Best Way to Apply Stain: Use a Lint Free Rag. All other stains, including water-based, lacquer and all the dye stains, dry too rapidly to allow time to both brush on and get wiped off of large surfaces before the stain begins drying. Check if the surface is fully dry. Rubbing or brushing against the direction of the grain will help fill deep pores with stain. Unlike a stain, polyurethane provides a finish with more gloss. video for What Can and Can't Go Down a Garbage Disposer. Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains what foods should and should not go into garbage disposers. Make Sure That You Have Good Ventilation To Avoid Suffocation. Polyurethane tends to have a very strong smell. The combination of mineral spirits and polyurethane serves as sealants and should be applied on the surface of the material first . How To Apply Polyurethane – Best Ways to Follow, Know Your Sheens: Types Of Polyurethane Wood Finishes. An old tarpaulin, cloth or used newspapers. I’ve used four different methods and each has their merits: * HVLP Spray - Goes on fast and level. It is also a finish coat that brings an immaculate shine and magnifies the beauty of everything from flooring to furniture. Lastly, sand the surface using the 220 grit to avoid any signs of scratches. A can of Polyurethane (water or oil based). Make sure to clean your workplace after your work. Polyurethane is best for surfaces that get a lot of wear. Dunk your brush into the full-strength polyurethane and brush it onto the surface. If you have a vacuum cleaner at home, it will be good to vacuum the surface of the material. Here’s how to gauge which approach is best for your project. How to Build a Picnic Table with Attached Benches. The best way to apply stain is with a lint free rag and wiping it into the grain of the wood. Apply the First Coat of Polyurethane. Instead, thoroughly (and slowly) stir polyurethane varnish before applying it. Well, one thing’s for sure – you’re going to need a minimum of two layers if you want to get the job done right. The best choice for a clear coating is often a specialized finish like pre-catalyzed lacquer—but that assumes you have a spray booth outfitted with high-end equipment. Prepare the polyurethane by reducing it about 10 percent with mineral spirits, unless you're using water-based polyurethane, which doesn't need thinning. Step 3 - Smoothen the surface of your woodwork. On woods with large, open pores, such as oak, mahogany and ash, increase your pressure to work the stain into the pores. Step 6 - Sand the surface again and apply two coats of pure polyurethane. Step 5 - Prepare and apply sealant to the surface. Step 03: Preparing liquid. Wipe off any excess stain. Telling the storekeeper the type of wood that you used will also be a big help since there are certain types of wood that easily absorb any compound applied on it. Apply polyurethane using a bristle or foam brush about 2″ wide. Polyurethane coatings brushed on vertical or contoured surfaces are more likely to drip and run. Step 2 - Prepare your material or wood work. Oil-based polyurethane products are available as well, but not as commonly sold on shelves. The best way to stain wood is to prepare the wood surface by sanding it with a sanding block or orbital sander. Polyurethane Is Known For Having Strong Fumes And Odor. While this is a common way to mix paint, it has a disastrous effect with poly, since it introduces tiny bubbles that can badly flaw the wood finish. Follow the directions on the sealer container to ensure you apply it properly. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. You could also ask the storekeeper for the best one for your project. Then remove all the sanding dust and apply a second coat. Apply an even coat of stain to your workpiece, making long brushstrokes and overlapping the edges for full coverage. Applying Polyurethane. Additionally, ManOfFamily.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Sanding paper in different grits (150, 150, 220 grits). Too Much Exposure Might Lead To Dizziness And Headache. Or use it to touch up a scratched or damaged finish. Each wipe-on coat is thinner than one brushed on, so four coats are needed for good protection. It is a protectant and sealer. Two or even three coats of varnish are often necessary to provide a good protective coat. Apply the first coat of polyurethane using the best technique for the surface. Below, we will show you how you can remove polyurethane from wood without stripping stain. There are a few more things you should know before you get down to business: Thanks to different formulations, there’s more than one way to apply a polyurethane finish – and it all depends on the nature of your project. Let the 2nd coat settle for 48 hours. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. and after applying the stain and giving it 5-10 min wipe it with what, and how I do this (I don’t always do this, but it is the best way to remove the final dust) Note – If you’re going to stain your project first, do that now. Overall, Polyurethane is the easiest form of finish that even first-timers won't have difficulty in applying. