How To Apply Polyurethane To Stained Wood?

Polyurethane is a wood finish used to protect the wood from water and moisture. It prevents cracking, warping, swelling and checking of the wood surface. In addition, this finish coats the furniture that you have made or bought.

There are two main types of polyurethane finishes: Water-Based and Oil-Based.

Oil-Based Polyurethane

It’s one of the oldest types of wood finish that was used in home improvements. It’s very durable, but moisture does affect it. It’s used in most furniture finishes.

Water-Based Polyurethane

It has a much lower wax content than oil-based products do. It’s also easy to work with and cleans up easier with soap and water.

How To Apply Polyurethane To Stained Wood

Clear Old Finish And Sand The Wood Well

The first step is to remove the existing finish if there is one. If you have an oil-based stain on your wood then you can use a chemical stripper product to remove it. You should also sand the entire piece of furniture with fine-grit sandpaper.

Clear The Surface And The Space Around Furniture

Dust from sanding can contaminate your finish, and lead to dull spots. So clean the surface and wait until there’s no more dust in the air before you start applying the polyurethane.

Apply The First Coat 

Use the best approach for the surface to apply the first layer of polyurethane. Using a natural bristle brush, apply a thin layer to flat surfaces.

You should apply polyurethane using long strokes in direct horizontal motions with the grain of the wood. Wipe along the grain of the surfaces with a clean cloth.

Apply The Second Coat

After the first coat has dried for 24 hours, sand again with a fine-grit sandpaper. Then apply a second coat of polyurethane. Do not sand after this coat dries, let it sit for three days without disturbing the finish or touching it in any way.

Once all the coats have been applied, allow them to dry completely. You can apply a top coat of polyurethane for extra protection.

Bottom Line

I hope you enjoyed learning about how to apply polyurethane. Have you ever tried polyurethane? Did you have any problems? Share your experiences below!