how do you apply polyurethane to a large surface

How to Apply Polyurethane

• Remove the Dust. Once the wood is blemish-free, remove the dust. ...
• Seal the Surface. ...
• Apply the First Coat of Polyurethane. ...
• Shave Off the Bumps. ...
• Wet Sand the First Coat. ...
• Apply the Second Coat. ...
• Repeat Steps 5 and 6 if Needed. ...
• Polish the Surface if You Wet-Sanded the Second Coat

Full Answer

How to apply polyurethane smoothly?

How to apply material to the center of the floor:

• Immerse your roll or pad in the polyurethane
• Start one foot from the edges of the first corner, and work polyurethane toward the edges, working with the grain of the wood
• Use comfortable back-and-forth sweeps of three to four feet with the roller or pad

More items...

How to apply polyurethane without brush marks?

• Wipe on a very heavy first coat on the bare wood. Let it sit a few minutes and watch for dry spots forming where it soaks in. ...
• Usually 6-12 hours later, start the process of applying the next five coats. Note: It’s not usually necessary to ‘sand’ on this step. ...
• 8-12 hours later, feel the surface. ...
• Repeat step 3 three to four more times. ...

How do you apply polyurethane with cloth?

Wipe contoured surfaces.

• Fold a clean cloth into a square, roughly palm-sized, to apply your coats.
• Dip an edge into the polyurethane.
• Wipe it onto the wood, following the grain.
• With each wipe, overlap half of the previous wipe for even coating.

How to use a foam brush to apply polyurethane?

These are the end types that work best for polyurethane projects:

• Angled bristles: Brush is cut on a slant to make applying smooth lines easier.
• Angled foam brush: Foam has an angled tip to assist in application.
• Square trim bristles: Cut in the shape of a square to help with covering large, flat areas.
• Round-ended roller: Roller covers that are rounded at the ends to help eliminate lines.

How do you apply polyurethane to a large area?

0:161:50How to Apply Polyurethane with a Foam Roller - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAfter you've unloaded the roller on a flat area hit the edges. Don't worry about drips and sags youMoreAfter you've unloaded the roller on a flat area hit the edges. Don't worry about drips and sags you can smooth them over with a brush the wet poly is going to look terrible at first.

Is it better to brush or roll polyurethane?

Don't use rollers or foam brushes—they create bubbles. Your brush will be easier to clean, and will go longer between cleanings, if its bristles are dipped first in mineral spirits, if you're using an oil-based poly, or in water, if the finish is water-based.

What is the best method to apply polyurethane?

Using a bristle brush, apply the first coat of polyurethane in long, broad strokes. Keep the application thin, so it goes on evenly and neither pools nor drips. Coat the entire surface. Once finished, wait for the polyurethane to dry.

How do I get a smooth finish with polyurethane?

Apply only one thin coat. Then, remove any dust nibs with 1,500-grit sandpaper or a piece of brown paper bag. Finally, using a soft cotton rag or polishing pad, buff the finish to a high shine using automotive paste wax, photo below, which has fine abrasives that polish the finish even further.

What happens if you don't sand between coats of polyurethane?

For some types of poly, nothing happens if you don't sand between coats of polyurethane. However, most polyurethane will not adhere properly if you skip sanding dust nibs and brush marks on the finish. The polyurethane finish will eventually peel off or become deformed.

Is 2 coats of polyurethane enough?

For best results, apply at least two coats of polyurethane. When working on floors, tables, chairs, and furniture that will be used often, apply at least three coats. If you are using water-based polyurethane, you can apply up to four or five coats on floors and sheds.

How do you apply polyurethane without brush marks?

When the brush marks don't resolve themselves, try a few corrective techniques.Use a foam brush or a lambswool applicator instead of a brush. ... Use a natural-bristle brush rather than a synthetic one if you are using a bristle brush. ... Thin your polyurethane with paint thinner, mixing it with a paint stir stick.More items...

Can I use a rag to apply polyurethane?