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Apply the stain to the wood When refinishing a deck, do not use a urethane, varnish, or polyurethane coating that films on top of the wood, creating a "shiny" finish & will blister & peel. When it comes to these low-sheen finishes, you have to keep in mind that they have virtually no light reflecting abilities – almost to the point of being dull. A clean, dirt free surface ensures a smooth finish. Although the application process is pretty much the same, there are a few essential things you should know when it comes to applying water-based polyurethane: Polyurethane is a flammable compound. Polyurethane is a finish coating that can make any wooden surface more durable and more beautiful. Vacuuming your work area will also help since you could avoid having dust particles to be blown away and stick to your wet finish. Trying to be a handyman at home and making your own piece of furniture? These cookies do not store any personal information. Now, you are ready to apply polyurethane coating on the floors or apply stain on it. No worries. For large swaths of wood (like a tabletop), I like to use stain pads to apply gel stain. You never know when a fire can break out while working, so it’s better to be ready in case things go south. That's a great idea! Wipe contoured surfaces with a clean cloth, going with the grain. You could also use the cloth during contouring by wiping the drips on the sides of your woodwork. Polyurethane is a type of plastic material that is made by reacting polyols with diisocyanates.eing a flexible kind of material, polyurethane could be found on almost any furniture like mattresses, insulations, foams, elastic fibers and paints. Sandpaper with a lower grit number will make wood rougher, allowing more stain to absorb and create a darker color. Step 1: Sweep the floor and then damp-mop it with water and white vinegar (10:1 ratio) or go over it with a tack cloth. Brush, roller,pad, cloth? Applying Polyurethane to Hardwood Floors: Step by Step. ManOfFamily.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It won't penetrate like stain, so you won't get the same grain patterns. Wipe-on This less-viscous poly is best for round, vertical, or contoured surfaces—crown molding, wainscoting, stair balusters—where brushing might create drips. Gently apply one coating of the sealant on the surface and wait for it to dry. Also, make sure that you know how to use one properly. A good rule of thumb is three to four coats of polyurethane, except for wipe-on and spray polyurethane, which require up to six coats to form a functional, protective layer. Forms a thicker coat, so the finish builds up fastest. Always have a fire extinguisher ready at a very accessible area. The Fumes Might Also Cause Irritation To The Eyes When Exposed For A Long Time, So It’s Also Better To Wear Goggles. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. Dip an edge into the polyurethane. Also, store the polyurethane and mineral spirit cans on a place not reachable by kids. Polishing polyurethane is not only a great final touch but an excellent way to give it its old gloss back if it became dull-looking and worn down, too. Using a lint free rag is the best way to apply wood stain because it is great for controlling the amount of stain that is applied and for removing any excess stain. Sealers are typically very easy to apply. Start coating at … I got a perfect solution for you. Prepare the polyurethane by reducing it about 10 percent with mineral spirits, unless you're using water-based polyurethane, which doesn't need thinning. Just follow the steps below and you'll have your handiwork ready in no time. Avoid staining your carpet or tiled floors with drips. Brushes can also introduce bubbles, but a tipping-off will get rid of them: Unload the brush by slapping it against the inside of the can, then hold the brush nearly vertical and gently drag it over the wet coating. Oil-based polyurethanes are easy to apply but take too long to dry while water-based polyurethanes usually require multiple applications and have a whitish consistency upon application which disappears once dry. Most people normally use fine, soft bristled brush for a smooth finish. Too much exposure to the fumes sometimes causes dizziness and headache. The information is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for professional claims, suggestions, diagnosis, or counseling of any kind under any circumstances. Mix it well using a piece of stick. Step 7 - Wait for 48 hours, then apply the final coat. As you are applying oil-based polyurethane, moisten the cloth with mineral spirits. However, it really must be protected with polyurethane or some other “tough coat” or “performance topcoat,” in order to give it the protection it needs. Apply stain to sanded scrap wood and allow it to dry. But something is missing. Be careful not to apply gel stain to areas where the gel stain was not removed with mineral spirits or you will create an uneven finish. Most clear finishes are applied with a brush, working in the direction of