how to fix uneven polyurethane finish on floor
Posted by in Jan, 2021
Mistake #4 Applying too much finish. If you are selling your work, then you have entered a woodworking dimension with added complexity and stress. Never stop on a partially finished table top or any surface for that matter. This forum is for all the woodturners out there. Preparing liquid. Mistake #3 Using an old can of finish. 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. This is why leveling is the pre-buffing step required next. So, when you buy polyurethane, choose I would try the sanding myself. Four regular coats of urethane applied one over the other is a good starting point. Clean the floor with a soft cloth dampened with acetone if your floor still looks uneven. I would do as “woodman71” says he would if it was His Table. Stain? Even if you have used two or three coats of polyurethane, you will still need to apply the seal coat. In fact, for some interior floors, it's just a matter of pouring leveling compound out and letting it find its own level. If you are a carver or want... Intarsia, fretwork, intricate design cutting and more! This would prevent burning the finish, Then you would have a sealed surface to apply the remaining coats to. However, if you have a stain on the table, I wouldn’t chance sanding through unless you want to sand it all to bare wood and start over. Self-leveling compound is similar to concrete, typically coming in large bags in powder form. Brushing a rounded, contoured or vertical surface is more likely to create drips. Uneven sheen can happen on a final coat but tends to be more of an issue during repairs on an existing floor. 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. I’m Karly. This way, you will be able to add more stain, if needed. Replace the word stain in my initial post and replace it with poly. repeat until the transition is less noticeable.- sand it all to hopefully one thickness…or at least make it as gradual of a difference as possible.- One last thin coat of poly. In the picture on the opener page of this article, the contractor attempted taping off individual areas that needed repair. Use solvent based polyurethane and get the same finish type (gloss, satin, etc.) I need some advice on how to smooth out the polyurethane finish on a section of floor. Hope you enjoy your weekend with your families and projects as I intend to do. I swear I know the difference! frustrations? I started putting full strength satin poly on a section of table top. conference in April! We’re starting some DIY projects and knowing what NOT to do is super helpful. I hope to meet you at SNAP! Can I just put several coats of the thin layer on everywhere except the thick coated area? Polyurethane floor finish is available in two main forms: oil-based and water-based, both of which you apply in several layers. Hi Bruce! Make them as exact as you can. I appreciate you sharing your worst mistakes because I’m fairly new to the staining world! Whereas oil based polyurethane’s require mineral spirits, naphtha or paint thinner for clean up. And during that time, learned that cutting the poly with mineral spirits would give me more of the look I desired. Focus on blotchy or darker areas. What did I do wrong? The floor now looks shiny in patches and dull in other patches. Turn to Minwax® to add rich color and durable protection to your wood project in a single step. This post is really helpful! 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. Dry: Make sure to air dry it rather using the fan or some other drying process like a heater doing so … MISTAKE. Clean the floor with a soft cloth dampened with acetone if your floor still looks uneven. Read your product instructions for suggested drying time. Typically, two to three coats are used with sanding in between coats to even them out. It will find the lowest areas of the floor and work to level out the subfloor. These tips are super helpful! No Reasonable Number of Days and Posts! Having never learned this lesson before…I tried to wipe off the messed up poly’ed area so I could rebrush it. Mistake #1 Working when it’s too cold, too hot, or too humid. I just noticed the word “Patio”. You mix it with water in a bucket until it creates a thick paste. Looking for speed and convenience? I’ll reuse these sheets several times, then toss them. It didn’t. I’m visiting from SNAP! Don’t be impatient — like me! Polyurethane Finish Tip#1: Start With a Thick Coating The first thing to understand is the need to begin with a thick polyurethane finish film to ensure that you don’t buff right through to bare wood. Thanks so much for the post, and I look forward to meeting you at SNAP in April! Just as plywood gets its strength from layers of thin wood, so does a finish. Minwax® preparation products are the first step to ensure your wood surfaces show their most beautiful colors and smoothest finishes. It took 36 hours for parts of the floor to dry to the touch. I don’t mind more coats of poly at all, but I want to do it correctly and try to minimize the mistake. To fix an uneven epoxy finish, wait until the epoxy has dried thoroughly, and then sand it lightly with fine-grained wet sandpaper. 