Do not use a brush when applying polyurethane unless you must for corners and edges. They dry fast which means you have to apply them fast. The truth is there’s no magic going on with the pros. A 6-in. Test before you sand. Thick coats take longer to dry and are more likely to be uneven and attract dust. The advice I see often is to sand the area lightly with a high grit sand paper. No brushstrokes, puddles or thin spots. Knowledge + technique + a little experience goes a long way to getting your professional painting look. Sponge brushes are certainly another option, but the results are not always a significant improvement. When I do this, even when I sand very lightly, like one low pressure pass with 400 or 600 or even 1000, the texture comes out nice and smooth but the polyurethane is always scuffed with little white marks. Note: I prefer to use 6-in. By Sal Marino. Thinning the polyurethane makes it flow on more smoothly and reduces brush marks. It … Brush on three thin coats with a foam brush. Covered below, we open up the book on how to avoid brush marks and also see if you can fix brush marks … Quick Tip! You need to use the right brush and it takes a little practice to get the technique right. Once you're done, It wont look great, (lots of brush, sponge, cloth marks and bubbles) don't worry, the polyurethane shrinks as it dries so it will look better. When applying Mod Podge over a design, apply one layer of the Mod Podge with side-to-side brush strokes. Use a Roller on Large, Flat Surfaces. Using either a paint brush, a foam brush/pad or a soft lint free cloth/rag (best in my experience), give the surface its first layer of water based polyurethane. To reveal flaws (bubbles, brush marks, etc.) They just use the tricks of the trade. Apply the next layer of polyurethane with a foam or lamb's wool applicator. Polyurethane coatings brushed on vertical or contoured surfaces are more likely to drip and run. When brushing on the finish, make sure to load the brush enough so you can apply a liberal amount of finish without having to press down on the brush to get more out. as you work, shine a light at a low angle across the surface. Allow that coat to dry for 20 minutes or so before applying another even layer of Mod Podge in up-and-down strokes. This means only touch wet paint that you’ve just painted. “Tip off” each section. rollers lets you apply the poly fast and evenly. Polyurethane, whether it’s an outdoor or indoor formula, takes a little finesse to apply without bubbles or brush strokes. Brush-on Great for broad, flat, horizontal surfaces—floors, tabletops, chair seats. Forms a thicker coat, so the finish builds up fastest. Why Do I Get Bubbles and Brush Marks In My Varnish and Polyurethane? Keep a wet edge. To minimize brush marks and bubbles, “tip off” each section of your project at a 45-degree angle and lightly run the bristles over the entire length of the wood. Maybe a brush mark here and there, or a couple little nibs, etc. There’s always a bit of leftover lint, but only on the first coat. I have found that this process results in the smoothest possible finished surface. How to Apply Polycrylic without Streaks, Brush Strokes or Bubbles How to Avoid Brush Strokes and Streaks. (You can use a natural bristle brush with oil-based poly, but keep an eye out for loose brush hairs.) Touching paint that has sat for even a few minutes can cause streaks. Forms a thicker coat, so the finish builds up fastest. Always apply thin coats. microfiber rollers dampened with mineral spirits. Wipe the entire floor with a tack cloth to remove any dust from the sanding process. Water based finishes can be a little tricky to apply. Not always a significant improvement with oil-based poly, but keep an eye out for brush. Makes it flow on more smoothly and reduces brush marks in My Varnish and polyurethane surfaces—floors. 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