Goof 3: It's splotchy. How to Fix an Uneven Stain on Refinished Wood Floors. Finally, wipe the excess amount away with a rag right away. Katie Leigh is a freelance writer and editor based in Chicago. When it’s clean, mark out the section with masking tape. When you sand through it you will end up with what looks like a contour map. This will clean the floors really well and it will also help to see if all of the old streaks were buffed out of the floor. Is it a water based poly or solvent based? Allow the polyurethane finish to dry. As a protective measure I've started down the path of putting some coats of a Satin finish polyurethane on them. Depending on the level of gloss you want, go to an auto supply store and get a bunch of different grits from 300 and up. Since this is a water-based product, apply the conditioner to both sides to avoid having to start a thread titled "911: how to fix a … The problem with wipe on poly is that is goes on very thin and requires way more coats than a brush on. Last tip; I don't know if you were planning on staining the underside or not (I can't tell if the top is off the table in the pics, sorry). Let it sit a few minutes and watch for dry spots forming where it soaks in. Theres a trick I have learned for any poly product that works wonders with your finish. Sand your wood with at least 220-grit sandpaper. One of you can apply the stain, and the other wipe off the excess to get an even color. While preventing the white spots is easier than fixing them, you can fix them by sanding down the high spots and then drawing out the moisture. However, there is a way to remedy these flaws without undoing a day's work. Thanks, and I'll get to work on it tomorrow. After the first coat, I used 220 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface as recommended. I applied 3 coats, sanding between coats. White spots on polyurethane are generally caused by two things: Not stirring thoroughly enough before applying it, or a buildup of moisture. And all polyurethane will yellow. The section is splotchy Brush Marks on Polyurethane Topcoat. Last summer I was asked to troubleshoot a job for a relatively new contractor. In any event, the white streaks are not on the surface, so I can't just sand them off. Wait for the polyurethane to dry completely and cure as hard as possible. Rather than lecture you on how to prevent the problem first, I’m sure you’re here because you already have the problem. Wrap the sponge in a clean … Strip as much of the staining as possible. I … You just need the slightest … 20 comments on “ My Five Worst Mistakes ” bob 02/06/2014 at 4:13 pm. How to Apply Polycrylic without Streaks, Brush Strokes or Bubbles How to Avoid Brush Strokes and Streaks. For water-based stains, use a lacquer thinner. Wipe on a very heavy first coat on the bare wood. (I normally use too little.) Water-based polyurethane is clear, low-odor and has a quick drying time.It is recommended for surfaces that see little exposure to heat or the elements, such as desks, bookcases and end tables. Hope this helps. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. However, the quality and protection of most film building finishes (such as polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac) goes up exponentially on the first few coats (e.g., there’s a huge improvement in durability and moisture excluding effectiveness from coat #1 to coat #2, … Hardwood floors in a home create charm, style and resale value with very little maintenance. Make sure to apply even pressure to the area. All right then, chemmy! Applying polyurethane in even coats is a crucial, though not always simple task. I would really hate to strip to bare wood… is there a way of either covering the streaks, making them disappear or removing just the arm-r-seal without removing the gel stain? Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Polyurethane typically leaves brush marks from a paintbrush whenever it is first applied, but if it is the right consistency and if the proper procedures are applied, the ridges resolve themselves and the polyurethane settles to a smooth finish. Any wood surface with a polyurethane wood finish can develop scratches with normal wear and tear. The two major types of polyurethane are oil-based and water-based, each of which has different advantages. Question. Wiped it down with soft cloth dampened with varsol & did another coat of poly. 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. It doesn't look glossy, so the scratches aren't too much of a disaster, but I'd still like to fix … By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. It came out pretty nice, except that there are white streaks. If the coating looks too thick, use the rag to lightly swipe at the area until it is even. If you are staining an object large enough that you won’t have time to get the excess wiped off without leaving streaks, seek a second person to help. Well<, I had to do something because my poly finishes sucked. This will make sure that the area doesn't get too much finish.Apply the finish gently to the sanded area, with as few brush strokes as possible. When the brush marks don't resolve themselves, try a few corrective techniques. Then after that apply 2-3 coats between sanding sessions. I just finished a cherry table top using poly for the first time. Then, sand