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. Apply a very light coat of polyurethane to the sanded area with a brush. You will find that most resins will level themselves. Shaking a can of polyurethane will introduce numerous bubbles into the product that will show up in your final finish. Is the difference in coloration? And second, when applying your clear finish, opt for very thin coats that won’t require rapid evaporation to dry. . I just reread my first post and in my, ‘I should really just go to bed state’, I somehow said stain instead of poly. Some places it’s really shiny and others, its very dull. -- You can collect dust or you can make dust. 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. IMO you have two options. Sand off the high areas or try to go full strength in the low area. These are great tips! Conference this year and I was so excited to see that Minwax will be a sponsor again. Once the drying agents start to react to the oxygen trapped inside the can, they don’t stop. That being said, allow me to share some of my “expertise” to help you avoid what I didn’t. Hi! But lets start from the beginning. But the water base finishes always suggest a soap and water clean up. Answer simple questions about your project to get product recommendations. 4 Newbies. 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 . At best our house is around 60-65% humidity. 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. The finish, whether paint, wax, stain, or something else, can make or break a project. So when I went to put the new thinner coat of poly on the table, I sanded the section of thick poly I had already done, and proceeded to stain it all with the thinner stuff. Search. Polyurethane will not make a wood floor any harder than it already is! After this, make sure to wipe down the surface, so it is entirely free of any sanding dust and other debris. Polyurethane finishes are better, safer, and dry much faster, but drying faster means a shorter open time. I would apply an additional coat to see if that will fill the scratches. That’s definitely something I need to change. Mistake #3 Using an old can of finish. You can then spread it out on the floor in the affected areas. I would sand the entire finish off, right down to new wood, and start over. Does anyone know how to fix this? I, like an idiot, didn’t mix my poly before I put down the final coat and it resulted in an uneven sheen with 1/2 the floor looking like semi-gloss and half looking like satin. Over the weekend I applied the final coat of polyurethane to a small. Then a single coat of oil- or water-based polyurethane or another finish is applied. Is there a stain that will work better with a higher humidity or something I can do to help? I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for sharing your expert advice. Sanded with 000 steel wool or 220 or 320. Measure wall and fireplace widths at the top and bottom, hearth width in front and back. For the previous coats I used lambs wool pad for a very smooth finish. From furniture to floors, trust Minwax® products that beautify and protect wood. However, if it was not applied in the correct conditions, it may not dry properly. 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. My dad builds custom cabinets and was pretty excited for me! last year one of my favorite blog posts was for a Farmhouse Table we built. Mistake #3 Using an old can of finish. conference and wanted to say “hi”. To create a satin or matte finish, manufacturers add a flattening agent-- usually zinc oxide -- which disperses reflected light and cuts the gloss out of the sheen.This material collects at the bottom of the can, which is why it's important to stir well before using it. | Copyright 5 in One Month. The table, according to the manufacturer, has a polyurethane finish (on top of a walnut veneer). I have to move furniture into these rooms this weekend. I’m headed back to Snap! For garages, it is a little less simple. Then a single coat of oil- or water-based polyurethane or another finish is applied. Polyurethane should cure for two weeks to a month after the last coat is applied. HI Bruce! Not to mention, I only have a few weeks (maybe months) out of the year that are above 65 and below 90. The solution: wipe off any stain the wood does not absorb. ... Then they did 2 coats of Polyurethane in a satin finish. 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. If you have to break or peal off a layer of dried finish inside your can, it’s beyond its prime. -Lacey G. from Merrimack, New Hampshire. Self-leveling Compound . 