An Idiot’s Guide To Wood Finishing

This means that the repair process is easier as well. Hard-wax oil finished floors can be spot-repaired with just a light sanding of the affected area followed by a topical coat of oil. Like your hardwood floor itself, hard-wax oil finishes have a range of unique characteristics. When applied by hand, these finishes offer a combination of protection, conditioning, and beauty that you simply won’t find with polyurethane finishes. In the interest of efficiency, it is best to use wipe-on poly on surfaces that won’t see quite as much wear and tear, such as furniture legs, trim, bookshelves, etc.

And as aforementioned, oil-based finishes are less expensive than water-based polyurethanes. When wondering how you polyurethane hardwood floors in high-traffic areas such as an entrance hall or an office space, you’ll need oil-based polyurethane. This type is easier to maintain than water-based products and it’s more durable too.

Anthony Donovan is a licensed general contractor specializing in general construction as well as bathroom and kitchen remodels. His favorite projects are those involving lots of retiling and woodwork upgrades. In his spare time, Anthony enjoys exploring the great outdoors or fixing things around the house. This is a generic term used for topcoats consisting of a higher ratio of solids. This product is perfect for raw wood and particularly suitable to use on exterior wood including garden furniture, fences, sheds, and decking. While all of the products mentioned thus far have been synthetic, shellac is a natural product.

Lacquer Vs Polyurethane: Paint Pros & Cons To Make Informed Decisions

Work with the grain, and avoid applying too much polyurethane to avoid raising the grain. Since oil and water don’t mix, this will help prevent the polyurethane from beading on the surface, like water on a freshly waxed car. It’s best to apply polyurethane to flat surfaces so the finish can self-level and is less likely to drip. When applying polyurethane on vertical surfaces, you may experiencedripsor runs.

Since they conceal scratches and scuffs, they are popular options for high-traffic areas. However, sheen selection usually comes down to personal preference. But avoid it for furnishings you’ll rub out to a high-gloss shine, or projects where easy repairs are essential.

Stains typically require a skilled hand to apply due to their tendency to show lap marks. Staining also means an additional step and extra time in the finishing process. The technology of hardwax oils allows pigment to be added directly to the product.

minwax vs varathane polyurethane

Then, only when it is completely dried, you can give the surface a good clean. This can be done simply with some gentle soap and water. Just check out the manufacturer’s guidelines, as different products have different drying times. If you are working with a water based polyurethane spray, it will have a much faster drying time than an oil-based one. The number of coats you apply depends on the type of product you’re using. For oil-based products, it’s usually enough to have two coats or a maximum of three.

Polycrylic

Not chemical resistant- Lacquer will turn different colors in spots that come into contact with water, or other everyday chemicals. Can be difficult to work with- Because lacquer dries so quickly, sometimes almost instantly, it can be difficult to achieve the perfect finish. Durability- Lacquer is much thinner than any other protective finish which allows for deeper surface penetration and a very durable finish. Not recommended for- kitchen cabinets, bar tops, tabletops, kitchen floors and furniture in high humidity areas. It can be applied with a brush, cloth, sprayer, or pad. Varnish works well on surfaces exposed to water or sunlight.

So my wooden project is slightly out of the norm, its an Ashford Kiwi 2 spinning wheel. I do plan on staining and painting the main frame or it and painting the actual wheel itself since its made of MDF. I do plan on traveling with my wheel ane working with it outside when the weather is nice. What would be better tor it, Polyurethane or beeswax?

Polycrylic Vs Polyurethane

However, the two are very different, so you’d better learn which is which before buying. For furniture though, polyurethane is safer, cheaper, and easier to maintain. However, as I already told you, it’s hard to decide which product is the best in every situation. If you have to treat the skirting near a radiator, for instance, lacquer is undoubtedly your best bet. For this reason, polyurethane is more susceptible to peeling and cracking when exposed to heat or the elements.

minwax vs varathane polyurethane

The best products also create a durable shield that not only protects the surface but makes it look better, too. Fortunately for you, I’ve decided to fix this problem by listing ten of the best products that are currently available. Not every one of these products are suitable for every job but there’s enough variety to allow you to choose the one minwax vs varathane polyurethane that’s suitable for you. Hi love your site for all the tips and was hoping you could provide some insight on my project issue. 1930’s bedroom suite with my own homemade chalk paint as wanted a specific colour. I applied 2 coats of chalk paint and then topped with 3 coats of Minwax Polycrylic protector as per your recommendation for durability.

Types Of Clamps That You Need For Woodworking

When you work with water-based polyurethane, use a synthetic bristle brush in the corners of the room, rather than one with natural bristles. Look for signs of dripping and correct these spots before they dry. Wait a few minutes minwax vs varathane polyurethane after the first coat, and check one more time for blemishes or places you may have missed. Apply the polyurethane to the corners and blend it into the boards. This type of polyurethane is the most expensive and least durable.

  • We say this because water-based poly will give you the same results in less time.
  • For open-grain woods , you can apply a wood grain filler before the polyurethane, to create an ultra-smooth finished surface.
  • It’s not until you build up the finish with a minimum of three coats that you’ll get an even sheen on the floor.
  • Oil based products tend to yellow or amber the wood and take significantly longer to dry and cure, often 12 to 24 hours.
  • In other words, the wood acclimates easier and is more controlled to variations in relative humidity with less undesirable movement.

Water based polyurethane has lower VOC’s – which is a bit of an environmental benefit – but because it has lower VOC’s , it doesn’t last as long. Water based poly is thinner, and you often need 4-5 coats to equal the durability of 3 coats of oil based. Varnishes are typically easy to apply and come in both water-based and oil-based formulations.

Drying Time

Most clear-coat products will dry to the touch within 4-6 hours, even though they will not have cured yet. This means that they will be hard enough to touch without ruination, but will not yet have reached their maximum hardness. Still, I would strongly recommend that you disallow shoes, bare feet, and animal paws on the freshly-coated surface.

One gallon of this product covers roughly square feet in a single coat. You only get the promised durability and performance when you apply three or more coats. Despite my lack of formal training, I found it easy to apply my chosen finish.

The built-in seal on the mason jars would definitely be a good way to keep the finish out. But over time, as you suspect, dried finish could become a problem on the lid. It looks like Howard has a great suggestion for simulating that seal with any jar, and its even more cost effective.

Some of the woodworking pieces that you make will end up in high-traffic places or exposed to elements such as heat. With such items, you’ll want to have a hard finish to make them long-lasting. Most DIYers prefer to use polycrylic to add that touch of stylish beauty to interior woodwork pieces – from living room furniture to doors, tables, and cabinets.

Author: Kay Burton