Varathane One Step Stain & Polyurethane is a water-based acrylic oil-modified urethane designed to stain and protect wood surfaces in one easy application. Why? Take wikiHow’s Wine Course and drink wine like an expert. Apply using a good quality, natural bristle brush or applicator, brush in the direction of the grain until a uniform film has been achieved. As a result, your poly will take the longest time to settle, sometimes even worse. For best results, use Varathane Premium Wood Stains. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Test the coat for dryness. If you find that the Varathane isn’t yet dry, wait about an hour or two before testing it again with 220-grit paper. Step 1: Sweep the floor and then damp-mop it with water and white vinegar (10:1 ratio) or go over it with a tack cloth. To prevent bubbles in the finish, do not over-brush, shake, or apply with a roller. Lightly sand between coats with #320 grit sandpaper. Clean the wood very thoroughly to remove sanding dust before each new coat of polyurethane, using a vacuum (if available) and a tack cloth. Use a sufficient, but not overly thick, coat of finish. X This may negatively interact with the Varathane. Water-Based Wood Finish. For protection, two coats are the minimum, but floors and anything else that will see hard wear or occasional moisture should get at least three coats. Polyurethane wood finish offers durability and water resistance, which makes it a popular alternative to more traditional coatings such as shellac or lacquer. Additional coats can be applied allowing one hour dry time between coats. Rust-Oleum Varathane One-Step Stain & Polyurethane allows you to apply both a stain and a polyurethane in one easy step. Learning how to apply polyurethane to stained wood can enhance the appearance of the stain while protecting the … This is why leveling is the pre-buffing step required next. Thinning can help the finish flow into fine details and nooks and crannies with less buildup. For the smoothest finish, start sanding with 100-grit sandpaper, then repeat this with 150-grit, and finish sanding with 220-grit paper. It came out great, thanks!". Each coat also makes the finish a bit smoother. Oil-based polyurethanes are somewhat easier to apply and can be less temperamental than water-based formulas. Additional coats can be applied with one hour dry time between coats. Apply the finish in a clean, well-ventilated area. Available in gloss, semi-gloss and matte finishes, Varathane's self-leveling formula makes it easy to apply, eliminates brush strokes and lasts for years. Since oil and water don't mix, this will help prevent the polyurethane from beading on the surface, like water on a freshly waxed car. wikiHow's. This is a perfect way to showcase your table’s woodwork, and you can do it on your own. ... Varathane 1 qt. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Varathane will make any imperfections in the surface of your table more visible. Minwax® PolyShades® enhances wood grain by combining beautiful rich stain color and long-lasting polyurethane protection in one easy step. Oil-based polyurethane typically adds a warm amber glow to wood, particularly to lighter wood species, such as white oak, maple, or birch. The Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane was going to give us the protective finish a side table requires. The product has a semi-transparent and low VOC formula that can work with a lint-free cloth. Depending on the condition of your table, you may only need to lightly sand with a high grit rating sandpaper. On the downside, water-based poly tends to raise the grain of the wood, is susceptible to watermarks, and can be temperamental when applied over some wood stains. Easy to understand for my first project. By applying it to a table, you’ll create a clear finish that will protect and preserve the wood. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Spray poly goes on just like spray paint. Color is another differentiator. Apply a very thin coat of polyurethane with a fine brush, foam pad, or cloth. Most oil-based Varathane will only need two coats, though some tables may require three (but no more than three). Apply One Step Stain & Polyurethane using a high quality synthetic bristle brush in the direction of the grain until a uniform film has been achieved. Just don't finish your work outdoors, where you can't control dust, bugs, and other flying finish-ruiners. The few remaining bubbles will typically disappear within moments. You can fix these problems when the finish is still wet but not once it starts to set up. The initial coat should be dry within a couple of hours, and you can then apply a second coat. Which Is Better—Oil-Based or Water-Based Polyurethane? This innovative, water-based formula provides deep, rich color and Varathane ® ’s renowned polyurethane finish—both in one easy step. Foam brushes are inexpensive (and disposable) and work well for most flat surfaces. Applying Polyurethane to Hardwood Floors: Step by Step. Jen Woodhouse from The House of Wood explains how to get this look in this tutorial. After this time has passed, test ... 2. See the best ways to use either method, below. To prevent brush marks, avoid excessive brushing. Varathane One Step Stain & Polyurethane adds rich color and a smooth protective finish. Instead, just stir the product gently but thoroughly before each use. [3] X Research source Sand the surface of your table thoroughly so it is smooth and uniform. Work with the grain, and avoid applying too much polyurethane to avoid raising the grain. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. If you notice significant bumps in the dried coat, use a razor blade to shave these off. All varnishes commonly available today are based on a plastic resin--Varathane's use of the term liquid plastic is just marketing language. Sand your wood with at least 220-grit sandpaper. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. % of people told us that this article helped them. If you have to work in a smaller room, make sure you open some windows. Refer to manufacturer’s label for dry times. If you tend to be sensitive to strong fumes, wear a respirator when working with Varathane. To prevent brush marks, avoid excessive brushing. You’ll need to prep the wood by sanding and cleaning it before you can apply the Varathane. Hand Rub With Wipe-On Varnish or Oil If you want to transform the sheen from high gloss to satin or matte, then using a hardening oil such as tung oil is a good way to do it. Drag the brush along the wood’s grain to apply the stainer. Regardless of the type you use, if your project will see a lot of wear and tear, few finishes are as appropriate as polyurethane for the protective topcoats. Hand Sanding Is Essential for a Fine Wood Finish, How to French Polish Your Woodworking Project, How to Apply a Beautiful Shellac Finish on Woodwork, Beginner's Guide to Painting a Metal Miniature, How to Apply Finishing Wax to a Wood Finish, Blue Squid Face Paint Kit for Kids Review, How to Remove Dust Before Finishing Woodworking Projects. For open-grain woods (like oak, ash, or walnut), you can apply a wood grain filler before the polyurethane, to create an ultra-smooth finished surface. Some tables may already have a finish. Prepare the polyurethane by reducing it about 10 percent with mineral spirits, unless you're using water-based polyurethane, which doesn't need thinning. Don't forget to pick out a high-quaity, natural bristle brush. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 23,182 times. If applying in this manner, you may not have to sand between coats as you do with oil-based poly; check the manufacturer's recommendations. Finish Both Sides at Once. Repeat these steps until the desired level of protection is achieved. Generally, you should dampen your cotton cloth before using it to apply the polish. You may choose to thin oil-based polyurethanes with mineral spirits or naphtha, but for most applications, this is not necessary; check the manufacturer's recommendations on the product label. Immediately wipe it off with a dry cloth. The polyurethane will sand easily, so be careful not to sand through the thin coat and damage the stain or wood underneath. Both wipe-on and spray formulas are a good solution for tricky applications, like fine details or vertical surfaces. Apply a very thin coat of polyurethane with a fine brush, foam pad, or cloth. Avoid inexpensive bristle brushes, as these tend to leave obvious brush strokes. The Spruce Crafts uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Warning: Skip this step and the top can twist, cup or warp. The initial coat should be dry within a couple of hours, and you can then apply a second coat. Oil-based polyurethane products are available as well, but not as commonly sold on shelves. Water-based formulas generally are more neutral or clear. Be careful not to scratch the wood while doing this. Remove all dust with a vacuum and tack cloth before applying the second coat. Work with the grain, and avoid applying too much polyurethane to avoid raising the grain. How to Varathane a Table. At the same time letting the beautiful Ebony wood stain … Note: Paper with a … STAINED OR PAINTED WOOD. Sand the Surface. Step 2: Use the 5″ to 3″ brush to apply polyurethane to wood flooring edges, and use the roller or pad to apply … Research source Sand your project with progressively finer grits of sandpaper. Lightly sand between coats with #320 grit sandpaper. A deep, rich wood stain color plus a white paint over the top will look weathered after distressing. Use care when applying over white or pastel paints or stains as discoloration may occur. If you end up with runs or drips, try to sand them out when sanding between coats, or carefully remove them with a sharp razor blade (followed by sanding to feather in the blemish). than 85%. UNFINISHED SURFACE PREPARATION. Apply one coat of stainliberally with a brush or a clean lint-free rag. About One Step Stain & Polyurethane Oil-Based Cut your application time in half with Rust-Oleum® Varathane® One Step Stain & Polyurethane. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Fumes may persist for some time after the final coat dries. Polyurethane is widely revered as one of the most durable yet easy-to-apply protective wood finishes. Sand the coat lightly with 220-grit sandpaper when dry. Water-based polyurethanes don't match well with oil-based stains, so if you're applying over stain you'll want to "rough up" the stained surface slightly before applying your water-based polyurethane, using some synthetic steel wool. By using The Spruce Crafts, you accept our. Polyurethanes are commonly available in both oil-based and water-based formulas, and there are minor differences between the two in both performance and application. Apply an even coat of stain to your workpiece, making long brushstrokes and overlapping the edges for full coverage. Varathane wood stain features high-quality and advanced pigments that bring out natural, rich color. The stain will probably get mixed up with the poly. Oil-based Varathane will take 24 hours to dry; water-based ones only take 4 to 6 hours. References. Plan on at least three coats of water-based poly on lightly used projects and at least four coats on floors and any pieces that need maximum protection. Make certain surface is thoroughly dry before applying Varathane Premium Polyurethane. Apply oil-based poly using a fine-bristled brush (natural or synthetic bristles) or a foam brush. Apply the stain to the wood liberally with a sponge or soft cloth. Allow to penetrate for 5- 10 minutes; then remove excess by wiping with a rag in the direction of the grain. Apply the Varathane in a strip along one part of the wood. Applying Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane. It's best to apply polyurethane to flat (as in level) surfaces so the finish can self-level and is less likely to drip. Click to see full answer. In rooms with less than ideal airflow, use a fan. Sand surfaces where you’ll apply Varathane. Varathane One-Step Stain & Poly Spray is formulated to stain protect wood with polyurethane in one easy step. You can apply a single coat for a lighter shade or build it up with more coats. You can also use a rag moistened with mineral spirits (for an oil-based poly) or cheesecloth moistened with denatured alcohol (for a water-based poly). By using our site, you agree to our. Only work in areas with good airflow. Chris is a freelance writer who specializes in woodworking, designs his own projects, and is experienced in commercial carpentry. 1. Some woodworkers like to use spray poly for a thin topcoat over base coats of conventional polyurethane, producing a final smooth coat without brush strokes. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Varathane-a-Table-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Varathane-a-Table-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Varathane-a-Table-Step-1.jpg\/aid8987406-v4-728px-Varathane-a-Table-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"