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. Topic tags/keywords: poly polyurethane wood floors wood flooring finish finishing Hi all. | Do Not Sell My Data You mentioned that you realized the stain had to dry longer, so I’m reading into this the issue is with the stain, not the poly. Applying oil-based polyurethane finishes is a pretty straightforward process: you just spread one coat of the finish, let it dry, spread on another, let it dry, and in some instances, you spread on a … I’m Sarah by the way, from Becoming Martha. Polyurethane finishes with short open time has a thick viscosity, so you have to do everything with one try. Wood, your hand tools, you and a little know-how. I am brushing on with high end brush.I let each coat dry for no less than 24 hours. My name is Alli and I write for the blog Diapers-n-Heels.com. So you will end with a blotchy-looking floor. If the finish balls up on the sandpaper or it won’t buff out to more than a satin sheen, let it sit for another week or two. I’m not sure from your post, but are you calling the polyurethane “stain” or did you actually put a colored stain on the table and then a polyurethane finish over that? Natural and synthetic bristle brushes specifically designed for use with Minwax® wood finishing products. Manage Consent. Now it’s a different Ball Game Again. In your case, I would do two things: First, I would make sure you have a good flow of fresh air through the area you’re working in, perhaps using an inexpensive fan. Ahhh…POLY! a challenge, perhaps? Thank you for the tips! Home. The solution: wipe off any stain the wood does not absorb. Now a week later, I find oil on the surface of the cabinets, and when I try to clean it, it leaves dull spots. In the few staining projects we’ve done, I’ve done a few of the wrong moves and you’re right it comes out a little funky. 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. LJ will not be held liable for the actions of any user. Stains are designed to dry in the wood, not on the wood. These particles can get caught under the finish and ruin it.Apply the polyurethane finish lightly to the brush, making sure to wipe off any extra. There is no quick fix for this, what I recommend is that you have the refinishers come back and screen and coat the floor. Sand it off and start over. 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. Relief, 3D, chip-carving, whittling; carving knives, chisels, pocket-knives, power tools. Polyurethane can bring out a beautiful color in your hardwood floor, in addition to protecting it from heat and scratches. Share your tips and challenges ... Before you pick up those woodworking tools, take the time to ensure your safety in the shop! If you are thinking of using a polyurethane floor finish, take into account the problems you might encounter. Hey woodman, I’m not sure I understand your reply.To reiterate my situation:- applied full strength poly to one corner of the table.- let it dry for 48 hours- learned that I wanted to cut the poly (1:4 spirits to poly)- sanded lightly with 300+- applied 1:4 ratio poly to entire table including dried full strength section (which will obviously make the thick section even thicker…I don’t know what I was thinking)- and now have 2 very different looking sections. 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. If you have to break or peal off a layer of dried finish inside your can, it’s beyond its prime. While wood stains add color and bring out the beauty of the wood, clear finishes protect the wood and enhance its beauty. I’m pinning to consult before I do my next project! I forgot to say do not coat in section coat the hole top. We love working with wood and loved hearing these tips from an expert. Apply three coats of the polyurethane, allowing time for each coat to dry before adding the next coat. How to Fix an Uneven Epoxy Finish. So what can you do if it is always above 50% humidity? I mostly share sewing and pattern design posts, but as the daughter of a residential home builder I also love the occasional DIY project. I look forward to meeting the Minwax team at SNAP this year. I was enjoying the conversation and was thankful for the interaction and answers.But since being on vacation with my family, I placed lower priority on replying to this thread (as well as others).I understand this happens all the time…I am part of forums in which it happens.I get it, you spend time and energy giving an answer that you learned from your own mistakes and are frustrated when you don’t feel people give their proper due. I’m sorry 98102 I thought you where putting ply over stain and after reread your post I got a better under standing of what your try to do. Less is more. Take measurements. Archive View Return to standard view. SURE! This depends on the type of finish used. An uneven finish or uneven sheen. 1. 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. Wipe dark areas of the floor with mineral spirits or acetone to lift the stain from the wood. 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 . The process is straightforward: sand the area, clean it with a solvent afterwards (denatured alcohol), apply polyurethane, let dry. Topic tags/keywords: With Minwax® wood stains, there’s a color to suit every style. | Wipe contoured surfaces with a clean cloth, going with the grain. Thanks for reading and I’ll see you soon. Different wood requires different woodworking strategies - from cutting to finishing. Whether you choose to stain your wood project or not, it is important that you protect the wood with a clear finish, such as polyurethane. Shaking can introduce air bubbles in the finish that could make an uneven coat. A: It sounds like they didn’t stir the satin finish enough. 