the area with a fine-grit scratch pad to get rid of the old coat. Inspect the dried area for brush marks. Apply more varnish on ... Usually 6-12 hours later, start the process of applying the next five coats. It picks up what you’ve already painted and drags it a bit. It may take several light coats to create the desired effect, but that's better than applying too much. How to Fix It: Wipe it with a bit of mineral spirits and buff well. Sanded with 320 & then 400 grit sandpaper on a block. Sand your project with progressively finer grits of sandpaper. Polyurethane typically leaves brush marks from a paintbrush whenever it is first applied, but if it is the right consistency and if the proper procedures are applied, the ridges resolve themselves and the polyurethane settles to a smooth finish. Note: Paper with a … If there are ridges you probably want to sand everything flush. Each line was about 1 1/2 feet long and was visible from one wall to the other across the middle of the room. This means only touch wet paint that you’ve just painted. Prior to coating them again, I'd suggest wiping the floors down with a dust mop that has been dampened with mineral spirits. When the brush marks don't resolve themselves, try a few corrective techniques. Are the streaks going to be stuck there / should I just paint it black instead? Brush marks often show up on pieces of furniture treated with polyurethane finish, usually despite the best efforts of the craftsman. Buy the epoxy and do it right. A Loyola University New Orleans graduate with a bachelor's degree in communications, Leigh has worked as a copy editor, page designer and reporter for several daily newspapers and specialty publications since 2005. You commonly see these on floors or tabletops with heavy use. Scrub out the streaks, then reapply the stain liberally. Streaks in polycrylic finish Ive used polycrylic many times but this time the finish is very streaky. JavaScript is disabled. Avoid Hard Spots on Your Applicator: Streaks can easily be caused by hard spots/stiff bristles on your applicator. The can doesn't say whether it's water- or solvent based, but I'm guessing solvent because of all the nasty warnings about ventilation and VOCs, and the marketing language talks about its "special oils allow the finish to expand and contract....". He thought they might be stop marks. These particles can get caught under the finish and ruin it. Get an assortment pack and stick with 3m. Might try light sanding and a thinned out fiinish coat again. It might rewet the prior coat and release the moisture -- Doubt it. A forum community dedicated to professional woodworkers and enthusiasts. The most detailed guides for How To Fix Polyurethane Streaks are provided in this page. Brush on polyurethane with a paintbrush in the direction of the wood grain. Start by washing the area with soapy water. When it comes to finishing furniture or hardwood floors, polyurethane is the key to protecting and preserving the stain. Apply the finish gently to the sanded area, with as few brush strokes as possible. The table, according to the manufacturer, has a polyurethane finish (on top of a walnut veneer). Apply 3-4 coats before your first sanding, that should seal in your stain. These are the best ones selected among thousands of others on the Internet. Wish me luck. Apply a small amount of mineral spirits to a clean, soft finishing sponge. So what I used is Minwax indoor/outdoor Helmsman spar urethane, in clear satin. Touching paint that has sat for even a few minutes can cause streaks. It is immaculate but hard to keep clean looking. always looks smudgy with any touch even after drying for a week. Wipe off the excess with a rag immediately. That should be the equivalent of 1 coat of standard poly. Clean the wood very thoroughly to remove sanding dust before each new coat of polyurethane, using a vacuum (if available) and a tack cloth. To fix this you'll need to buff the floors really well and then recoat them. Apply 3-4 coats before your first sanding, that should seal in your stain. http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=1269, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Uneven polyurethane coverage can be fixed with sanding. Come join the discussion about shop safety, wood, carpentry, lumber, finishing, tools, machinery, woodworking related topics, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! The streaks are still there. Sand down the brush marks lightly with the fine-grit sandpaper. I would chemically strip the finish off, and use a wipe on version of an oil base varnish, or other top coats, that can be sprayed such as waterbased polyurethane. Thanks again HerrBag! I started with a standard type that I brushed on with a foam brush. It may take several … Typically, two to three coats are used with sanding in between coats to even them out. To fix damaged clear coat, you'll need to clean the area, sand the old coat away, and spray on the new coat and polish. Some tree species contain pockets of sap, which cause the wood to absorb stain unevenly. Sand the Surface. This will make sure that the area doesn't get too much finish. Thanks eagleeye and cabinetman. Brush the sanded area off with a soft cloth to remove all traces of dirt and grit from the sanding. Polyurethane isn't going to hold up well. 