Ultimately try out a few brands and test out their finishes and see which one you prefer! Tweet on Twitter I mean, that's what they are meant to do, right? If you’re looking for something to protect your outdoor wood surfaces you’ll need something like exterior clear finish or a marine grade spar varnish. There needs to be 3 coats of Polyurethane applied, especially if you are using an oil-based finish. Note: The first coat needs the most sanding to appear smooth; don't worry if it doesn't look as flawless as you'd like at first. Tung oil finish is varnish, highly thinned varnish, so your coats are very thin and you'll need very many. Polycrylic is a water-based protective finish or top coat made by Minwax. The paint cans tend to be rather large and this type of application is best suited for larger projects that require more surface area. It’s important that you properly understand how to apply polycrylic and how long it takes to cure. .a{fill:#62564a;} The smoother you keep the surface with sanding between coats, the better the end result will be. To help you better understand what each involves, we’ve highlighted all the characteristics and points below. Aside from providing you some valuable information in regards to the application, we’ll also explain what Polycrylic is and how to use it. Since her chairs had fabric seats she just recovered them with black covers. We use Satin or Flat almost exclusively but will use others if needed. When a table has already been finished and has scratches you usually just need to sand the poly and reapply unless the scratches go through to the stain. At this time we don’t use a lot of chalk paint so I really can’t answer that. Wait for at least 24 hours after the final coat before using the table. Polycrylic is most often used on interior, light wood surfaces such as maple, ash or birch. Considering that this paint dries in no minutes, you might not have a very long wait in between layers. After 2 to 3 coats like this, then you can apply a little thicker, sanding between every 2 coats… The final coat can be like glass, but it still must be sanded with 400 up to 1500 grit, and buffed(after a few days of curing.) I don't "pre-raise" the grain as the 1st coat seems to do that just fine. If that’s the case then you might be looking at a total refinish job which is obviously more complicated. Apply gloves (the dye is very messy and hard to clean up!) Also, the container says to sand in between coats. Reply. When I did a brown bag decoupage on a large round table I put 6 coats of poly. Another great reason to use a finish on wood is because it helps keep the colors underneath vibrant and last longer than they would without it. Polycrylic is my favorite top coat when painting furniture for many reasons. A bristle brush is needed to apply the coats. You’re using polyacrilic not polyurethane right? Can you do a tutorial on finishing with chalk paint? Polycrylic cans are typically hard to find as they’re often limited in quantity. This is how I apply polycrylic on any wood surface when not spraying it from an HVLP spray gun. However, there are a lot of great resources out there in the chalk paint world. I can’t give out brands but I will say I try and buy high grade brushes and then take care of them so they will last. You may not be applying enough. What do you suggest? satin or high gloss). 20 comments on “ My Five Worst Mistakes ” bob 02/06/2014 at 4:13 pm. In order to make room for other great products, this item has been discontinued. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published, info@harpdesignco.com254.230.2054Harp Design Co.808 N 15th StreetWaco, Texas 76707. Also, achieving a thin layer without leaving air pressure marks can be difficult. Ultimately at least two coats on the top is preferable unless you want a very rough feel to the finished product. It was manufactured and designed as an interior protective agent and could likely endure damage from prolonged exposure to the elements or sunlight. As someone who appreciates arts and has plenty of artist friends, I already know how bad art supplies can stain everything in sight. It’s recommended to apply 3 coats of this finish and avoid any excess as this could cause the wood to bulge. This is not necessary but it’s ultimately a preference thing. No matter how good a brush I use or what-when I brush it on it always has bubbles in it. Polycrylic is the best type of protective, finishing agent you can use on interior wood surfaces. All types of wood must be finished with a special layer of coating for added protection from light, moisture and other elements. After the first coat dries, you'll need to either sand it with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) or use steel wool. I brushed on 4 coats of polycrylic on the top and 2 coats on the legs. Specifically, polycrylic pails come in a 1-quart size and will cover up to 125 square feet per quart. Step 2: Remove the legs (if you can) from the table and if there’s any imperfections or scratches in the wood, sand it and use your tacky cloth or a wet rag to get all the sand dust off. I use Minwax Spar Urethane. Let’s dive into all the necessary steps you should take in order to properly apply polycrylic to your wood surfaces. I tried the spray-on polycrylic by Minwax, shook it for >1 m, and got a horrible, splattered finish. Aside from providing you some valuable information in regards to the application, we’ll also explain what Polycrylic is and how to use it. Ta-da! I am looking for a crystal clear finish, but not shinny. Not typically but I have before and it’s a great step if you want to take it. It really all depends on preference and what you’re using the piece for and where. On to the next project, but, before you go, I'd … It’s recommended to apply 3 coats of this finish and avoid any excess as this could cause the wood to bulge. Preparing the Wood Surface for Polycrylic, link to How To Dethatch A Lawn With A Mower Attachment (Push and Riding), link to How To Get Oil Pastels Out Of Carpet (Step-by-Step Shade Guide), How to Lighten Stained Wood (In 8 Easy Steps), How to Repair Peeling Stain on Wood Stained Kitchen Cabinets. Instead, make sure that your coats are thin and even so that the resulting finish comes out clear and vibrant. The first table had scratches, did you not need to sand the stain too? How to mix Polycrylic with Dye to create a tinted top coat. Apply an even layer and make sure that you’re doing this in an environment with little to no airflow. Heating, dropping rocks and chiseling the wood. If it’s going outside you may want to apply more! If unable to recoat within 1½ hours, wait at least 72 hours then lightly sand and recoat. It is fast drying, has a very low, almost non-detectable odor and is non-flammable. It essentially acts as a barrier between the outside world and the wood by adding a durable finish. Add at least three coats, at one coat per day. You may have heard to only use steel wool, but many manufacturers recommend