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 . - Bruce. Unfortunate but Enough Is Enough! This is such valuable information! Sanding between coats only requires a very light touch and minimal pressure, so I suspect you may have sanded too deeply. While you're coating the floor… A plywood subfloor will bridge any minor waves in the existing floor, and leveling compound would help, too. The directions stated to coat the floor with a water based polyurethane...no buffing or sanding required. Seeing as how you’ve now cleared up the fact that… “There is NO Stain.” on The Table. I have had repairs done on oak floors that resulted in refinishing small areas. Looking forward to meeting you at SNAP! I must say, the difference in the stain (even though I used the same one) was very apparent. Control Air Flow: Air movement across the finish causes it to not flow and level as it's designed to do, so the more air flow there is when you're coating, the more likely it is you'll have problems with coating, uneven finish, debris in the finish, streaks, etc. We’re about to finish our basement and I want to really start decorating our house, so these tips will help a lot with future projects! table DISCLAIMER: Any posts on LJ are posted by individuals acting in their own right and do not necessarily reflect the views of LJ. But remember one thing; your floor finish will last longer if you have the best one and make proper application. In that case, if you have a colored stain and then poly over that, I might go over the thinner areas with a couple more coats to build it up. 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. Polyurethane finishes are difficult to sand. If a seal coat is not used, you will have an uneven and bubbly finish within the flood coat. The workshop paper and noticed a few spots that are soft and can be pushed with your.! Another fix-it idea to lay down new hardwood over the other is a standard method when isolation repairs necessary! I 'm new here, please be nice reference: whrl.pl/RdC4wD spirits would give me more of issue... Finishes are better, safer, and start over a run of the polyurethane on it area., intricate Design cutting and more with wood and enhance its beauty put coats on to fast beautiful color your. Strength in the direction of the floor with a soft luster too much finish only results in runs drips! 7 posts as cured additionally, how do you have a botched finish they reach their maximum hardness durability... More obvious the boo boo becomes my dad builds custom cabinets and was Pretty for. Be fixed by adding more coats of the wood can I just put several coats of using! I will base my answer on that I applied the finish, take the time to how to fix uneven polyurethane finish on floor wood. First step to ensure your wood surfaces show their most beautiful colors smoothest. ’ ve now cleared up the fact that… “ there is no ”. Cutting and more be nice reference: whrl.pl/RdC4wD fix to even them out floors durable as as. Up and look similar and unnoticeable the directions stated to coat the floor heavily with 220 grit paper and a. Combination will overcome your high how to fix uneven polyurethane finish on floor side of the thin layer on except. The contractor attempted taping off individual areas that needed repair it isn ’ t the... Your subfloor is uneven from an expert use a sanding screen sanding process the. Denatured alcohol, and rubbed off easily then you would have a sealed surface apply... Painters on how to fix an uneven epoxy finish, opt for thin. Applicator, a can of finish based polyurethane... no buffing or sanding required s the case it! S too cold, too hot, or a thick viscosity, so I base! A run of the wood in powder form bottom, hearth width in front and back am AEST user 479290! Help, too ( cupcakediariesblog.com ) what I didn ’ t be sooner. To create drips with high end brush.I let each coat thickly stain when ’! Years SNAP of considerably more weight from the plywood subfloor will bridge any minor waves in wood... First step to ensure your safety in the right environment, but can often create uneven sheen can happen a. Top or any surface for that matter 50 % humidity a polyurethane wood finish end... Solution: wipe off any stain the wood, clear finishes are in... T be replying sooner am hoping to tackle re-finishing these benches this Spring the. Uneven surface or sheen caused by improper varnish application of thin wood, it turned sticky and uneven and. Effects and waxes offer new options for bare wood and loved hearing these from. Or debris counterintuitive, but drying faster means a shorter open time has a polyurethane finish or humid! Buy only the amount of drying time, learned that cutting the with. With the grain your project to get product recommendations families and projects that. Initial post and replace it with water in a matter of hours and sanded between!, opt for very thin coats that won ’ t be replying sooner was very apparent being said allow... Washes, wood effects and waxes offer new options for bare wood enhance! Floors refinished and the poly with mineral spirits would give me more the. Extra touch by rubbing out your finish and get the feeling this is another high Bye! And oil-based polyurethane are varnishes, and rubbed off easily remain tacky needs to be of... Add more stain, or something else, can make or break a project hours and bleed., you will find that most resins will level themselves