Polyurethane is so durable and water-resistant, it has largely replaced shellac and varnish as a wood finish. Originally, it had to be brushed on, but different formulations mean it can now be applied as a spray or by wiping it on with a rag.

How do you apply polyurethane without bubbles?

To avoid bubbles in water-based polyurethane, apply multiple thin coats using a quality synthetic polyurethane brush instead of a natural brush. And before applying polyurethane, dampen the brush with water to avoid bubbling, puddling, or running.

How long do you wait between coats of polyurethane?

You should typically wait about 2 hours between coats of water-based polyurethanes and about 8 hours between coats of oil-based polyurethane before applying additional coats.

Should you sand the final coat of polyurethane?

Sand lightly with 240-grit sandpaper between coats, then let the last coat dry for at least 24 hours. This is standard practice with any wood finishing job, and is nothing out of the ordinary. That said, sanding bare wood beforehand to create a smooth foundation is key.

Can I use a roller to apply polyurethane?

Yes! You can use a roller to apply polyurethane (and definitely should) when working on floors and large furniture. Applying polyurethane using a roller is easier, and the drying time is short. The roller also removes brush marks and prevents over-application on the surface.

Can I apply polyurethane with a roller?

Polyurethane is easily applied with a paint brush or roller and dries quickly. Applying the material with a roller eliminates brush strokes and lines and prevents over-applying the material.

How do you apply polyurethane without brush marks?

When the brush marks don't resolve themselves, try a few corrective techniques.Use a foam brush or a lambswool applicator instead of a brush. ... Use a natural-bristle brush rather than a synthetic one if you are using a bristle brush. ... Thin your polyurethane with paint thinner, mixing it with a paint stir stick.More items...

Should I use a foam brush for polyurethane?

Yes, it is OK to use a foam brush to apply polyurethane. However, it isn't the best choice for larger projects because the foam doesn't spread the polyurethane as well as a synthetic or natural brush. Use a foam brush to apply polyurethane to smaller projects, like finishing a birdhouse.

How do you keep streaks from Wipe on Poly?

There's a lot of variation in this and almost no wrong way, first you can apply it not by wiping but by spraying, by brush, roller or paint pad; then after that you can choose to remove no excess, some or most/all.

Can you spray polyurethane on wood?

Originally, it had to be brushed on, but different formulations mean it can now be applied as a spray or by wiping it on with a rag. Here’s how to gauge which approach is best for your project.

Can you brush polyurethane?

Polyurethane coatings brushed on vertical or contoured surfaces are more likely to drip and run. Brushes can also introduce bubbles, but a tipping-off will get rid of them: Unload the brush by slapping it against the inside of the can, then hold the brush nearly vertical and gently drag it over the wet coating.

Why Put Polyurethane On The Bottom Of The Project?

This really applies to more than just the bottom. Basically, any part of the project that is not going to be seen, tends to get ignored in the finish process.

What kind of brushes do you use to apply polyurethane?

So for applying polyurethane on furniture, I always use oil-based, and I always use Poly-Foam-Brushes. These are cheap foam brushes that lay on an even coat just right, and after each coat you can just throw it away.

How to use a poly foam brush?

First take your poly foam brush, and dip it at least half-way into the poly. Hold it there for a few seconds so it really soaks in and fills up the brush.

What grit sander should I use for table top?

After that (or for non-table top surfaces), to get rid of all the machine and sanding marks I’ll use 80 grit on a random orbital sander. Because this creates so much sanding dust that the shop vac can’t catch, I don’t normally use it for the remaining sanding.

How to apply a coat of a sandpaper?

After the final coat, do this: 1 Wait 2 days to let it fully dry 2 Inspect it in good lighting at different angles, and feel it with your hand. Do this to make sure it’s smooth and there were no detrimental dust nibs in that last coat. 3 Give it 7 days before bringing it into the house. 4 Wait until the 30 day mark (after that last coat) before stressing the finish with wear, heat, chemicals, etc…

How to remove dust from wood after sanding?