either one. I sanded once, after 3 coats using 320 grit paper per the instructions on the back of the poly. Both of these options will be safe and effective for your wood. Also, when using polycrylic, cleaning up is a lot easier. I must say, I have loved Polycrylic since it first came out for its quick dry time as well as durability. Polycrylic is very fast drying, much faster than most other finishes or varnishes, but that said, it does not dry or cures instantly. Also paint stores always carry mineral spirits. What brand & color is the stain on the table you are applying the poly to? How to Spray Finish When spraying, note the width of the spray pattern and make sure you overlap by at least half the width on each pass. To give the subsequent poly layers something to bond to, sand lightly between coats with 320-grit sandpaper wrapped around a hard block. Make sure to smooth the bubbles out as you paint it on. However, make sure that you are using a high-quality, fine synthetic bristle brush to avoid streaks and brush marks. I used minwax quick drying polyurethane to topcoat a dining room table. Polycrylic does not yellow with additional coats - it is crystal clear. Make sure your poly is mixed well before using, that way your piece is completely clean and clear of all dust and that the environment you’re working in is as dust free as possible Also when applying the poly do your best to brush it on in one direction. If it starts to wear down the road a few years, add extra coats the same way." Just because you can’t get this oil-based paint in a huge variety of colors … After final coat, allow 24 hours before normal use. I used Goo Gone, but you can also just use a rag with dish soap and warm water. Some of the surfaces that will benefit from a coat of polycrylic include table surfaces, desks, and children’s furniture. I looove polycrylic :-) We just redid our dining table white and, with three coats of it, that sucker better withstand every bump and knick from the kids. Then I distressed just a little, on the edges. As previously mentioned, polycrylic is very fast drying and probably the fastest among all other varnishes and polishes. In general, you should hold the can about a 1-foot distance away from the wood. Why so many coats, Heidi? It is applied with a brush or is sprayed on, and has many of the same properties as oil-based polyurethane. on Jan 25, 2019. The aerosols are also not the best for the environment and should be avoided if you’re looking for a more sustainable option. Clean your table and chairs to get any grime from previous use off of it. Once cured the poly will be free of the toxic voc s that are present. Ultimately at least two coats on the top is preferable unless you want a very rough feel to the finished product. Unfortunately,... How Long Does It Take for Polycrylic to Cure? Recoat within 2 hours. To the touch, polycrylic will dry in about 30 minutes time but should not be handled until 1 complete hour after you apply. One is Maria Bosak at Eco Chic Boutique up in Fargo, ND…look her up! However, it does not cure instantly. This acts as a sealer and provides a barrier between the wood and the oil finish you are using. It really all depends on preference and what you’re using the piece for and where. You want to avoid brush strokes going against the grain as it can distract from the beauty of the wood and the piece you have built. I usually do 3 on top and 2 coats on legs and underside. Since it comes out in such a thin layer, it does dry even faster than the paint-on version. Before I began tinting my own sealer, I sanded the table lightly first. September 04, 2020, DIY, Lifestyle If you are a someone who works with wood or just loves a good DIY, you know that in order for wood to last, it needs to be specially treated. After you’ve fixed any flaws in the surface, you’ll need to give it a good cleaning. Lastly play with the amount you apply. Aerosol application of polycrylic is even easier than the paint-on option. For sanding between coats of poly we recommend 320 grit. I used 3 coats of the chalked paint on the bottom, then 2 coats of the gel stain on top and put 3 coats of polycrylic on the whole thing. Helpful. Hi, I am building a bed frame and will be staining it a dark walnut. Pin on Pinterest You can also use the same technique when applying over paint. This not only looks terrible, but it will also create streaks during application. If it’s going outside you may want to apply more! And I sanded in between a couple of the coats, but not all. Did you condition the wood before you stained it? For some other tips related to wood stain check out, “How to Lighten Stained Wood (In 8 Easy Steps)” and “How to Repair Peeling Stain on Wood Stained Kitchen Cabinets.”. Using extra fine 220-grit sandpaper, sand the surface to prime it for more coats of polycrylic. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. A few years ago, I refinished our coffee table creating a driftwood finish on the top with white chalk paint legs. This finish protects the wood from damage due to household chemicals as well as chipping, scuffing or scratching. You can also easily purchase the polycrylic from your local hardware store. Speaking scientifically, Polycrylic is an interior water-based coating applied on the surface of wood for protection. If unable to do so, wait a minimum of 72 hours, then lightly sand and recoat. What Poly do you recommend. After the first coat, I used 220 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface as recommended. Share on Facebook, Design, Lifestyle Note: If you’ve previously applied a fresh coat of stain to your wood surface, you need to wait at least 24 hours before adding the polycrylic on top. I did warn her of one thing…a top coat will change the sheen on chalk paint. As far as the downsides for brush-on polycrylic go, it can be difficult to apply without seeing noticeable brush strokes. If there are, you’ll need to repair them before you apply the polycrylic. Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. Polycrylic™ dries to the touch in 30 minutes and can be handled after 1 hour. This product can essentially be found in two types, either an aerosol can or in a paint can. Applying polycrylic with a brush is relatedly straightforward. from penetrating the wood. However, keep in mind that it will need multiple coats. How many coats are recommended? Table of Contents. After you’ve done the third and final coating of Polycrylic, you’ll need to wait a full 24 hours, at least, for it to cure completely. It also protects against normal wear and tear and adds a shine to the wood. Personally, I would do 3 coats with a light sanding with 400 between coats. First, whenever you are using Polycrylic, it is always recommended that you apply 3 layers, as 1 or even 2 will usually not suffice. Applying polycrylic can create a satin, matte, gloss or semi-gloss sheen that enriches the paint, stain, or natural color of the wood. 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