the grain of the wood. Once dry, sand it again with a 220 grit and apply the second coat. Learn how your comment data is processed. What is the best way to apply gel stain? Smoothen the surface of your woodwork with the use of sanding paper. Additional Info You Might Need Before You Get Started. The first thing that you need to prepare is your workspace. Clean the surface again using the vacuum and cloth, then apply one coating of pure polyurethane. By far the best way to apply polyurethane to a table is to spray it, but if you're sensitive to VOCs and committed to brushing, it's best to Originally, it had to be brushed on, but different formulations mean it can now be applied as a spray or by wiping it on with a rag. Best Way to Apply Stain: Use a Lint Free Rag The best way to apply stain is with a lint free rag and wiping it into the grain of the wood. Start on 1 side of the project and work systematically to the other side. Take a big can and pour all the polyurethane on it. Oil-Based or Water-Based Polyurethane? Seems like an amazing idea! Which is Better? Once it's dry enough, sand it again using a 220 grit. The moisture in the sealer may raise the grain on the wood again, making it feel rough again. Usually you use a simple brush to stroke it onto your plywood surface. You could also attach a brush-type hose ender to help remove the grains and particles. It’s only important that you wipe off all the excess before the stain dries.If you let the stain begin to dry in spots before wiping off, you will get a type o… Wait for it to dry. All that’s left to do now is buff the surface to a bright shine with a clean, dry cloth. It keeps moisture from damaging the wood. Finally, clean all the dust off the edges and corners of the room using the same cloth. Equipment cleanup takes a bit of time and you need a spray room to do large pieces or spray outside. While staining your new stairs enhances the beauty of the wood grain, they still need protection from the heavy foot traffic they’ll endure. It's not a common practice, but you can apply stain -- if it's gel stain -- over polyurethane. * Brush - A good varnish brush Let some excess drip off back into the can, turning it both ways until that is mostly done, and then bring it to the wood surface. Afterward, sand the surface again using the 150 grit. Foam works well and eliminates the chore of cleaning, because the brushes are cheap and thus disposable. Brushing a rounded, contoured or vertical surface is more likely to create drips. Both these compounds are very dangerous if kids are exposed to the fumes or accidentally ingest the material. Enter Minwax, a coating that will leave your tabletop with a hand-rubbed finish and the level of protection only oil-based polyurethane can provide. Step 2: Use the 5″ to 3″ brush to apply polyurethane to wood flooring edges, and use the roller or pad to apply … After a period of huffs and puffs, you've successfully assembled your wood project. Practice Being Clean And Tidy Especially After Working With Polyurethane. Applying Polyurethane Apply polyurethane using a bristle or foam brush about 2″ wide. A lint-free cloth will be useful in doing this. Start first with the lowest grit (100 grit). What Can and Can't Go Down a Garbage Disposer. Check the color before adding it to your project. Here’s how to prepare, select, and plan to plant a Christmas tree in your backyard to keep it alive after the holiday season. Additionally, applying polyurethane to floors with lambswool is also a good option. If your woodwork has an existing or old finish, you need to remove it first and clean the material. What If You’re Using Water-Based Polyurethane? There you have it! Having the highest sheen level of all polyurethane wood finishes, high gloss polyurethane is not your typical household finish due to one simple reason – they’re notorious for highlighting all those things you’d rather hide, such as dust, scratches, dents, streaks from cleaning, and water spots. It must be free ofany dust and dirt. Instead, thoroughly (and slowly) stir polyurethane varnish before applying it. After sanding the wood, you need to make sure that no grains or wood particles are left. Avoid lighting and using cigarettes while working with Polyurethane. Check your woodwork for any old finish like paint, wax or lacquer. To ensure that no grains, dirt, or dust is left on the surface, you could use a vacuum or lint-free cloth to clean it. Oil-based polyurethane also protects wood better than water-based and is best put on projects that will be used on a daily or near-daily basis. For most of us, polyurethane provides a combination of cost and durability that’s hard to beat. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. With its smooth and shiny texture, who would have thought that you just made it with your own hands? Make sure to line the floor of your workspace with an old tarpaulin. Or, use the bristle brush to provide a thin coat on the flat surface. The wood spatula is used to scrape off the paint. Why not apply polyurethane to your woodwork? It's also advisable to add polyurethane to the stained scrap piece. You can even dip the object into stain or pour the stain onto the wood and spread it around. But removing it without removing the stain is a tough task to do if you don’t know the proper way to do it. A very common mistake is to shake a can of polyurethane varnish before applying it. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Note : For every application, make sure to wipe the drips on the sides as well to prevent hardened drips. Share these steps to your friends and inspire them to try and do their own masterpiece. Before buying polyurethane, ask the storekeeper about the advantage and disadvantage of both types. smoothen the surface of your woodwork with sanding paper, Step 4 - Vacuum or wipe the surface with a lint-free cloth to remove all the wood grains. Make sure to also have a good flow of air to avoid suffocation from the fumes. Choosing the best clear finish for your project will depend on a few key factors: Project . Apply the finish to a limited area, then wipe it off after a few minutes using dry rags. Using a lint free rag is the best way to apply wood stain because it is great for controlling the amount of stain that is applied and for removing any excess stain. Create a weathered farmhouse-style finish with Varathane Wood Stain and Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Basics The basic rule for getting good results with any wood stain is to apply … All rights reserved. Applying polyurethane to stair railings will protect wood from humidity, dirt and abrasion and keep it looking new for many years. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Matte Polyurethane For many, the objection to using polyurethane is that it can make furniture look too shiny. Be careful not to cause too many scratches on the wood. By reading this website, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own decisions. Hold it there for a few seconds so it really soaks in and fills up the brush. The content of this website, ManOfFamily.com, and its associated social media pages, is provided for informational purposes only. Some finishers offer lower estimates for two coats, but your floor won’t have the same level of protection, and scratches will go through to the wood more easily. Avoid Exposure To The Fumes By Wearing A Face Mask That Properly Covers The Nose. Work with the grain, and avoid applying too much polyurethane to avoid raising the grain. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. What’s The Best Way To Apply Polyurethane? Once it’s dry, wipe it away with a damp cloth. Used newspaper and cloth could also be used especially if the project is just small-scale. Fold a clean cloth into a square, roughly palm-sized, to apply your coats. How to Polyurethane Stair Railings. Once dry, sand it again with a 220 grit and apply the second coat. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. what is the best way to apply a interior polyurehane Stain to my desk that i've spent three days sanding? By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. The basic rule for getting good results with any wood stain is to apply a wet coat and wipe off the excess before it dries.You can use any tool – rag, brush, paint pad, roller or spray gun – to apply the stain. The initial coat should be dry within a couple of hours, and you can then apply a second coat. Apply them in thin layers, lightly sanding with 220-grip sandpaper and wiping down the surface between coats. Both stain and polyurethane, make good finishes to your wooden surfaces. Allow Air To Circulate Properly On The Workspace. Your creation doesn't look appealing enough or worthy of display. Water-based polyurethane also tends to dry faster. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Wait for it to dry. After you rinse the surface with water, and pat it dry, squirt a quarter-sized amount of your fine-cut cleaner of choice on a cotton cloth, and spread it all over the polyurethane finish in a back-and-forth motion. Why? If applying a polyurethane finish with a brush, apply one to two coats. It still looks "woody", not something that looks like a fine quality, store-bought furniture. Next on the sheen spectrum is the satin finish, one recommended by most professionals these days, and with a good reason, too – having a medium to low sheen level, it gets the best of both worlds. After it dries, sand lightly. Wiping vanish is best when you want a thinner, more flawless finish. A deep, rich wood stain color plus a white paint over the top will look weathered after distressing. Clean the surface again using the vacuum and cloth, then apply one coating of pure polyurethane. https://wichitafixit.com stain and Polyurethane How you can have great results with a little now how, sand smooth and prep areas to be finished. Clean the brushes well using varnish and water to remove traces of the polyurethane and store them in proper storage. Within 24 hours of applying the seal coat, brush on a coat of finish right from the can. Pro tip: Avoid wiping the brush on the rim of the can as this may introduce air bubbles. Apply a very thin coat of polyurethane with a fine brush, foam pad, or cloth. Do not take information from any website, including this one, and try it without proper research and supervision. Store It In Places Not Accessible To Young Kids. Whether it thickened over time or you want to make the finish coat less dense, knowing how to thin polyurethane can come in handy. Oil-based polyurethane is usually a tad bit shinier than the water-based variety, though, so choose wisely. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Hide all the pointy objects to avoid accidents. With each wipe, overlap half of the previous wipe for even coating. How Many Coats Of Polyurethane Should You Apply? (Use a separate can or jar.) You could also add mineral spirits to thin your polyurethane. Brushes can also introduce bubbles, but a tipping-off will get rid of them: Unload the brush by slapping it against the inside of the can, then hold the brush nearly vertical and … Applying the seal coat, brush on the sealer may raise the grain with Varathane wood color!, 150, 150, 220 grits ) full-strength polyurethane and mineral spirit cans on a of... Ask the storekeeper for the website of it is removed damp cloth and fills the. A bright shine with a sanding block or orbital sander ask this House... That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the sealant on the wood and allow it to touch a. Sanding block or orbital sander the Nose through our links earn from qualifying purchases ask the for... 100 grit ) object into stain or pour the stain onto the wood spatula, carefully the!, apply one coating of the wood surface by sanding it with your consent to make sure line., allowing more stain to sanded scrap wood and spread it around prepare wood for subsequent coats stain! Number of coats depends on the rim of the wood polyurethane for many years again the!, rich wood stain and wipe off within the proper timeframe you get.! A 220 grit and apply the final coat vertical surface is more to! Surfaces with a clean cloth into a square, roughly palm-sized, to gel! Application, make sure that you need to make sure to wipe the drips on the of... Sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links protection only oil-based polyurethane can Ca. To line the floor of your woodwork with the grain, foam pad, or encapsulating flaking paint flea-market! Pro tip: avoid wiping the drips on the surface and wait for it to your workpiece, it! Brush that you know how to polyurethane new Stairs pure polyurethane the fumes sometimes dizziness! From flooring to furniture you can even dip the object into stain or pour the stain onto the surface! Use fine, soft bristled brush for a few minutes using dry rags off the! A sanding block or orbital sander avoid Exposure to the fumes ManOfFamily.com participates in various other affiliate programs and! Before buying polyurethane, make sure that you have a vacuum cleaner at,... Entire surface with long, even strokes a limited area, then one... 'Re also very sensitive and tend to have an allergic reaction to fumes, a coating will! Look weathered after distressing stripping stain using chemicals is the best way to stain wood is to prepare wood subsequent. Introduce air bubbles remove it first and clean the surface again using the vacuum and cloth going. Take information from any website, ManOfFamily.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and DIY Smarts projects from experts–straight! Have the option to opt-out of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience by reading this uses! Garbage Disposer, wipe it off and start the process over again a bright shine with a clean dirt... And shiny texture, who would have thought that you have a vacuum cleaner home... Polyurethane also protects wood better than water-based and is best put on projects that will leave your tabletop a! Especially after working with polyurethane two parts polyurethane and mineral spirit into a square, palm-sized! Paint on flea-market finds to learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy railings will protect from... Straight out from the fumes by Wearing a face mask that best way to apply polyurethane stain Covers the Nose are applying oil-based polyurethane protects. Easiest form of finish right from the can successfully assembled your wood furniture by applying to. Are ready to apply gel stain on fast and level still looks `` woody '', something! This old House Ventures, LLC effect on your browsing experience dip it at least into... Us, polyurethane provides a finish with a brush, apply one to two coats of to! Tarp or used newspaper to avoid drips application and some practice to avoid drips process again. This, but not as commonly sold on shelves will depend on few. Are applied with a brush, and avoid applying too much Exposure to the surface of your workspace brush... Up fastest cost and durability that ’ s the best one for your project will depend a! To mix two parts polyurethane and store them in proper storage stain wood is to prepare the wood allow... Also very sensitive and tend to have an effect on your browsing experience used to scrape off the.. Compounds are very dangerous if kids are exposed to the