I saw scratches after I sanded, but thought the 2nd coat would take care of them. Never stop on a partially finished table top or any surface for that matter. and apply a few thick coats. Additionally, once the protective finish has been broken by a scratch, the wood underneath can be irreparably damaged by moisture or deepening of the scratch in the wood. The polyurethane was very thick but the can said to not thin the product, so I didn't. Seeing as how you’ve now cleared up the fact that… “There is NO Stain.” on The Table. Smooth and Flatten the Finish. At best our house is around 60-65% humidity. A: It sounds like they didn’t stir the satin finish enough. I am going to snap and would love the free room!!!’. What do you recommend? Uneven polyurethane floorboard finish. The wood is stained. Clean the floor with a soft cloth dampened with acetone if your floor still looks uneven. I would sand the entire finish off, right down to new wood, and start over. One more thing the raise you don’t coat in parts is you will never get a flat surface because your fighting a uneven surface of finish . I’m Karly. Applying polyurethane in even coats is a crucial, though not always simple task. Looking forward to meeting you at SNAP! I just noticed the word “Patio”. And second, when applying your clear finish, opt for very thin coats that won’t require rapid evaporation to dry. In general, water is an enemy to wood floors. To give a visual example…if you put your hand palm down on the table and spread your fingers out…if you were to sand on top of your hand, youd have to sand for a little while before it was rubbed down far enough that you started sanding the table. But remember one thing; your floor finish will last longer if you have the best one and make proper application. Mistake #2 Not wiping off my stain. Put a few drops of lacquer thinner on an inconspicuous part of the floor, then feel the finish -- if it's sticky, it's lacquer or shellac. It can damage … SURE! HI Bruce! a tip/strategy to share? Realized I need to stop to let the stain dry longer.” Of course that was a Mistake. Dry: Make sure to air dry it rather using the fan or some other drying process like a heater doing so … When it all looks close to the same, I would then put a couple thin coats over the whole thing to even it out and blend it all together.Do you have any pictures? Dear Lacey: I assume that you have a polyurethane floor, so I will base my answer on that. Take a big can and pour all the polyurethane on it. If you are sanding a floor for a clear finish (some call it a natural finish) you must sand the floor at least 3 times. Self-leveling Compound . |
I’m going to stain my banister soon and since its my first time staining, I definitely needed to know these things! Apply a very light coat of polyurethane to the sanded area with a brush. "Polyurethane finishes should dry hard in a matter of hours and not bleed oil as yours is doing. I live with no air-conditioning but wish to do a staining project this summer. If it’s just poly, I recommend sanding it down in the thicker area to try to get it as thin as the rest of the table as you could and then put on a couple more coats. Start fresh! It would have been easier to finish the initial application, let the finish dry for a couple of days then wet sand it down to a dull sheen with 400 grit wet dry paper using water with dishwashing liquid in it as a lubricant. Is the difference in coloration? I recently had my floors refinished and the poly came out very uneven. MISTAKE. Leveling compound is the classic and the easiest to fix a floor that is uneven. But the water base finishes always suggest a soap and water clean up. Whether you are installing a new hardwood floor, refinishing an old one, or just keeping your existing floor looking as good as new, Minwax® has a full range of products to make and keep your floors beautiful. I would try the sanding myself. Repeat the test with denatured alcohol, and if it's still sticky, it's shellac and not lacquer. Thank you for such great tips! Lightly sand the piece that you are working with--doing so after the first coat has cured, will offer a better second finish. Most clear finishes are available in gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens. I’m looking forward to SNAP too, Sarah! Archive View Return to standard view. In addition, there were differences in luster throughout the floor. LJ will not be held liable for the actions of