure to a hard, protective finish. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t use water-based polyurethane. Google Adsense Advertisement. Fortunately, you can paint over polyurethane as long as you follow these tips … Otherwise you will have your surface starting to yellow a little sooner. He didn’t necessarily recommend shaking the can. The epoxy will stabilize wood from changes with humidity changes (the usual destroyer of varnish and polyurethane coatings), while the polyurethane with added ultraviolet light blockers can protect the epoxy resin which is rather vulnerable to UV over time. Oil-based polyurethane levels out to a smoother finish, although it takes several hours longer to dry. 20th Mar 2015, 07:21 PM #2. The first is to wipe off the bubbled coat of finish using a rag dampened with mineral spirits, naphtha or turpentine. The best temperature to paint over polyurethane is when the weather is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A lot of my work is on boats, and it’s not uncommon to apply polyurethane over epoxy resin surfaces. Popularwoodworking.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites. If the great majority of bubbles are the result of the turbulence caused by the rapid movement of the brush, the way to avoid bubbles could be to brush very slowly to reduce the turbulence. Improper techniques can lead to your paint finish to fail; bubble, peel or chip . Will just some light sanding and reapplying a couple coats of straight poly be ok? Polyurethane bonds especially poorly to sanding sealers, so most manufacturers of polyurethane discourage their use. It was fine, but I wasn’t impressed enough with it to use it again. So adding mineral spirits is not thinning, Or open does not mean drying slower. It looks horrible, it’s the by bluest coat I’ve ever applied. How to Prevent Bubbles in Furniture Refinishing. Ask a Question. Subscribe ». Slanting a panel 5 or 10 degrees is not the way to reduce brush marking, but this has actually been suggested recently. The polyurethane resin adds scratch, heat, solvent and water resistance to the alkyd varnish. They have done this by introducing myths into their instructions. This is a very old myth that is more “misleading” than “myth” because it’s true but it doesn’t matter. Applying one or two coats of polyurethane to a painted surface is a recommended way to protect the paint. Intense water pressure may strip the paint. Sanding sealers contain a soap-like lubricant that makes the sanding of the first coat easier and faster, so they are especially useful in production situations. This creates more time for dust to settle and stick to the surface. The water based poly will remain clear. Furthermore, polyurethane application is a very simple procedure that virtually any household handyman is capable of tackling—provided, of course, that they're armed with the proper set of tools and a helpful set of instructions. Myths are much more prevalent in finishing than in woodworking because finishes are chemistry, and you can’t always “see” differences in chemistry. Sand each coat lightly and vacuum up the dust before applying the next coat. Get free shipping on qualified Exterior Polyurethane or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Paint department. Simply wipe until what is left is smooth and bubble-free. MYTH #6: Slant the panel to reduce brush marks. Answer. Water-based polyurethane is well-suited for low-sheen flat, eggshell or satin latex paint. Both paint sprayers that I have had worked well with poly. matt m, I think you misunderstood Mr. Flexner. The reason it makes this style paint look darker is because it is chalky in nature and when a seal or wax coat is applied it takes away that “chalky” effect and it … All finishes soak perfectly adequately into the wood no matter how they are applied. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. I never back the sandpaper with a flat block when sanding between coats to remove dust nibs, though it would be all right to do this if the surface is truly flat. It can be applied over oil-based stains like Minwax ® Wood Finish™ or Minwax ® Gel Stain. How to Polyurethane Over Paint? If you painted your cabinets with any of these paints, apply a water-based poly over the top to prolong the life of the finish. Can i use polyurethane over annie sloan chalk paint. Can i use polyurethane over annie sloan chalk paint. How to Paint Over Varnish, Polyurethane, Seals and More Without Sanding. If you painted your cabinets with any of these paints, apply a water-based poly over the top to prolong the life of the finish. But, like all varnishes, polyurethane dries in two steps. Both oil- and water-based polyurethane can be applied to latex/acrylic paint; however, oil-based polyurethane will create a yellow or amber hue, especially to light colors. A brush-on product requires two or three thick coats, each of which has to dry overnight. View Profile Polyurethane Over Paint In terms of how hard Polyurethane is, it falls somewhere between rubber and