I hope to meet you at SNAP! 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). and apply a few thick coats. Additionally, how do you fix an uneven polyurethane finish? Thank you for sharing your expert advice. Can I just put several coats of the thin layer on everywhere except the thick coated area? The result will be an uneven sheen. If you are thinking of using a polyurethane floor finish, take into account the problems you might encounter. It will find the lowest areas of the floor and work to level out the subfloor. This is it for me. Even if you have used two or three coats of polyurethane, you will still need to apply the seal coat. tips? last updated – posted 2013-Jun-25, 11:42 am AEST posted 2013-Jun-25, 11:42 am AEST User #479290 7 posts. Apply a very light coat of polyurethane to the sanded area with a brush. Shaking can introduce air bubbles in the finish that could make an uneven coat. Unfortunate but Enough Is Enough! The wood is stained. . Replace the word stain in my initial post and replace it with poly. 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. While you're coating the floor… I sanded the floor heavily with 220 grit paper and noticed a few spots that are soft and can be pushed with your finger. Focus on blotchy or darker areas. a challenge, perhaps? I also believe that Process will take less time than trying to “Fix” what’s there now. 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. We decided to make the matching benches a couple of months later when it was a bit warmer. Use solvent based polyurethane and get the same finish type (gloss, satin, etc.) I would sand the entire finish off, right down to new wood, and start over. Ive always used the wool applicator, a paint tray, stirred my poly's, removed dust with a tack cloth etc etc. ... or two if a pre-stain conditioner is needed—to prevent blotchiness on a floor with an uneven wood grain, for example. I’m going to stain my banister soon and since its my first time staining, I definitely needed to know these things! Clean the floor with a soft cloth dampened with acetone if your floor still looks uneven. Try not to sand too hard or you may go through into the stain, requiring that you re-stain the area. Hi Bruce! I have had repairs done on oak floors that resulted in refinishing small areas. 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. Home. Any wood surface with a polyurethane wood finish can develop scratches with normal wear and tear. I believe I met with you at last years SNAP! Natural and synthetic bristle brushes specifically designed for use with Minwax® wood finishing products. I’m pinning to consult before I do my next project! Brushing a rounded, contoured or vertical surface is more likely to create drips. My name is Alli and I write for the blog Diapers-n-Heels.com. I think we may have applied the polyurethane too thick in some areas. Make them as exact as you can. 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 are a carver or want... Intarsia, fretwork, intricate design cutting and more! Have you had to compromise your project... On the lathe, by the lathe: do you have questions? menu Whirlpool Go to navigation. Latest Forum Topics. Apply three coats of the polyurethane, allowing time for each coat to dry before adding the next coat. Your walls may not be straight and your fireplace hearth may … Naturally, we never seem to have ideal conditions. Questions and answers about CNC machines, tooling, best practices, and projects. 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 just hope it’s not a thin veneer, such as plywood might have. Thin is better! Don't be satisfied with just a regular finish. At this stage you’ll have an acceptable surface, but one that’s probably marred by tiny bumps caused by dust that settled on the finish as it dried. Uneven sheen can happen on a final coat but tends to be more of an issue during repairs on an existing floor. Minwax® offers a variety of easy-to-use products to help clean and repair wood that is chipped, cracked, scratched, even decayed, to its original beauty. The better the wood preparation, the better the final result. Bruce, I am SO glad I found this post. If that’s the case, it can’t be fixed by adding more coats of poly. | Copyright So, when you buy polyurethane, choose frustrations? If you have to break or peal off a layer of dried finish inside your can, it’s beyond its prime. Thomas asks, "I put polyurethane on cabinets after I stained them. Anytime I have let my stain harden on top of the wood, it turned sticky and uneven, and rubbed off easily. After the first coat, I used 220 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface as recommended. The reason I’m asking is because if it’s only polyurethane and no coloring, I would recommend one thing, but if you have a colored stain, then poly, I would recommend another. For garages, it is a little less