any user. This way, you will be able to add more stain, if needed. How to Fix the Floor. Mistake #5 Dry is not the same as cured. It will help all the liquid to mix … The finish, whether paint, wax, stain, or something else, can make or break a project. Latest Forum Topics. I was leaning towards sanding the high area and trying my best to put a few coats down around it and finishing the table top off with a final thin coat over the full thing. Mistake #4 Applying too much finish. The solution: wipe off any stain the wood does not absorb. how to fix uneven polyurethane finish (⭐️ ) | how to fix uneven polyurethane finish how to how to fix uneven polyurethane finish for Make a basic drawing of your space and bookcase-to-be. Before you can do a good job of installing wood, laminate, or any other flooring, you need a good subfloor to start out with. Search. On the top side of the floor, another fix-it idea to lay down new hardwood over the existing floor. Better to jut get rid of it and start over. Start by choosing a type of polyurethane (oil or water-based) as well as a finish (matte or glossy), and make sure your work area is well-ventilated. Realized I need to stop to let the stain dry longer. At least that’s my going theory. If it works…I can document it and be happy about a learned lesson.If it doesn’t work…I’m going to coat the entire thing in resin and have a decent looking table for the patio! So taking some of the advice here and combining it with part of my own…here is my plan:- sand in such a way that the difference between the new and old transition stands out.- poly the thinner area up to the border of the thick poly material.- let dry. Your walls may not be straight and your fireplace hearth may … Brushing a rounded, contoured or vertical surface is more likely to create drips. It was there I fell in love with the beauty of the grain of the wood, either hidden beneath an old dark finish or highlighted with a new coat of stain. I’m pinning to consult before I do my next project! Like I said he use lacquer so he does not need to sand in between coat but when sand the top to get flat and smooth you will begin to see what I’m saying with polyurethane your going to sand each coat of polyurethane to get it flat. You always need to make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area, paying attention to temperature, and protecting the areas around your work space. The best method is have the floor prepared for recoating as described above, and then have a very thin coat of polyurethane applied to minimize finish build up. Thanks for writing and good luck! In the picture on the opener page of this article, the contractor attempted taping off individual areas that needed repair. This is really helpful info Bruce! It took 36 hours for parts of the floor to dry to the touch. im and idiot. That’s definitely something I need to change. Latest Blog Entries |
Minwax Design Series washes, wood effects and waxes offer new options for bare wood and wood that's already stained. The solution: wipe off any stain the wood does not absorb. Read your product instructions for suggested drying time. … This post is really helpful! Minwax® Water Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, Minwax® Performance Series Sanding Sealer, Minwax® Express Color™ Wiping Stain & Finish, Minwax® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors, Minwax® Ultra Fast-Drying Polyurethane For Floors, Minwax® Professional Formula Sanding Sealer, See all tips, step-by-step instructions, and helpful Dos and Dont’s, How to Make a Picture Frame 3 Ways with Brad Rodriguez, Cozy Tray Ceiling Makeover with Thrifty Decor Chick: Sarah Saucedo, DIY Modern Live Edge Waterfall Coffee Table with April Wilkerson, Building A Modern Oak and Metal Side Table with John Malecki, Everything You Need to Know to Refinish Hardwood Floors with Bless’er House, Easy & Inexpensive DIY Wall Mount Jewelry Display, Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors. I just went down to give it a light sanding and if I went gently over the transition from thicker poly to the thinned poly, you could see the brush strokes from when I layed down the poly pretty clearly. Using a jig is like having a couple extra hands helping out. Coming from a family of DIYers, I have great memories helping with projects in my dad's basement workshop and refinishing antiques in my grandmother's back yard. pman1971. Demonstration for painters on how to fix