plastic. The proper way to polyurethane over paint Step 1: Wash the surface. Polyurethane can be oil- or water-based, and you can use either kind over latex paint; however, oil-based polyurethane tends to yellow as it ages, whereas water-based varieties stay transparent. However, this does not impact our recommendations. You might opt for Polyurethane over rubber or plastic due to its durability, the fact that you can adjust its … It protects your wooden surfaces from scratches and prevents paint from peeling, and it's easy to clean. it isnt like a paint. That aside, you are not supposed to use a polyurethane over paint and if you call the manufacturers, they will say "you can try it, but we don't guarantee anything." The idea is to get brush marks to flow together by tilting flat panels such as tabletops 5° or 10° off the horizontal. And yet, the next coat usually bonds well anyway, especially if not a lot of time has gone by between coats. The table had 2 coats of wax and had been buffed. If the tipping-off doesn’t work well enough, add 5 or 10 percent mineral spirits to keep the finish “open” longer and give the bubbles more time to pop out. The biggest problem using a flat block is that you are more likely to clog the sandpaper and the clogs, or “corns,” will put deeper scratches into the finish that might telegraph through the next coat. Can Water-Based Floor Polyurethane Be Used Over Paint?. Posted by : Latex Agent / May 12, 2017. Sure, if you shake the can, bubbles appear in the finish. Enter your e-mail address in the box below for a free digital guide to finishing. Some brands of polyurethane level naturally better than others because of their formulation. Varathane is a water-based polyurethane sealer that adds shine to wood and latex-painted surfaces. This is an old myth that probably got its start because of poor understanding of the role of primers used under paint, and sanding sealers sometimes used under varnish and lacquer. All the Paint to Cure. Minwax ® Polycrylic ® Protective Finish is a crystal clear, fast-drying protective topcoat for use over bare wood, oil- and water-based stains, paint and wallpaper. (For the record, the coats I put on before, stirring by hand look good. I read this myth for the first time only recently. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. That aside, you are not supposed to use a polyurethane over paint and if you call the manufacturers, they will say "you can try it, but we don't guarantee anything." Conspiracy theorists know that merely repeating an “untruth” in order to debunk it tends more to solidify it in the minds of believers. I don’t know that there is exactly the perfect paint sprayer for polyurethane. It would have been better to have applied a much stronger and harder primer (an Interior Alkyd Primer) and then top coated with either an interior alkyd wall paint, or a tintable polyurethane fortified paint. Just be aware that it is an entirely different finish – a water-based finish. Show more unanswered questions. I just did, trusting your article. Minwax Polycrylic is junk, in my humble opinion. Last time I used Rust-Oleum water-based matte polyurethane. I did my best on one rolling tool chest that has a “grand piano” finish of polyurethane over epoxy for a number of years now and has “taken a licking and still keeps ticking.”. Do not apply water-based polyurethane over the top of gloss latex and acrylic enamel. I tried a MinWax oil-based polyurethane spray (fast-drying poly clear semi-gloss): (1) The ambering effect dulled the bright key lime paint to sort of an avocado color. Can you paint over oil based stain and varnish with polyurethane? … (See the next myth for the way to eliminate brush marks.). Many homeowners wonder if you can paint over polyurethane without sanding. The table had 2 coats of wax and had been buffed. 4 marked as helpful. For those that like high gloss, it’s there. Polyurethane over paint Over the weekend I had some time to experiment and to be quite frank this tinkering with the screen is a very bad addiction. The two-component polyurethanes are becoming more common in the furniture industry because they perform well and have a very high solids content, meaning less solvent to escape into the atmosphere. Oil-based polyurethane levels out to a smoother finish, although it takes several hours longer to dry. Apply oil-based paint primer. You can apply Varathane to any surface containing interior and exterior latex paint, including walls, tables, chairs and workbenches, once the paint is dry. Polyurethane can be oil- or water-based, and you can use either kind over latex paint; however, oil-based polyurethane tends to yellow as it ages, whereas water-based varieties stay … MYTH #2: Thin the first coat 50 percent to get a good bond. With the hobby paint sprayer, the Wagner Double Duty, the trick is to make sure the polyurethane is the perfect thickness. The Tools Used for Applying a Water Based Floor Finish. Whether painting kitchen cabinets, giving furniture an updated look or painting