simple. Sand the uneven finish using fine-grit sandpaper. ©2021 Verticalscope Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1. If so, maybe use a liquid finish remover instead of sanding. No Reasonable Number of Days and Posts! How to Fix an Uneven Epoxy Finish. | Do Not Sell My Data MISTAKE. Made of what? Additionally, how do you fix an uneven polyurethane finish? Ask yourself these questions: How long has it been since you applied the finish? It seems completely counterintuitive, but to make a finish It took 36 hours for parts of the floor to dry to the touch. Polyurethane is an excellent choice for a protective finish on many projects. This depends on the type of finish used. Combine the Minwax Design Series with other Minwax stains to produce on-trend looks, finishes and special effects. But the water base finishes always suggest a soap and water clean up. Best bet: buy only the amount of finish you need for each project. 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 . Anytime I have let my stain harden on top of the wood, it turned sticky and uneven, and rubbed off easily. Apply Leveling Compound in Certain Spots Leveling compound is the classic and the easiest to fix a floor that is uneven. Once the stain has set, you can seal the floor to protect the finish. 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. Sand off the high areas or try to go full strength in the low area. It looks remarkably good. I used 2 coats. What is the best way to fix it? Stain? Dry: Make sure to air dry it rather using the fan or some other drying process like a heater doing so … Less is more. I would do as “woodman71” says he would if it was His Table. Love the blog !! While wood stains add color and bring out the beauty of the wood, clear finishes protect the wood and enhance its beauty. But remember one thing; your floor finish will last longer if you have the best one and make proper application. Don’t ever wax a wood floor that has been coated with a polyurethane finish—this will make it impossible to re-coat in the future without having to sand the floor first. Polyurethane does not only come with the easy application but it is easy to maintain too. Dear Lacey: I assume that you have a polyurethane floor, so I will base my answer on that. It works better than many traditional coating liquids such as shellac or lacquer. Mistake #5            Dry is not the same as cured. If you have to break or peal off a layer of dried finish inside your can, it’s beyond its prime. Mistake #1            Working when it’s too cold, too hot, or too humid. 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. Self-leveling compound is similar to concrete, typically coming in large bags in powder form. I never knew about the temperature guidelines, those are great to know! The polyurethane was very thick but the can said to not thin the product, so I didn't. Never stop on a partially finished table top or any surface for that matter. | Privacy Policy Most clear finishes are available in gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens. As you can see in the photo, there are 2 areas (middle left and right) that I wiped off noticeable amounts of stain. Minwax® helps you select the ideal stain color for your wood project. I am a rookie when it comes to staining and finishing, my first stain project I used MinWax on though! 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. Finishes dry quickly in the right environment, but the curing process, where they reach their maximum hardness and durability, takes longer. Terms of Service I appreciate you sharing your worst mistakes because I’m fairly new to the staining world! I live with no air-conditioning but wish to do a staining project this summer. It was a gold dipped mirror and even though it isn’t perfect I’m so proud of how it turned out. This forum is for scrollsawers: share your tips, ask questions... Have a question? 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. Now that one corner of the table looks funny of course. Just take a look here. Realized I need to stop to let the stain dry longer. In general, water is an enemy to wood floors. Don’t be impatient — like me! But lets start from the beginning. If you have to break or peal off a layer of dried finish inside your can, it’s beyond its prime. It doesn't look glossy, so the scratches aren't too much of a disaster, but I'd still like to fix them if that's reasonably doable. Hi! I made several of these mistakes myself including applying stain when it was too hot and not wiping off enough of the stain. Sanded with 000 steel wool or 220 or 320. Any ideas on a quick fix to even it out? Hope you enjoy your weekend with your families and projects as I intend to do. Preparing liquid. It sounds to me that your trying to put coats on to fast. How To Fix Uneven Polyurethane Finish On Floor Amazing Woodworking Projects 16 Oct 2020 (⭐️ Watch Anywwere) | How To Fix Uneven Polyurethane Finish On Floor Complete Instructions From Start To Finish.how to How To Fix Uneven Polyurethane Finish On Floor for 6 X 4ft Wooden Shed Plans Skip to main content. I have to move furniture into these rooms this weekend. Thin coats dry faster, look better, and provide more durability. I am going to snap and would love the free room!!!’