This article has been viewed 416,396 times. When you shake a can of polyurethane, you risk forming tiny bubbles inside it. However, there's another reason you shouldn't shake it, so even preventing spills by closing the can doesn't make this a good idea. You definitely want to use it before you apply polyurethane, but once you're done with it, you shouldn't take it back out to go over any scratches you find. If you are doing a project and need to apply water-based polyurethane, these steps will help you. With even strokes, use the paintbrush to apply the water-based polyurethane. ", important dust-free workspace was, thought just going outside was good enough. In terms of applicators, you may find one or more tools useful, including a brush, roller, T-bar, or pad. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Sanding dust must be cleaned away before you can apply each coat of finish, so use a vacuum with a crevice tool and brush attachment to make cleanup fast and easy. ", "In a fraction of a second, I understood because of pictures. Step 3 - Apply. Aall you want to do is scuff up the surface before re-applying. The hardwood floors in my home were refinished last year, and I accidentall... How to Remove a Water-Based Polyurethane... How to Remove a Water-Based Polyurethane Wood Finish. Read on for another quiz question. Right! ", "The sponge vs. the bristle part is good to know.". The main component to the successful application of any type of wood finish is using the right applicator. When applying poly for baseboards, do I need to be so fussy in sanding in between coats? Coveralls and protective slippers protect your clothes. Plastic secured to walls, baseboards and adjacent flooring protects the areas surrounding the water-based polyurethane application. Dust and other particles that dry in the polyurethane will result in an uneven surface. Choose another answer! Simply use a damp cloth and water to clean applicators and remove any spills. Renee Miller began writing professionally in 2008, contributing to websites and the "Community Press" newspaper. I especially like the tip on interior and outdoor, "Clear idea of polish painting is given here, which will be very helpful to all readers. All rights reserved. Pick a location that is clean as well as ventilated. Read on for another quiz question. After that, give the polyurethane 24 hours to air-dry. Let the polyurethane sit for about 10 minutes after stirring to allow the foam to settle. After each stroke, run the brush back over any drips that need to be smoothed out. Try again! Whether it is oil-based or water-based, it comes in a variety of finishes, from glossy to matte. Oil-based poly turns amber over time. By using our site, you agree to our. If the wood you're working with feels especially rough, you may want to go over it with medium-grit sandpaper before you move onto finer stuff. Water-based finishes dry fast and clean up easily, but a smooth and lasting finish requires the use of several tools that are designed to make the process successful. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Apply-Polyurethane-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Apply-Polyurethane-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Apply-Polyurethane-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1566046-v4-728px-Apply-Polyurethane-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Apply-Polyurethane-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Apply-Polyurethane-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Apply-Polyurethane-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1566046-v4-728px-Apply-Polyurethane-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Apply-Polyurethane-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Apply-Polyurethane-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Apply-Polyurethane-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1566046-v4-728px-Apply-Polyurethane-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Apply-Polyurethane-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Apply-Polyurethane-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Apply-Polyurethane-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1566046-v4-728px-Apply-Polyurethane-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Apply-Polyurethane-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Apply-Polyurethane-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Apply-Polyurethane-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid1566046-v4-728px-Apply-Polyurethane-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Apply-Polyurethane-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Apply-Polyurethane-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Apply-Polyurethane-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid1566046-v4-728px-Apply-Polyurethane-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}. There’s a better option out there! Can you paint over oil based stain and varnish with polyurethane? Can I use a sander between coats, or should I do it by hand? Read on for another quiz question. A dust mask is also useful for protecting your lungs from sanding dust when you sand the floor between coats. ", refresh the memory. Tip: To keep outdoor dust and particles away from the surface, applying polyurethane should take place in a well-ventilated room indoors, with an … Click on another answer to find the right one... To apply polyurethane, start by removing any old finish from the wood and sanding it down so that it’s completely smooth. Then using the tack cloth you can clean it off completely. Sanding between coats is to make the new poly coat adhere better to the previous one for protection, not merely to make a clean, even look. Read on for another quiz question. According to This Old House, polyurethane is the most popular finish for hardwood floors. Let it dry completely before you move onto the next step. She is co-founder of On Fiction Writing, a website for writers. Nope! As long as you don't get it super-hot, you don't have to worry that it might explode if you agitate it by shaking or stirring it. We welcome your comments and Yes, you can use a sander. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. All information is provided "AS IS." 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Thank you! However, it makes spraying a poor choice for overall coverage, because you'd have to apply man coats. ", "This helped me to learn that polyurethane is not a polish, as I previously thought it was. Just be sure you use a tack cloth to clean off dust that’s appropriate for water-based finishes, like a cheesecloth moistened with denatured alcohol. Can you apply polyurethane over a painted wood trim to get a glossy finish?