How To Apply Polyurethane To Furniture: Parts & Items Needed To Apply Polyurethane

Parts & Items Needed To Apply Polyurethane To Furniture

In order to apply polyurethane to furniture certain items are needed before following quick methods that are mentioned below:

Items Needed

1. Protective Covering For Work Area(optional).
2. Fan(s) For Ventilation.
3. Sandpaper (medium, fine, and extra-fine).
4. Vacuum With Soft-Brush Attachment.
5. Lint-free cloths (for dusting)
6. Mineral Spirits.
7. Mixing Container.
8. Polyurethane.
9. Stir Stick.
10. Brushes/Cloths.

Part 1: Setting Up Work space And Prepping the Wood

1. Clean: First try to remove as much dust and dirt as possible from your working area. Vacuum, mop, and/or wipe every surface clean.
   • Dust and other particles that dry while applying polyurethane to your furniture will result in an uneven surface.
2. Ventilate: Now, your working area should be ventilated. You can also create a cross-breeze to avoid polyurethane’s fumes while working. Open windows and install an exhaust fan facing outside. If it is possible, then open a window on the opposite side of your work area.
3. Work Surface: Create work surface and use a cardboard, tarp, drop cloth or similar to these materials. Keep protected the surface underneath and make clean-up a cinch.
4. Remove: If there are any old finishes then remove them. Strip furniture of any preexisting wax, varnish, lacquer, shellac or paint. You can move your furniture outside while doing this work. Work in better air circulation while making your clean-up easier.
5. Sand: Now start sanding process with a medium sandpaper (100-grit) if the furniture is especially rough. Again sand it with fine sandpaper (150-grit), and then again with extra-fine sandpaper (220-grit). Inspect the furniture for any scratches or damage in between each sanding. If necessary, then use the extra-fine paper to smooth damaged or scratched areas.
6. Clean Up: Now vacuum your furniture and surrounding area to remove all the dust which comes after the sanding process. Attach a soft brush to your vacuum cleaner when vacuuming the furniture in order to avoid scratching the surface of your furniture.

Part 2: Deciding on Techniques And Applying Polyurethane

1. Brush: First brush the flat surfaces on your furniture. Cover the area as much as possible at a time by using a simple paintbrush. Try to reduce the number of coats you needed because brushes create thicker coats.
   • Dip the bristles only an inch (2.5 cm) into the polyurethane liquid to load the paintbrush.
   • Try to brush with the grain in long and even strokes.
2. Wipe: Now, you have to fold a clean cloth into a square shape, according to the palm-sized, to apply the coats. Wipe contoured surfaces and try to avoid drips that may occur from brushing areas on your furniture that aren’t perfectly flat. Use this technique to create some thinner coats, otherwise apply it with a brush when wiping.
3. Spray Less: Buy an aerosol can of polyurethane to coat those areas that are difficult to paint with a brush or cloth and be sure to cover surrounding areas with a protective surface before spraying this aerosol can of polyurethane.
4. Stir: Stir your polyurethane after opening the can, use a stir stick to mix the polyurethane. Always stir, rather than shake. Shake the can to create bubbles in the liquid, this may be transferred intact to the wood furniture for creating an uneven coat.
5. Seal: Now, seal wood furniture and for that take a clean container and mix the polyurethane and mineral spirits. Combine 2 parts of polyurethane with 1 part mineral spirits in the clean and new container. Brush or wipe a single coat of this mixture onto the wood furniture, let it dry fully in order to do any further process.
6. Sand Again: Sand the wood furniture again. You need to remember that always sand the wood furniture before applying a new coat. Use extra-fine sandpaper (220-grit) to reduce the chance of scratching the surface of your furniture when done, now vacuum and wipe the wood furniture again to remove all dust and dirt particles.
7. Apply: After sealing and sanding process is complete, now apply the first coat of your pure polyurethane. Pour small batches of polyurethane in a clean container, rather than dipping the brush or cloth directly into the original can of polyurethane. Try to keep your brush safe from getting the dust or other particles that your brush might pick up.
8. Repeat: Repeat the previous step again when the first coat has dried fully and sand the wood furniture again. Then apply a second coat in the same manner. Give your furniture 24 hours to dry completely.