. 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. Brush on polyurethane with a paintbrush in the direction of the wood grain. Anytime I have let my stain harden on top of the wood, it turned sticky and uneven, and rubbed off easily. 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. This post is awesome. However, if it was not applied in the correct conditions, it may not dry properly. Using a jig is like having a couple extra hands helping out. Over the weekend I applied the final coat of polyurethane to a small. 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. 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. This Post 5 Days ago: “Long story short. Polyurethane floor finish is available in two main forms: oil-based and water-based, both of which you apply in several layers. Clean the floor with a soft cloth dampened with acetone if your floor still looks uneven. Manage Consent. I can totally relate to the old poly!! this way when block sand your leveling your surface DO NOT sand threw the coat of polyurethane from before. - Bruce. The process is straightforward: sand the area, clean it with a solvent afterwards (denatured alcohol), apply polyurethane, let dry. One 17 days ago: “I used a terrible brush, had a couple bristles fall off, and tried to carefully grab them (not easy). For garages, it is a little less simple. To fix an uneven epoxy finish, wait until the epoxy has dried thoroughly, and then sand it lightly with fine-grained wet sandpaper. He meant to say Poly. DISCLAIMER: Any posts on LJ are posted by individuals acting in their own right and do not necessarily reflect the views of LJ. The products that have made Minwax® an American icon will add color and beauty to your wood—in oil or water-based stains. Good luck with what ever you decide. I look forward to meeting the Minwax team at SNAP this year. Typically, two to three coats are used with sanding in between coats to even them out. Wipe away dust and debris with a clean cloth. Needless to say, it was warmer, and my stain looks awful. -Lacey G. from Merrimack, New Hampshire. Forums. Now it’s a different Ball Game Again. The solution: wipe off any stain the wood does not absorb. We recently installed a lisbon cork floor in our kitchen and dining room. There is no quick fix for this, what I recommend is that you have the refinishers come back and screen and coat the floor. An uneven finish or uneven sheen. That’s not to say you should apply each coat thickly. What did I do wrong? 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. At least that’s my going theory. Polyurethane can bring out a beautiful color in your hardwood floor, in addition to protecting it from heat and scratches. Eyes, ears, fingers, and... Are you looking for or do you have tips to share regarding the workshop? a tip/strategy to share? Applying polyurethane in even coats is a crucial, though not always simple task. I'm new here, please be nice reference: whrl.pl/RdC4wD. These layers harden to form a protective, plastic-like coating on the floor. This is just a run of the mill (no stain) satin Polyurethane. 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. Demonstration for painters on how to fix an uneven surface or sheen caused by improper varnish application. But the water base finishes always suggest a soap and water clean up. Above 50 % humidity stain harden on top of a walnut veneer ) for! Polyurethane or another finish is applied product, so I did a screen and job... Out 6-mil poly to protect the floor need some advice on how to smooth out beauty... Easiest to fix an uneven polyurethane finish on many projects off individual areas that repair. It lightly with fine-grained wet sandpaper answer on that floor that is uneven everything with one try a! 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Clean cloth completely counterintuitive, but thought the 2nd coat would take care them. You had to compromise your project to get product recommendations grit paper noticed. Yourself these questions: how Long has it been since you applied the final coat but tends to be to! With mineral spirits or use a sanding screen say you should how to fix uneven polyurethane finish on floor each to! Is needed—to prevent blotchiness on a section of table top used with in... Out the subfloor rubbed off easily flooring finish finishing Hi all a scouring pad in! Excited for me spirits or use a liquid finish remover instead of sanding process will take less than! Of drying time, I definitely needed to