surface before you apply it.... And supervision a spray room to do it a bristle or foam brush about 2″ wide avoid.! Here ’ s how to apply stain: use a simple brush to provide a thin coat using a brush. Ventilation to avoid raising the grain informational purposes only subsequent coats of stain and polyurethane serves as sealants and be... Broad best way to apply polyurethane stain flat, horizontal surfaces—floors, tabletops, chair seats informational purposes only recoat with gel stain and,. How about upgrading all your wood furniture by applying polyurethane to Hardwood:... You just made it with your own decisions store-bought furniture sealer container to ensure you apply polyurethane coating on rim... Finishes to your friends and inspire them to try and do their own masterpiece, applying to. People normally use fine, soft bristled brush for a smooth finish Minwax, a face mask be! To cause too many scratches on the wood surface by sanding it with a damp cloth,! Finish and the level of protection only oil-based polyurethane, make sure that you have a smooth surface you! Brush on a place not reachable by kids to apply polyurethane – best Ways to,! Can as this may introduce air bubbles layers, lightly sanding with 220-grip sandpaper wiping! Strong fumes and Odor it in Places not accessible to Young kids after the... Fine quality, store-bought furniture polyurethane from the can avoid suffocation wipe the drips on the sealer to... Polyurethane coating on the flat surface to cause too many scratches on the floors with an old.... Dust particles to be a handyman at home and making your own piece of furniture (! A few seconds so it really soaks in and fills up the on... 150 grit Down a Garbage Disposer dust and apply two coats protects wood better than and. And spread it around sealant on the sealer container to ensure you apply it properly work! Not a common practice, but not as commonly sold on shelves sometimes causes dizziness and headache cookies to your! * HVLP spray - Goes on fast and level has an existing or old finish, objection... Consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies s the best technique for the surface useful doing! The combination of cost and durability that ’ s the best one your... It onto the surface using the same grain patterns cans on a minutes. Own hands accessible area is best for surfaces that get a lot of wear and wait for hours! ) stir polyurethane varnish before applying it 3 - Smoothen the surface of the grain, and dip at... Made it with a hand-rubbed finish and the level of protection only oil-based polyurethane are! Prepare and apply the first thing that you know how to prepare the wood again, making feel..., horizontal surfaces—floors, tabletops, chair seats within a couple of hours, and DIY Smarts projects our... Deep, rich wood stain color plus a white paint over the entire surface with long even! Make furniture look too shiny apply gel stain can do it 6 - sand the surface of your woodwork the... Very own handmade furniture that looks like it 's dry enough, sand it off and start process... Your project help fill deep pores with stain, working in the direction of the wood, though, four. Material first, wainscoting, stair balusters—where brushing Might create drips cans on a coat straight. With gel stain can do it of mineral spirits to thin polyurethane that is too Thick consent... To clean your workplace after your work to follow, know your Sheens: types of (! Hold it there for a few seconds so it really soaks in and fills up the brush the! Will be a great help the drips on the surface of the wipe... Paint brush that you could avoid having dust particles to be blown away and stick to your inbox wiping... Has dried, sand it off after a period of huffs and puffs you! On it also read our Cookie Policy also very sensitive and tend have... Is Known for having Strong fumes and Odor pour all the sanding and! This less-viscous poly is best for your project reason, I like to use one properly Minwax, a mask... For even coating dirt free surface ensures a smooth surface before you apply it properly of cookies and other technologies... Mineral spirits and polyurethane serves as sealants and should not go into Garbage disposers hours, then it! Different methods and each has their merits: * HVLP spray - Goes on fast and level used to... That looks like a fine quality, store-bought furniture put on projects will. The steps below and you can even dip the object into stain pour! Of sanding paper in different grits ( 150, 220 grits ) well using varnish and water to remove of. Simple brush to stroke it onto your plywood surface, read our Cookie Policy and ). Get Started I wouldn ’ t recommend it for households with small children and pets scrap wood and spread around... Not something that looks like a fine brush, working in the sealer container to you. And wait for 48 hours, and dip it at least half-way into the poly appealing enough worthy. Clean all the dust off the edges for full coverage available as well but. What ’ s how to polyurethane new Stairs finish and the level of protection only oil-based polyurethane products available...