Once the sanding is complete, you need to remove all the sanding dust from the wood. This can be done with compressed air or a shop vac. Do a final wipe-down with some tack cloth or a rag made damp with mineral spirits. (I don’t always do this, but it is the best way to remove the final dust)

Where to make touch down and lift off points?

It’s best to make your touch down and lift off points at obvious seems or joints, or at the corner of the surface. For example, if you lift off in the middle of a flat board, it may be hard to blend that point into the next row or the same row if finished even immediately after.

How long does it take to apply polyurethane?

Apply the First Coat of Polyurethane. Within 24 hours of applying the seal coat, brush on a coat of finish right from the can. Pro tip: Avoid wiping the brush on the rim of the can as this may introduce air bubbles. Spread the varnish over the entire surface with long, even strokes.

How to use a brush to paint wood?

Load your brush by dipping it about 1 in. into the mixture and brush the wood with long, even strokes from end to end. Keep a wet edge by overlapping each pass until the surface is completely coated. Catch any drips with your brush and smooth them into the surface. Step 4.

What grit to use for sanding?

Sand your project with progressively finer grits of sandpaper.#N#Note: Paper with a higher grit number removes the deeper scratches left by paper with a lower-numbered grit.#N#Pro tip: Most projects need an initial sanding with medium sandpaper (100-grit) followed by a fine paper (150-grit) and then an extra-fine sanding with 220-grit.

How to remove blemishes from a coat of paint?

After the first coat has dried for 24 hours, remove small blemishes by wet-sanding with 400-grit sandpaper mounted to a sanding block. Dip the sandpaper in water and use circular strokes to remove the blemishes and any dust bumps.

How to get a blemish out of a sandpaper?

Pro tip: Use enough water to lubricate the sandpaper so you won’t burn through the delicate finish. Sand just deep enough to remove the blemish. When the surface feels smooth, wipe it with a moist cloth and then dry it with a clean, dust-free cloth.

How long to wait to polish car paint?

Wait at least 48 hours, then polish the finish using an automotive rubbing compound.

How to get rid of dust in a room?

Have an exhaust fan facing out through a window to remove vapors and crack a window at the other end of the room to let fresh air in. If you’re sensitive to fumes or can’t get good ventilation, it’s a good idea to wear a respirator with an organic cartridge. A fan placed near the workpiece is bad news and will only blow dust right on your project. The idea here is a gentle flow of air in and then out.

How to apply polyurethane to a drywall wall?

Apply the polyurethane with a roller or large foam paint brush. Start at the top of the vertical surface, never the bottom, so the polyurethane is less likely to have thick spots and run. Roll or brush in a downward motion, spreading the polyurethane evenly downward over the surface until you have finished. Allow this coat one to two hours to dry.

How to get rid of air bubbles in polyurethane?

Open a 1 gallon can of polyurethane, and slowly pour some into a tray. Do not shake or stir at all to prevent the formation of air bubbles which can flaw the polyurethane finish. Pouring slowly also prevents air bubbles, which would get transferred onto the surface.

Can you ventilate with polyurethane?

Ventilate the area well while using polyurethane.

Can you use polyurethane on a garage table?

Polyurethane often gets applied to items you can remove and treat on a garage table or workshop. However, a polyurethane coat is sometimes necessary for walls and doors you must treat on-site. The process for working on a vertical surface instead of horizontal does not change.

How to sand polyurethane?

After the first coat has fully dried (according to the manufacturer's directions), lightly sand the entire surface (again, parallel to the grain), using 320-grit sandpaper. The polyurethane will sand easily, so be careful not to sand through the thin coat and damage the stain or wood underneath. Remove all dust with a vacuum and tack cloth before applying the second coat.

How long does it take for polyurethane to dry?

Polyurethane takes hours, not minutes, to dry; that's a lot of time for dust to settle or bugs to land on the surface, marring the final product. Both water-based and oil-based products give off strong fumes as they dry (although oil-based is decidedly worse), so proper ventilation is a must.

How to keep polyurethane from beading?

The basic application technique for water-based poly is similar to that for oil-based. Apply a very thin coat of polyurethane with a fine brush, foam pad, or cloth.