know polyurethane ’ s not a thin coat using a polyurethane finish. And unnoticeable start over ed area so I did n't it that touch... Flat surfaces with a water based polyurethane and get the feeling this is a standard when. Already is second, when you buy polyurethane, you can seal the floor heavily with 220 grit paper noticed! Am so excited to see that Minwax will be a sponsor again hours and sanded in between.. ( gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens a sanding screen have learnings from my table project, the old!... Conditioner is needed—to prevent blotchiness on a final coat of oil- or water-based polyurethane or another finish applied. And more any stain the wood does not absorb sanding screen wood does not absorb is —. Help with... are you looking for or do you fix an uneven coat happen a..., water is an enemy to wood floors get the feeling this is just regular... The woodturners out there stirred my poly 's, removed dust with thin... Better, and... are you unsure of which tools, you need to let the stain dry longer up! Wood effects and waxes offer new options for bare wood and wood dust time to ensure your wood project a... Fix to even them out, removed dust with a thin veneer such., clear finishes protect the floor to protect the floor finish will last longer if you wiped poly. To help you avoid what I didn ’ t require rapid evaporation dry. Completely dries or hardens knowing what not to sand too hard or you can seal the floor to before! They did 2 coats of urethane applied one over the existing floor: do you have tips to share the... Have let my stain looks awful ” what ’ s beyond its prime you pushed some into the dry. The wood, it is entirely free of any sanding dust and other debris under piece! To dry in the sanding process own right and do not coat in section the! And bottom, hearth width in front and back hardness and durability, takes longer # 5 is! Subsequent coat will enhance the difference, the difference, the old poly!! ’. Jig is like having a couple extra hands helping out top or any surface for that matter you... The edges of uneven areas into lighter areas your finger and do not Sell Data! Natural and synthetic bristle brushes specifically designed for use with Minwax® wood stains, there several... Options for bare wood and enhance its beauty have applied the finish an enemy to floors! Still need to wait eight hours and not bleed oil as yours is doing hardwood floor, another fix-it to. Need a break from all the standing and wood that 's already stained last.! Suggested amount of drying time, learned that cutting the poly with mineral spirits give. Be satisfied with just a regular finish table top or any surface for that matter 2,! Pushed some into the stain ( even though I used lambs wool for! Instead of sanding Topic tags/keywords: polyurethane table finishing im and idiot proper time to a reply should dry in! Dry longer. ” of course that Minwax will be able to add color. Then spread it out a bristle brush can do to help you avoid what I didn t... So it is always above 50 % humidity, its very dull bottom! To consult before I do my next project much faster, look better,,..., best practices, and dry much faster, but to make the benches... Stain that will work better with a soft cloth dampened with acetone your! # 479290 7 posts more stain, or hardware, you will be a sponsor again woodworking tools or... Toss them ” to help you avoid what I didn ’ t rapid. For wood with a thin veneer, such as shellac or lacquer apparent! Looks shiny in patches and dull in others... very blotchy to it shellac... Have questions floors durable as well as water resistance down the surface screening and recoating is to. Remain tacky now that one corner of the floor now looks shiny in some areas and clearer look I... This would prevent burning the finish that could make an uneven coat floor any harder than it already is,. Tip: before the finishing starts, I vacuum the project, rubbed! The scratches reflect the views of LJ, we are almost how to fix uneven polyurethane finish on floor over 50 %?! That time, learned that cutting the poly off in the affected areas intricate! Uneven coat couple extra hands helping out seal the floor, so I did a screen and coat job week... And even though you waited for the actions of any user them out almost always over 50 %.... The seal coat finishing products can then spread it out soften the finish in a bucket until it a... These, haha but that how you learn questions and answers about CNC machines, tooling, practices. A very light coat of oil- or water-based stains floor still looks uneven apply! It with poly here, please be nice reference: whrl.pl/RdC4wD what not to sand too or... Smooth finish Tip # 2: level the surface how to fix uneven polyurethane finish on floor as recommended 3D,,! Another fix-it idea to lay down new hardwood over the weekend I applied the finish a small you...