Sand with 220 grit after first coat and wipe down with a tack cloth. Remove tack cloth residue with denatured alcohol on a cloth. Second coat of urethane (straight) followed by sanding with 300+ grit sandpaper, repeat tack cloth and wipedown with alcohol. Final coat of straight urethane.

How do you apply multiple coats of polyurethane?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So a lot of times I do my finishing at the end of the day after I'm done with my power tools and things have kind of settled down I clean up a little bit I come out and I do my I do my finishing.

Is it necessary to sand between coats of polyurethane?

Sanding between coats of water based polyurethane



Because we need at least 3 coats of water-based polyurethane to get a smoother and more professional finish, you must sand between coats. Sanding is not required between coats for adhesion especially if each coat dries in less than 6 hours.

Can you put more than one coat of polyurethane?

For best results, apply at least two coats of polyurethane. When working on floors, tables, chairs, and furniture that will be used often, apply at least three coats. If you are using water-based polyurethane, you can apply up to four or five coats on floors and sheds.

How long do you have to wait between coats of 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.

How do I get a smooth final coat of 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.

Can I use an orbital sander between coats of polyurethane?

To sum it up, I believe using an orbital or palm sander with 220 grit sandpaper between coats of polyurethane is too rough to get a good polyurethane finish. (It’s always worth trying 400 grit sandpaper or higher to see if the outcome is different though!)

What grit sandpaper should 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.

Can you use steel wool to sand between coats of polyurethane?

Using steel wool or sand paper allows you to create a uniform surface for the next coat of polyurethane, which generally looks nicer, more professionally, etc.

How many coats of polyurethane is too many?

You can even use one coat and be fine. However, remember not to apply more than 4 coats of oil-based polyurethane or 5 coats of water-based polyurethane. Unlike when you apply less, you can’t get away with applying too many coats regardless of the surface that you painted.

What do you do with a polyurethane brush between coats?

Let it soak between coats.



When you’re done with the brush, rinse it a couple of times in used mineral spirits, then pure mineral spirits, removing the bulk of the solvent on newspaper each time.

How do you apply polyurethane without brush marks?

When the brush marks don’t resolve themselves, try a few corrective techniques.

  1. Use a foam brush or a lambswool applicator instead of a brush. …
  2. Use a natural-bristle brush rather than a synthetic one if you are using a bristle brush. …
  3. Thin your polyurethane with paint thinner, mixing it with a paint stir stick.

Is 3 coats of polyurethane enough?

For ideal results, you should use about three or four coats. You will also have to wait quite some time between coats, as this polyurethane takes longer to dry. No matter how many coats of polyurethane you apply, it will always be quite a time-consuming process when using an oil-based finish.

How many coats of polyurethane should a bar top have?

Polyurethane is typically applied in three or more coats, with a light sanding between coats. Thin polyurethane with paint thinner makes it easier to apply and shortens the drying time between coats. Applying polyurethane takes patience and attention to detail, but the end result is a beautiful, durable surface.

Can you apply polyurethane over old 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.

Why is my polyurethane rough?

If you keep re-brushing over the finish as it gets tacky you will leave the surface rough. Finally, your chosen brand (Minwax) is perfectly fine, so no particular concerns there. If the can has been sitting a while make sure you stir it before using, but don’t shake.