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. Then after that apply 2-3 coats between sanding sessions. Applying polyurethane in even coats is a crucial, though not always simple task. I noticed when it dried there were a lot of streaks in the finish even after sanding down with 4'0 steel wool and wiping down with mineral spirits. Wipe On Poly Leaving Streaks- How Can I Fix It? Practice on scrap wood to … If some remain, re-sand the furniture. I used minwax quick drying polyurethane to topcoat a dining room table. Turned out great, no streaks. What I think happened is that I either didn't get all the sanding dust of before the second coat, or I screwed up one of the early coats when applying the poly. Wax a steel wool might work but what I have done is thin the material with appropriate flow control agent and apply a light final coat. Make note that commercial wipe-on poly is nothing more than thinned polyurethane. I used 2 coats. Additional background (probably unnecessary): I have a true black stained piece of plywood that I had spray-coated with polyurethane as the first layer (technically it's three, once-over sprays with a … A light coating of finish after sanding disguises the area. When it comes to finishing furniture or hardwood floors, polyurethane is the key to protecting and preserving the stain. Typically, two to three coats are used with sanding in between coats to even them out. He explained the problem as dull lines running cross-grain in the finish. With poly not much you can do that I know of. Hope it's something easier. 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. White spots on polyurethane can be caused by a number of things, but they are preventable, and small spots like this are easy to fix. Sanded the second time once dried for several days, wiped with varsol cloth again & recoated. The table, according to the manufacturer, has a polyurethane finish (on top of a walnut veneer). There is no quick fix for this, what I recommend is that you have the refinishers come back and screen and coat the floor. Check your applicator carefully, and remember what I said before about always using a new applicator for your final coat. If the stain you have used is oil-based, scrub the section while it’s still wet to remove the streaks, then reapply the pain. – Gloria May 27 '13 at 16:08 Apply the finish gently to the sanded area, with as few brush strokes as possible. That should be the equivalent of 1 coat of standard poly. How to Fix It: Add more wax and buff it better to remove more wax. However, the quality and protection of most film building finishes (such as polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac) goes up exponentially on the first few coats (e.g., there’s a huge improvement in durability and moisture excluding effectiveness from coat #1 to coat #2, … Additionally, once the protective finish has been broken by a scratch, the wood underneath can be irreparably damaged by moisture or deepening of the scratch in the wood. I have a feeling the streaks are from the steel wool. How to Fix It: An abrade and recoat is almost always necessary to repair … You could use lacquer or conversion varnish if you are into solvent based finishes. Keep a wet edge. POLYURETHANE on my electric guitar, managed after many attempts to rid the bubbles and streaks by lightly sanding with moistened sand paper and applying light coats long even strokes. Ive read a variety of methods to correct.... Wax with steel wool, fine grit sand then apply new finish. Is it a water based poly or solvent based? Cheap sanding paper is more expensive, since they don't last anywhere as long as the premium ones. Put the furniture in a well-ventilated work area. Cause: You may have used too much wax. ... Make note that commercial wipe-on poly is nothing more than thinned polyurethane. Brush. As far as solving your problem goes, if the finish has stopped bleeding oil and feels like it has dried hard, you might be able to even out the gloss by wiping the cabinets down with a rag dampened with mineral spirits (assuming it was oil-based polyurethane) followed by a dry cloth. ! In your case you should be putting on 4 or 5 coats before doing anything more than a light scuff sanding with very fine paper or steel wool. Whether it be water based, oil based, oil modified water based, etc. Sanding removes the lines and ridges created by the brush marks without ruining the finish on the whole piece. 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Just sand them off stuck there / should I just finished a cherry table top poly. Lightly sand the surface as recommended sand through it you will end up with what looks a! Efforts of the wood to … 20 comments on “ My five Worst Mistakes ” bob 02/06/2014 4:13. Of you can apply the stain with mineral spirits keep clean looking the brush on. Clean looking, Usually despite the best efforts of the room recoat them as. Is more expensive, since they do n't resolve themselves, try few... 'Ll get to work on it tomorrow through it you will end up with what looks like a map. Fix it job for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding to something! A dining room table varnish if you are into solvent based finishes themselves! Caught under the finish gently to the manufacturer, has a polyurethane (!
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