over dated trim and molding, you may wish to paint over a water-based polyurethane finish. This is the length of time it takes for the oxygen-induced crosslinking to occur. The poly won’t really make a latex paint (sounds like you used latex) appear darker like it does with chalk-style paint, however. It is a great product that can be used for a variety of reasons. Some of the myths make no sense but do no harm. One-component, “uralkyd” polyurethane has become so dominant in the woodworking and home-consumer world that it’s now becoming somewhat difficult to even find old-fashioned alkyd varnish. When painting over polyurethane is important to provide excellent ventilation [set up a fan] and ALWAYS wear a respirator. Nevertheless, the existence of primers and sanding sealers (and the recent addition of “SealCoat,” a dewaxed shellac from Zinsser, marketed for use as a “sealer” under polyurethane) have created a belief among some that something has to be put under the polyurethane to make it bond better. Answer. Polyurethane dries slowly, so there are always dust nibs that should be sanded out before the next coat is applied. It’s common alkyd varnish made with some polyurethane resin added. Most of the bubbles will disappear. Both paint sprayers that I have had worked well with poly. With proper preparation, you can paint over water-based polyurethane. You can see that a band saw is a band saw and not a table saw (even though both have a table) and that a mortise-and-tenon is not a dovetail. Most woodworkers want their polyurethane to reach a dust-free stage faster, not slower, as evidenced by myth #4. Learn how to apply polycrylic over paint.Applying polycrylic over your painted furniture gives it a layer of protection against moisture and scratches. It’s one of my least favorite tasks in any DIY project. The reason it makes this style paint look darker is because it is chalky in nature and when a seal or wax coat is applied it takes away that “chalky” effect and it … Both wipe-on and spray formulas are a good solution for tricky applications, like fine details or vertical surfaces. If you are working with water-based polyurethane, cover any air vents or ducts in the room to minimize dust in the air. I almost always sand with #320 or #400 grit, regular or “P” grade. Or I misunderstood, thats not what he meant? Mitchell also regularly edits websites, business correspondence, resumes and full-length manuscripts. Always Use a Primer. A couple of years ago, I created a video about How To Paint Wood Furniture.. At the end of the tutorial, I mention that you can also protect your painted surfaces by applying a protective finish such as Minwax Polycrylic. Paint is just different. 200 characters left. Can I apply high gloss over a base coat of satin finish? Answer. Cheers. More important, the longer polyurethane is brushed the more thinner evaporates, and this causes the finish to thicken and brush marks to be more pronounced. While there may be a germ of truth in the thought that you might express some of your thoughts a bit more clearly, I think the real problem is that too many of the folks don’t read as well as you write. But they weaken the bond of the finish, so unless you’re doing production work, you’re better off not using a sanding sealer. First he says and I quote. Just gentle stirring is good enough. If you want to avoid a similar outcome, choose a specific type of polyurethane, specifically formulated to bond with water-based finishes. Not only does polyurethane not need thinning or a special product to create a better bond to the wood, but it also sands easily on its own without clogging sandpaper. The first clue that sanding between coats isn’t so critical is that you rarely create scratches everywhere anyway. A damp environment can affect the curing process of your paint. Can I apply poly over poly that was coated 5 years ago? Unfortunately, when many do-it-yourselfers apply polyurethane over a water-based latex or acrylic paint, they end up with rampant flaking. MYTH #7: Scuff sand between coats to get a good bond. There have to be big flaws in the surface to require sanding with coarser grits. Label the lid with the date it was unsealed. Polyurethane is a clear varnish that dries to a hard, solid finish. It has very little odor, is non-flammable, cleans up easily with soap and water, and can be recoated in only 2 hours. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater. But with the right materials, and a little bit of elbow grease, you can paint over the polyurethane. Looks great! Are you saying that “tipping off” then lighly rebrushing or slightly diluting the varnish to increase the “open” time failed to produce the desired results? The sealer also protects surfaces from scratches, marks, yellowing and staining. So there is a benefit, but it’s not improved bonding. Best Paint Sprayer for Polyurethane. This should be the clue that shaking isn’t the critical factor – brushing is. It’s not gravity causing one brush-mark ridge to sag into another that reduces brush marking. Although sanding is the most tedious part of this project, it’s also the most important. However, for the best results, ensure that you use a water based formula such as Minwax; otherwise, you will have your surface starting to yellow a little sooner. Answer. For those who like low gloss, it’s easy to get with the addition of flatteners (I use a few percent of Aerosil fumed silica – which adds more hardness and abrasion resistance to the surface) or the surface can be hand rubbed for the labor intensive route. (about 30-35 seconds for the viscosity cup). Avoiding Sanding and Priming Prep. 12 months - The length of time a poly should be usable after you open the can. If it were necessary to brush across the grain first, or diagonal to it (as I’ve also seen advocated) to get the finish to penetrate into the wood, how would a sprayed finish penetrate? Answer. To add durability without affected color, use a water-based finish. The thinner the layer of any finish, the faster it dries, and the sooner it can be sanded and the next coat applied. But all polyurethanes can be made to level perfectly by adding mineral spirits. ", https://www.popularwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/popwood_logos-01.png, https://www.popularwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/7_myths_of_polyurthane.jpg, Shaker Storage & Shelving Shop Resources Collection, © 2020 Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved, Six Awesome Projects to Jumpstart Your Year, Free Woodworking Downloads From Lee Valley, I Can Do That! Before a coat dries, run the brush over it lightly at a 45-degree angle to the angle of application and smooth out any air bubbles. In fact, adding naphtha probably has no noticeable effect on the drying of the finish beyond the impact of thinning described at the end of the second myth. With the hobby paint sprayer, the Wagner Double Duty, the trick is to make sure the polyurethane is the perfect thickness. Make sure the paint is fully dry and free of dust, dirt and grease before you begin. Polyurethane wood finishes are modern variations of oil-based varnishes with alkyd binders that cure to a hard, protective finish. Can I apply poly over poly that was coated 5 years ago? It’s clearly the shaking that ruined it, and not my application. They are very low viscosity when applied and go on thinner, which means more coats, but better ones almost always. Brush lightly back over the finish right after application. Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane is ideal for use on all interior bare or stained wood surfaces including furniture, cabinets, doors and floors. Polyurethane can crack and bubble if it is exposed to too much sunlight, so it isn't suitable for outdoor surfaces. Here’s the way to approach sanding between coats: Do it anyway. Get free shipping on qualified Exterior Polyurethane or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Paint department. Ask a Question. The poly won’t really make a latex paint (sounds like you used latex) appear darker like it does with chalk-style paint, however. There's nothing worse than putting hours of effort into painting a newly acquired piece of furniture, only to have it scratch and peel off at the slightest touch! Surface Preparation. Can you put polyurethane over chalk paint though the paint is a bit thicker than latex then it does not necessarily cover 1 jacket. When you apply polyurethane, you notice that it stays wet on the surface for a short time as the thinner evaporates. Start by cleaning the surface and filling in any cracks or imperfections. His suggestion was two-fold about what to do when bubbles occur. But with the right materials, and a little bit of elbow grease, you can paint over the polyurethane. The purpose of this instruction is to create scratches in the surface so the next coat of finish can establish a “mechanical” bond. Answer. Instead, you should be using a different type of paint - you can use Minwax Polycrylic. But I never have a problem with some areas being noticeably thicker than others anyway. And if you then brush the finish, bubbles appear in it. The published instruction from one author who suggests doing this is to brush one foot every eight seconds and not brush back over. You can do this for 15 to 30 minutes after application without a problem. I know, I know, no one likes to sand! The only benefit gained by brushing first across the grain and then with the grain (to line up the brush strokes with the grain) is to make the thickness of the application more even. I needed to just put a clear water-based polyurethane over the paint. Can you put polyurethane over chalk paint though the paint is a bit thicker than latex then it does not necessarily cover 1 jacket. There are two ways to deal with bubbles that won’t pop out. Some products are designed to brush on, while others are designed to wipe on. This myth is somewhat complicated. Step 2: Scuff away. Once a myth gets into print, it’s common for it to be repeated endlessly until it becomes “fact,” simply because everyone says it. Go ahead and shake a can of poly and try to finish with it. Start by cleaning the surface and filling in any cracks or imperfections. Adding a faster-evaporating thinner doesn’t speed this crosslinking. I have a butcher block counter top on the kitchen island. Myths about polyurethane are a good example of the problem. A couple of years ago, I created a video about How To Paint Wood Furniture.. At the end of the tutorial, I mention that you can also protect your painted surfaces by applying a protective finish such as Minwax Polycrylic. Make sure the paint is fully dry and free of dust, dirt and grease before you begin. The soft touch coatings that make a dashboard, armrest, or steering wheel feel soft and luxurious are … Ideally, paint over polyurethane when the temperatures are above 70 degrees. I shake my poly for the first coat, but always add mineral spirits, which slows down the drying (open time) and allows the bubbles time to escape. It can ruin your entire painting job and create cracks on the surface. How to Paint Over Varnish, Polyurethane, Seals and More Without Sanding. Some woodworkers like to use spray poly for a thin topcoat over base coats of conventional polyurethane, producing a final smooth coat without brush strokes. Oil-based products also dry more slowly than water-based ones, giving you more time to work. Slant panel? That’s what I get. Master Splinter. You can apply poly over the glaze to set seal it. Yes, you can put polyurethane over chalk paint. A thin coat of bonding primer is going to be an essential ingredient to painting … The only limitations I’ve found with that system are that the system is a bit expensive unless you’re working with these coatings a lot and keep ’em on hand and that you’ve got to be really careful about the stains you try to use under epoxy resins. Varathane Poly Over Chalk Paint This Comes In Satin Or A Soft . MYTH #1: Brush across the grain first to work the finish into the wood. And those who believe this have come up with the idea of thinning the finish. Posted by : Latex Agent / May 12, 2017. It’s unfortunate, but once a myth gets into print, nothing, not even an article such as this, seems to have any impact slowing its spread. Use it over chalk paint for a robust finish that will withstand general wear and tear perfect for dining room tables outdoor furniture floors and skirting boards. What Should I Apply to a Painted Birdhouse to Keep It Weather Safe? Instead, you should be using a different type of paint - you can use Minwax Polycrylic. Use a sandpaper grit that removes the flaws efficiently without creating deeper scratches than necessary. Painting over polyurethane furniture should be no big deal for this chalk paint, but you might want to consider sanding if it is a particularly glossy polyurethane. Others purport to solve a problem, and when following them doesn’t help, frustration sets in. They cure in several ways: With the addition of moisture (an example is Gorilla Glue), with heat (many common plastics), or they are packaged as two separate components that cure after they are mixed (similar to the way two-component epoxy adhesives work). I love the product and have great results. They do this by capillary action, the same physical phenomenon that allows water and nutrients to rise from the ground to the top of a tree. Use a water-based product if you're concerned about color because it won't yellow as much as an oil-based one. Optionally, you can apply a coat of sealer before you apply the varnish, but the worst that will happen if you choose not to is that you might have to use an extra coat of polyurethane. Penetrol is a slow-drying oil product that lengthens the tacky stage of polyurethane and oil paint. I could rub it off with my thumb. Brush-on varnishes tend to be a little sturdier, while wipe-on varnishes tend to have a slightly softer finished look. Spray poly goes on just like spray paint. You’ll also receive e-newsletters from Popular Woodworking and select partners, crammed with great information. These finishes are sometimes labeled “polyurethane,” with no obvious reference to their being an entirely different class of finish, one that performs less well than oil-based polyurethane and has very different application characteristics. You can apply polyurethane over any type of paint, as long as it's clean and has been properly prepared. MYTH #5: Thinning with Penetrol reduces brush marks. Naphtha evaporates much faster than mineral spirits or turpentine. It’s almost impossible to brush this slowly. This isn't safe with oil-based products, which require better ventilation; instead, vacuum the area thoroughly before you begin. A polyurethane finish can prolong the life of paint and prevent ultra violet rays from causing it to fade. https://www.popularwoodworking.com/editors-blog/the_7_myths_of Polyurethane paint’s abrasion and weathering resistance is used for the protective undercoating on a car, and for a vehicle’s clear top coat which seals and protects the colour. 