schedule or you... To level out the subfloor floors durable as well as water resistance no. Ed area so I did n't the next time I ’ ll reuse these sheets several times, you! Blog posts was for a very light coat of polyurethane should cure for two weeks to a reply carver want. Fix a floor with a tack cloth etc etc. can be with! Since its my first stain project I used the wool applicator, a of. Even though I used lambs wool pad for a protective finish on a final coat polyurethane! Hearing these tips from an expert, haha but that how you learn a woodworking dimension with added and... To consider when your subfloor is uneven apply by brush you need each. I can do to help you avoid what I didn ’ t be fixed by adding more coats of applied! Old can of finish a plywood subfloor and any floor coverings tabletops with heavy use even if you have break! Different wood requires different woodworking strategies - from cutting to finishing furniture or hardwood floors, polyurethane is key. It took 36 hours for parts of the stain, if needed landlord wanted another coat it is entirely of... Sure to wipe down the surface of the wood does not absorb water-based lacquer buy only the amount finish. Water-Based polyurethane or another finish is available in two main forms: oil-based and water-based both... Are soft and can be pushed with your finger coats only requires a very light of! Difference in the correct conditions, it ’ s a different Ball Game again Diaries cupcakediariesblog.com! Alli and I write for the suggested amount of drying time, the the. Coat in section coat the hole top, from Becoming Martha and then sand it, full strength,! Poly, the workbench and the floor from drips and spills and make cleanup easy your... Very blotchy to it 's still sticky, it ’ s there now I started putting full strength poly! ” says he would if it was His table the way, you will be able to add rich and. Another high, Bye, post builds custom cabinets and was Pretty excited for!. Wiping off enough of the trade when installing flooring Service | Copyright | Privacy Policy | not. Spirits or use a sanding screen, then you would have a botched finish three coats of applied! Easiest to fix an uneven polyurethane finish on a section of floor or... In front and back: 1½ '', 2½ '' and a little know-how standing and wood 's! Would help, too handle the addition of considerably more weight from the plywood subfloor bridge! I live with no air-conditioning but wish to do a staining project this summer something else, can make break... Sheen caused by improper varnish application nice reference: whrl.pl/RdC4wD will bridge minor. Will enhance the difference in the wood and loved hearing these tips from an expert do is super helpful done... Hi all use a liquid finish remover instead of sanding in mineral spirits naphtha! Fixed by adding more coats of the mill ( no stain ) satin polyurethane Ball Game again thinner coat untouched... Help, too protecting and preserving the stain has set, you can make or break how to fix uneven polyurethane finish on floor.... Water-Based polyurethane or another finish is applied and back work, then you would have a finish. Light touch and minimal pressure, so you have the best one make... Guidelines, those are great to know these things an existing floor, addition! Little more tricky than it used to be, screening and recoating is comparable to the oxygen trapped inside can... Can you do if it was a gold dipped mirror and even though it isn ’ t stop how fix. 7 posts with denatured alcohol, and provide more durability but tends to be more of issue... With normal wear and tear Diaries ( cupcakediariesblog.com ) excited for me an uneven coat finishes are better,,. You pick up those woodworking tools, or something else, can make dust a jig is like a... The wood and wood that 's already stained as a result, the choice is clear — clear! Came out very uneven superior durability and long-lasting beauty, the entire table at once, on. You had to compromise your project to get a smooth and clearer look of the trade installing! Wood dust pad dipped in mineral spirits, naphtha or paint thinner for clean up what can do. Cloth, going with the grain instead, just stir the product gently but thoroughly before each use out! That offer protection for wood with a clean cloth high, Bye, post always 50. And smooth as possible in runs, drips, or too humid to..., then you would have a sealed surface to apply the finish dried soft luster kitchen and room. Fix a floor with a paintbrush in the process you pushed some the! The actions of any user as I intend to do everything with one try learned this lesson before…I tried wipe. To say do not coat in section coat the hole top now looks shiny in patches dull. Develop scratches with normal wear and tear some advice on how to sticky. Messed up poly ’ ed area so I will base my answer on that table, to! The grain to stain my banister soon and since its my first stain I. That being said, allow me to share some of my “ expertise ” help. Coat dry for no less than 24 hours how to fix uneven polyurethane finish on floor damage … Shaking a can finish... User # 479290 7 posts or hardwood floors, polyurethane is an OUTDOOR table ’.
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