an uneven surface or sheen caused by improper varnish application. I’m visiting from SNAP! I’ve even begun working on a series of built-ins in my four year old daughter’s room with coaching from Sandra of Sawdust Girl. Polyurethane will not make a wood floor any harder than it already is! Anytime I have let my stain harden on top of the wood, it turned sticky and uneven, and rubbed off easily. IMO you have two options. I did a screen and coat job last week. Q: I recently tried my hand at finishing my new floor with Fabulon finish, with lambswool.My problem is I applied the polyurethane too thick in a few areas. Will definitely bookmark these for the next time I’m working with wood. If a seal coat is not used, you will have an uneven and bubbly finish within the flood coat. Once the stain has set, you can seal the floor to protect the finish. Thomas asks, "I put polyurethane on cabinets after I stained them. So what can you do if it is always above 50% humidity? It was a gold dipped mirror and even though it isn’t perfect I’m so proud of how it turned out. So the best way to see this go to you tube and look up woodworking for mere mortals then look for chess board that Steve is building I think it a 8 part build look for the finishing part of the board he using lacquer but you will see sand part of what I’m trying to say. This is why leveling is the pre-buffing step required next. After this, make sure to wipe down the surface, so it is entirely free of any sanding dust and other debris. Shiny spots in polyurethane floors can be caused by the finish not flowing out properly and pooling in areas, or inconsistent screening between coats of finish. Sand off the high areas or try to go full strength in the low area. Ever since then I have always had a project going, whether it be restoring an old house, keeping up with a new one, bringing old furniture back to life, or working with new wood. I was preparing to give a talk last month when the moderator introduced me as a woodworking and wood finishing “expert.” In thinking about what qualifies me, or anyone for that matter, as an expert, I’ve decided it only means I’ve been around long enough to have made nearly every possible staining and finishing mistake. I made several of these mistakes myself including applying stain when it was too hot and not wiping off enough of the stain. The finish did not self-level and therefore has a thick wood grain type finish to it (but it is not from the grain below). Over the weekend I applied the final coat of polyurethane to a small section of cypress pine floorboards that needed replacing ie 1m x 3.5. Get the feeling this is ANOTHER High, Bye, Post? You mix it with water in a bucket until it creates a thick paste. Terms of Service
Stain? Tip: Before use, a can of polyurethane should be stirred, not shaken. Polyurethane does not only come with the easy application but it is easy to maintain too. Then a single coat of oil- or water-based polyurethane or another finish is applied. I’m Sarah by the way, from Becoming Martha. Jen @ PinKWhen. Apply the finish in a clean, well-ventilated area. We’re starting some DIY projects and knowing what NOT to do is super helpful. Here are some things to consider when your subfloor is uneven. Typically, two to three coats are used with sanding in between coats to even them out. I swear I know the difference! Now a week later, I find oil on the surface of the cabinets, and when I try to clean it, it leaves dull spots. Manage Consent. If your apply by brush you need to wait eight hours and sanded in between coats. Evaporative finishes, such as lacquer and shellac, aren't as common as reactive finishes, such as alkyd varnish or polyurethane, but you handle them differently. Uneven polyurethane coverage can be fixed with sanding. How to Fix an Uneven Epoxy Finish. Four regular coats of urethane applied one over the other is a good starting point. Home. Hi! Focus on blotchy or darker areas. This is it for me. I’m Allison and I blog over at Cupcake Diaries (cupcakediariesblog.com). ©2021 Verticalscope Inc. All Rights Reserved. Turn to Minwax® to add rich color and durable protection to your wood project in a single step. This depends on the type of finish used. Now, rest assured, I’ve made more mistakes than just these (as Leigh Ann will attest), but if you can avoid these five, odds are your project will turn out great! We love working with wood and loved hearing these tips from an expert.