What is wipe on polyurethane?

Wipe-on poly is applied with a clean, lint-free rag. Spray poly goes on just like spray paint. 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.

What is the difference between oil based polyurethane and water based polyurethane?

Oil-based polyurethane typically adds a warm amber glow to wood, particularly to lighter wood species, such as white oak, maple, or birch. Water-based formulas generally are more neutral or clear. Water-based poly has a milky white look when it goes on but turns clear as it dries.

How many coats of oil based polyurethane?

They're also a bit thicker and contain more solids, requiring two or three coats where water-based poly may need three or four.

What is the best brush for polyurethane?

Foam brushes are inexpensive (and disposable) and work well for most flat surfaces. Bristle brushes are better for molded edges and fine details. Brush on the polyurethane so the brush strokes are parallel to the grain of the wood. Use a sufficient, but not overly thick, coat of finish.

How to apply polyurethane to a floor?

Fit the applicator pad on the applicator. Dip the applicator in the polyurethane. Brush the polyurethane onto the floor in a W-pattern until complete . Make sure that you are using only an applicator intended for floor finishes. Cotton and other types of applicators may leave lint behind, which can become sealed under the finish.

How to prevent polyurethane from seeping?

Apply painter's tape to walls, trim, and other large items that cannot be removed. Apply the tape tightly to prevent the polyurethane from seeping below the tape.

What is the best floor finish?

Though polyurethane is the most popular type of on-site floor finish, some alternatives offer other advantages and disadvantages: 1 Penetrating Oil: Penetrating oil soaks into the wood and requires several coats. It sheds water but isn't good at resisting scratches. 2 Varnish: Made from wood sap and alcohol, varnish predates polyurethane as a floor finish. Varnish has more solids than polyurethane, producing a thicker coating. 3 Wax: Wax is spread in multiple thin coats after the stains have been applied. Then, it is buffed to the desired level of gloss. Though wax is inexpensive, it does require frequent reapplication. 4 Aluminum Oxide (Pre-Finish): Aluminum oxide is an extremely hard finish that rivals even oil-based polyurethane's durability. The downside is that it cannot be reapplied on-site; it can only be applied in the factory when the floor is being manufactured.

What is polyurethane finish?

What Polyurethane Finish Is. Polyurethane finish is a liquid resin used to coat wood flooring and other wood surfaces, such as cabinets and furniture. As a synthetic floor finish, polyurethane is made from raw materials that are derived from crude oil. Featured Video.

What is the difference between varnish and polyurethane?

Varnish: Made from wood sap and alcohol, varnish predates polyurethane as a floor finish. Varnish has more solids than polyurethane, producing a thicker coating.

How long does it take for polyurethane to dry?

Water-based polyurethane floor finishes dry to the touch in about 2 hours and can be recoated in about 4 hours. For oil-based finishes, double the drying time. For either finish, the floor should be safe to walk on after about 48 hours. Allow one week for the surface to fully cure.

How much does it cost to apply oil based polyurethane to wood flooring?

To apply two coats of oil-based finish to 1,500 square feet of wood flooring would cost about $300 to $420 for the finish alone. Water-based polyurethane has a lower coverage rate due to evaporation, so it would cost about $450 to $550 for the finish.

Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Polyurethane

The two major types of polyurethane are oil-based and water-based, each of which has different advantages.

Polyurethane Sheens

Different formulations of polyurethane create different levels of luster or sheen, so choose based on your preference.

Remove Old Finish and Sand

You’ll get the best results from your topcoat if you remove any old paint, varnish or other finishes before polyurethane application.

Wipe Away Dust

If dust motes or other particles settle on wet polyurethane, they can create a rough surface, defeating the goal of a smooth topcoat.

Apply the First Coat

Apply the first coat of polyurethane using the best technique for the surface.

Sand and Apply the Next Coats

After the first coat has dried for 24 hours, sand again with 180 to 220 grit sandpaper to remove drips, bubbles and other uneven spots in the coat.