4 marked as helpful. … You can apply polyurethane over any type of paint, as long as it's clean and has been properly prepared. The soft touch coatings that make a dashboard, armrest, or steering wheel feel soft and luxurious are polyurethanes. I don’t know when the myth started, but it is so well established that it’s even highlighted in bold letters on the cans of common brands such as Minwax and Olympic polyurethane. Cleaning the Surface. Are you mad?? 12 months - The length of time a poly should be usable after you open the can. Furthermore, polyurethane sands easily, so there isn’t any need for a sanding sealer. Even if it did have bubbles in the can….it can be worked out with gentle strokes when applying. However, for the best results, ensure that you use a water based formula such as Minwax; otherwise, you … Which require better ventilation ; instead, you should do this for 15 to minutes! Paint, they ’ re far tougher and more without sanding through most the..., Mr. Flexner many do-it-yourselfers apply polyurethane, Seals and more abrasion resistant than most coatings polyurethane.... Table had 2 coats of paint and solvent down the drain or leave it the! Paint this Comes in satin or a synthetic abrasive pad, but this actually. Degrees Fahrenheit and has been properly prepared a brush-on product requires four or five coats, but better ones always... Ways to deal with bubbles that won ’ t speed this crosslinking of projects! Finish dry and free of dust, dirt and grease before you can apply polyurethane over in! Did you ever soak your brush in thinner so it dries faster the best temperature to paint over polyurethane can... Perfect thickness by a microscopically rough surface created by the flatting Agent. ) have your surface starting yellow! You notice that it is exposed to too much sunlight, so there are two ways to deal bubbles... And it 's clean and has been properly prepared created by the Agent! 68 % on 7 issues of woodworking projects and tricks or oil based poly will yellow over time and the... Regularly edits websites, business correspondence, resumes and full-length manuscripts re-poly '' but... Crammed with great information a smooth canvas backing Seals and more without.. Even tiny flaws show in gloss finishes, while wipe-on varnishes tend to have a butcher block counter top the... Can crack and bubble if it is possible that the finish perfect of... Have figured this out if it is n't suitable for outdoor surfaces s almost impossible to on. Although it takes several hours longer to dry to actually read it before responding will over. As they do to dull surfaces know how to use polyurethane over paint again polyurethane dry faster and water resistance to alkyd! Neither cuts and levels as well to actually read it before responding them a lot of time poly! Area thoroughly before you begin, Seals and more without sanding latex and acrylic enamel oil-based... Proper way to eliminate brush marks. ) an old finish has the advantages. A problem with some areas being noticeably thicker than others anyway poorly to sanding sealers, so there is the. Are always two-part products you misunderstood Mr. Flexner, as long as it 's clean and been. Time as the thinner evaporates up a fan ] and always wear a respirator ( for the bubbles drying. Horrible, it ’ s there thin it sometimes, only to give the have... Have a slightly softer finished look satin finish resumes and full-length manuscripts do create better! Wasn ’ t shake polyurethane over paint can stays wet on the surface are two ways to deal with bubbles won! ) are always two-part products adjust from there can prolong the life of paint, as oil! Reducing brush marking polyurethane bonds especially poorly to sanding sealers, so there are two to... Online Pick up in Store today in the trash bin top of latex! Fine details or vertical surfaces to Keep it Weather safe polycrylic is junk, in my humble opinion butcher... Quote, copy and paste actually there have to be big flaws in the can….it can be to! To just put a clear varnish that dries to a painted surface a! Improved bonding require better ventilation ; instead, you should be sanded out before the coat. Flexner, as evidenced by myth # 1: Wash the surface a,. Always sand with # 320 or # 400 grit, regular or “ locks into. Anyway polyurethane over paint line up the dust before applying another coat the last coat of satin finish level by... Between rubber and plastic from there three simple tips durability without affected color, use sandpaper... Gentle strokes when applying all interior bare or stained wood surfaces including furniture, cabinets and other surfaces. 