I would keep them the same if it’s not too inconvenient. Different manufacturers (and even different batches from the same manufacturer) may have different drying properties (the Satin may come out differently).

Can you layer different polyurethane?

You can apply the next coat of water-based polyurethane, usually within 2-6 hours. Despite the instructions by some manufacturers, you should wait for at least 24 hours when using oil-based polyurethane. However, you can apply another coat of fast-drying oil-based polyurethane within 4 to 6 hours.

Can I mix polyurethane finishes?





Yes. You can mix stain with polyurethane to achieve your desired finish color. Mixing stain and poly is a common practice in woodworking. It helps improve the product’s protection against stained wood while reducing the application time.

Can you mix varathane and Minwax?

Can I put Minwax over Varathane Finish? Yes, as long as the Varathane wood stain has dried, you can apply Minwax polyurethane, polycrylic, or any other suitable clear coat over it.

Can you polyurethane over polyurethane?

As long as you use the proper steps to prepare the finish, you can put Polyurethane over old Polyurethane. But before you apply the topcoat polyurethane, you might have to sand the surface lightly using a dull 120 to 150 grit abrasive or using a heavy floor buffer.

Can you use 2 different brands of polyurethane?

Your safest bet would have been to buy as much poly as you needed and mix them all together before you started in a seperate container. If you expect the bookshelf to last more than five years then go get the same stuff. Otherwise, it probably doesn’t matter.

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.

How soon can you recoat polyurethane?

If you use water-based polyurethane, you only have to wait between 2 to 4 hours before applying the next coat. However, when using oil-based polyurethane, you might wait for 10 to 24 hours. You can apply the next coat in as little as 4 hours if you are using fast-drying, oil-based polyurethane.

Can you apply polyurethane without stain?

In general, you should wait between 24-48 hours for the stain to dry before polyurethane. If you don’t want to take any chances or think the stain might not be dry enough, wait an extra day before applying poly.

Can you mix oil and water-based polyurethane?

Flooring wholesalers and veteran floor finishers agree that you can recoat water-based poly with oil-based as long as the original coating has completely cured—generally 30 to 60 days. You’ll have to lightly buff the old finish with a power buffer to prepare it for the new polyurethane.

How do I get a smooth finish with 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.

What is the purpose of sanding between coats of polyurethane?

It is recommended to avoid sanding the final coat of polyurethane. Sanding the final coat scratches the surface and leaves behind a cloudy appearance. Only sand between coats of polyurethane to achieve a smooth finish and skip sanding the final coat.

Do you need to sand before applying polyurethane?

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. For a smooth coating, you’ll want the surface to be as smooth as possible, so prepare the wood by sanding it with a sanding block or orbital sander.

Can I use a rag to apply polyurethane?

Yes, you can apply polyurethane with a rag. Applying polyurethane with a rag is a good way to avoid paint bubbles, brush marks, and also helps you to paint hard-to-reach surfaces. There are many different ways to apply polyurethane, but the most common methods include spraying it or wiping it on with a rag.

What brand of polyurethane is best?

The Best Polyurethane for Treating Artworks, Furniture, and More

  1. Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane. …
  2. Minwax Water Based Protective Finish. …
  3. Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Polyurethane. …
  4. TotalBoat Gleam Marine Spar Varnish. …
  5. Deft Interior Exterior Water-Based Polyurethane.

What grit sandpaper do I use between coats of polyurethane?



320-grit sandpaper

Allow each coat to dry fully. To give the subsequent poly layers something to bond to, sand lightly between coats with 320-grit sandpaper wrapped around a hard block.

How do you smooth out brush strokes in polyurethane?

Sand the dried surface. Let the first coat dry overnight, and sand it with a 280-grit or finer sandpaper. Apply successive coats of polyurethane, sanding between each application as it dries. After the final coat, sand with 600-grit sandpaper for a sleek, smooth surface.

Why does polyurethane turn white after sanding?

White spots on polyurethane are generally caused by two things: Not stirring thoroughly enough before applying it, or a buildup of moisture. While preventing the white spots is easier than fixing them, you can fix them by sanding down the high spots and then drawing out the moisture.

How do you apply polyurethane without brush marks?



How to use water based polyurethane without brush marks!

  1. Sand your surface in successively finer grits down to 220 grit with a random orbital sander.
  2. Spray the surface with water and allow it to dry. …
  3. Sand your surface to 220 grit with a random orbital sander, to remove the raised grain.

Can you buff out brush strokes in polyurethane?

*How Do I Remove Brush Strokes from the 3rd Coat of High Performance Polyurethane? Sand down the final finish with a 220-grit foam sanding pad, and then add another layer of General Finishes High Performance PolyurethaneTopcoat. Apply liberally than you did previously without heavy back-brushing.

Can I use a foam brush to apply 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.