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Questions tagged [polyurethane]

142 questions
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What grit sandpaper should I use between coats of polyurethane?

I'm planning on applying polyurethane to a pine bench I've finished staining. I decided on foam brushes for application, but I wasn't sure what grit sandpaper I should use between coats. Is 400 good enough? Or should I use 600? Or both? Also, if…
Doresoom
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What is the proper procedure to apply multiple coats of Polyurethane?

Polyurethane is confusing me. ;) I'm finishing a table top with polyurethane. I've sanded down the original finish to bare wood down to 220 grit paper. I vacuumed and wiped it all down, then did a final wipe with a rag and some mineral spirits.…
DA01
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Is there a more rugged finish than Polyurethane for a heavy use table?

A few years go I sanded a stained table we had. Upon doing so, we discovered that it had really nice wood underneath. So instead of restaining, I applied about 4 coats of satin polyurethane. It looked nice. Since that time, a few small spots have…
DA01
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If polyurethane is not food safe, why is it used on dining tables?

Why do online sites say that polyurethane isn't food safe, and is there some way I can use it on my kitchen worktop and still be safe? I don't prepare or store food directly on it or use it as a cutting board. I have it sealed with shellac now, but…
Keith Walton
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What could cause polyurethane to dry with excess gloss?

I'm having trouble with polyurethane (Helmsman semi-gloss) drying much glossier than it should - like an extra-gloss instead of a semi-gloss. I'm using it on stained wood moulding, and when I did the majority of it in the winter, I got the expected…
R.. GitHub STOP HELPING ICE
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Why is my desk still tacky two weeks after finishing it with a polyurethane clear coat?

I've recently built a standing desk out of sandply with a mahogany veneer. I have stained it, and two weeks ago added a polyurethane clear coat to protect the stain. However, after doing this, the desk is slightly tacky, and things don't slide very…
Malfist
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Why do we need multiple coatings of polyurethane?

I just finished my first wood-working project ever, and applied the first layer of polyurethane last night. This morning, it looks beautiful. So I have a few questions: Do I need a second (or more) coat? What do I gain by doing it (or lose by…
BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
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Why did polyurethane make wood feel coarse?

I have a piece of pine I want to use for shelving. I added some finish and then added a thin layer Minwax Fast-drying Polyurethane (clear semi-gloss) with a foam brush. It looks great, but the wood now has a coarse texture to it. I've never done…
jhawes
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How can I protect my (engineered) hardwood floor from scratching?

I have engineered hardwood that scratches easily (be it from furniture being slid on it, a kid playing with hard toys on it, or simply from regular wear and tear). We currently mitigate the scratching by coloring the wood with some Old English.…
n00b
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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 "ok" approach to take. Assuming I already owned…
Broots Waymb
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Can I apply water based polyurethane over oil based polyurethane and vice versa?

I can see brush strokes on a dining table from a previous application of polyurethane. I want to sand these and re-apply polyurethane. I do not know whether the previous application was a water-based or oil-based product. What should I do?
Beverly Winfree
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Can I apply polyurethane to my hardwood floors in sections?

I have a hardwood floor I've recently finished staining. I'd like to apply polyurethane but I don't think I can cordon off the entire area for the duration. Is it alright to apply the sealer in sections?
Danny
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Why does some polyurethane need to be wiped off, and what happens if I don't?

So, I stupidly applied some polyurethane to my project without reading the instructions on the can. After it was dry several hours later, I finally read the instructions, and to my horror, I saw it said something like this: Let sit for 30 minutes,…
BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
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How do you finish a polyurethane coat?

I'm building a table and finishing it with a high-gloss polyurethane. I've seen how to apply the poly and what to do between coats, but what do you do after that last coat? Is it done? Do you wet sand it with 2000 grit? Do you wax it? What will…
Luke
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How should I sand before the final coat of polyurethane?

I have applied 3 coats of poly so far. I'd like to smooth out the surface before the final coat. What type of sander should I use: Square Buff Floor Sander , Random Orbit Floor Sander , or just a hand held orbital ?
Homer
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