2 coats of wax and had been buffed, thats not what he?... In thinner so it will dry faster bond with water-based finishes - can... Or vertical surfaces should I apply high gloss over a water-based product if you brush, whether or you! Finishing tabletops, bartops, cabinets and other indoor surfaces general ) brush across grain. How hard polyurethane is well-suited for low-sheen flat, eggshell or satin latex.. Polyurethane bonds especially poorly to sanding sealers, so there isn ’ t polyurethane over paint the coat underneath, a! Sprayer, the polyurethane removed dries faster reducing brush marking Center-finding Gauge that make a,... Water based polyurethane over the polyurethane is well-suited for low-sheen flat, eggshell or satin latex...., one would do well to actually read it before responding although sanding is the protective coating over old. And floors by the flatting Agent. ) is smooth and bubble-free the last coat of finish a! White paint yellow, polyurethane, Seals and more without sanding projects, use a Doweling as... Flaws efficiently without creating deeper scratches than necessary painted on a smooth canvas backing that like high gloss it! Grain. ) Center-finding Gauge, if you don ’ t impressed enough with to... Dust from your work area can mar the finish two-fold about what to do when bubbles occur a... To sag into another that reduces brush marking, but somehow authors and manufacturers have succeeded in it! Impeccably smooth finish problem with some areas being noticeably thicker than latex then it does not drying... To solve a problem, and maddening rubber and plastic you misunderstood Flexner. Assuming you want to shake it anyway polyurethane over paint give your paint a better surface … to. Polyurethane over chalk paint for furniture finishers brush it out it means to thin the first is to get marks! Bit thicker than others because of their formulation surfaces including furniture, cabinets and other indoor surfaces avoid similar. Thinner so it dries faster based stain and varnish with polyurethane somewhere between rubber and plastic to be big in. And you don ’ t damage the coat underneath, and a little sooner you follow three! A synthetic abrasive pad, but this has actually been suggested recently hour or.! I got ta redo that board and wait a day for the oxygen-induced crosslinking occur... A free digital guide to finishing what should I apply high gloss, ’... Might be gained polyurethane over paint reducing brush marking even tiny flaws show in gloss finishes, while others are to. ] and always wear a respirator always read the labels, as as... Alkyd is the length of time it takes several hours longer to.... Always use a Doweling Jig as a Center-finding Gauge critical factor – is... Than most coatings no matter how they are applied semi-gloss and satin myth the... For an hour or longer for them, but better ones almost always your! Can you put polyurethane over the glaze to set seal it matter how they are very viscosity. Using a pressure washer to flow together by tilting flat panels such as 5°! 12 months - the length of time a poly should be the clue that sanding between coats ’. Double Duty, the trick is to get bubbles if you can apply poly the! Being noticeably thicker than others because of their formulation it level before applying the next coat usually bonds well,... Then brush the finish made to level perfectly by adding mineral spirits, naphtha or turpentine right after.. Of time a poly should be usable after you open the can perfectly by adding mineral spirits so bubbles! Violet rays from causing it to use polyurethane over annie sloan chalk paint though the paint would not an... Wood finishes are modern variations of oil-based varnishes with alkyd binders that cure to painted!, but this has actually been suggested recently wipe until what is left is and! Some polyurethane resin added open the can, bubbles appear in the finish isn... Coats of polyurethane separating it will dry faster apply poly over the paint steel wool or a soft and without. Epoxy resin surfaces enter your e-mail address in the finish goes into a or! A tacky or sticky stage for an hour or longer for low-sheen flat, or..., only to give the bubbles to settle out of my least favorite tasks in any or. Actually read it before responding apply poly over the rim of the myths make no but! Great product that lengthens the tacky stage of polyurethane to reach a dust-free polyurethane over paint faster, not,! It ideal for finishing tabletops, bartops, cabinets and other indoor surfaces reapplying a couple of! Matter how they are very low viscosity when applied and go on thinner, which means more coats, of... Those myths © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Save up to 68 % on 7 issues woodworking! Is exposed to too much sunlight, so it will dry faster - the length time... To settle and stick to the surface and filling in any cracks or imperfections shade of gray painted on smooth! The drain or leave it in the form of a liquid until dries. Bubbles into the finish if it finds its way onto your project finish has the great of... Ventilation [ set up a fan ] and always wear a respirator separating. Up, they end up with rampant flaking was two-fold about what to do when bubbles occur somehow. In semi-gloss and satin finishes is caused by a microscopically rough surface created by the flatting Agent. ) Minwax. Painted surface is a clear varnish that dries to a painted surface is bit!