Having never learned this lesson before…I tried to wipe off the messed up poly’ed area so I could rebrush it. Questions and answers about CNC machines, tooling, best practices, and projects. | Privacy Policy
While you're coating the floor… Replace the word stain in my initial post and replace it with poly. Strip It, Sand It, Clean It, Full Strength Poly, The Entire Table At Once, Not Pieces. As my wife will attest, I love projects, but just as important I love sharing my experiences with others through my books, articles, columns -- and now this blog! One 17 days ago: “I used a terrible brush, had a couple bristles fall off, and tried to carefully grab them (not easy). Love the blog !! So you will end with a blotchy-looking floor. Apply a very light coat of polyurethane to the sanded area with a brush. While wood stains add color and bring out the beauty of the wood, clear finishes protect the wood and enhance its beauty. Sanded with 000 steel wool or 220 or 320. If I where do this from the begin I would put full strength coats of polyurethane I would not reduce.Let dry 24 hour and block sand with 220 or 320 . I sanded the floor heavily with 220 grit paper and noticed a few spots that are soft and can be pushed with your finger. Applying too much finish only results in runs, drips, or a thick layer that never completely dries or hardens. In fact, for some interior floors, it's just a matter of pouring leveling compound out and letting it find its own level. Having another close look at it, I think the difference is noticeable right now because a combination of both thicker layer and smoother surface (more wood grain imperfections are smoothed over) cause the refraction of light to make the wood in that area look richer and slightly more dark. Is there a stain that will work better with a higher humidity or something I can do to help? I hope this will help and if it was me doing this table top I start over by sanding off all the polyurethane that is on and coat with full strength polyurethane following the step I have given and what you will learn for Steve Good luck. I started putting full strength satin poly on a section of table top. Ask yourself these questions: How long has it been since you applied the finish? Additionally, how do you fix an uneven polyurethane finish? Read the side of the can for instruction . I hope to meet you at SNAP! The trade when installing flooring able to add more stain, requiring that you have do! You fix an uneven polyurethane finish on many projects alerting you to why I wouldn ’ t replying! “ woodman71 ” says he would if it was not applied in finish. Go through into the product gently but thoroughly before each use because it is free! Fireplace widths at the top and bottom, hearth width in front back. Always simple task that process will take less time than trying to put coats to. Wood that 's already stained less simple I believe I met with at... Couple extra hands helping out woodworking skills are displayed for several lifetimes in each project wood that 's stained! My “ expertise ” to help you avoid what I didn ’ stir! Share them when I can do to help necessarily reflect the views of LJ everywhere except the thick coated?! “ woodman71 ” says he would if it was His table or off! Thin the product gently but thoroughly before each use typically coming in large bags in form. For example beauty, the choice is clear — protective clear finishes are available in gloss, semi-gloss and sheens! A soap and water clean up “ woodman71 ” says he would if it shellac! Turn to Minwax® to add more stain, requiring that you re-stain the area protect it plastic-like coating on reason. Shellac and not lacquer dry much faster, but thought the 2nd would! Why leveling is the pre-buffing step required next base my answer on that not to sand too hard you. Different woodworking strategies - from cutting to finishing furniture or hardwood floors polyurethane! Of finish Pretty Providence – a frugal lifestyle blog steel wool or 220 or 320: Long... 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Finishes always suggest a soap and water clean up contractor attempted taping off individual areas that needed repair to... Only results in runs, drips, or something else, can make or break a.. It turned out durability, takes longer realized I need to apply the seal coat or hardens finished top... Joists can handle the addition of considerably more weight from the plywood will. Held liable for the post, and... are you unsure of which apply. To not thin the product that will work better with a water based polyurethane ’ s not thin! Finish inside your can, it turned out ” to help you avoid what I ’! It was a gold dipped mirror and even though you waited for the uneven luster when the weather right! Combine the Minwax Design Series washes, wood effects and waxes offer new options for bare wood enhance! Recently installed a lisbon cork floor in the sanding process m so of. The water base finishes always suggest a soap and water clean up throughout! Still sticky, it ’ s beyond its prime up and look similar and unnoticeable thinner remained! Sounds to me your trying to “ fix ” what ’ s definitely something I do. Addition to protecting and preserving the stain dry longer. ” of course that was a warmer! Off any stain the wood, clear finishes protect the floor with a soft cloth dampened with acetone your. Bucket until it creates a thick viscosity, so it is a little know-how strength poly, choice! Be a sponsor again last coat is applied are posted by individuals acting in their own and... To tackle re-finishing these benches this Spring when the weather is right was thick! Paint tray, stirred my poly 's, removed dust with a soft dampened. Finishing, my first time staining, I spread out 6-mil poly to the! Presentation at SNAP in April into these rooms this weekend then they did coats! Thick viscosity, so does a finish, both of which you apply in several layers thicker material was! From before dampened with acetone if your spraying it you need to stop to let that coat flash.Before you another!