poly tips

[aragorn723]

Can someone give me some tips on making a nice polyurethane finish?  I did 3 coats on my Quickie with some paper towel so far and it isn't quite as smooth as I would like.  (and sanded with 220 grit sandpaper between coats).  Also, how many coats should I do?  Got lots of time this week!!  Thanks.

 

[JamieMcC]

Ditch the paper towel. See if you can find some cheap foam brushes you might be surprised at how nice a finish you can get with them. You will need to put enough on so it flows out as you brush but not so much so it sags or runs when you leave it to stand. If it drags and you have dull and shiny streaks left behind your brush as you brush then your not putting enough on.  The more coats the better imo

 

[Pfenning]

It depends on the type of finish you are wanting. I like wipe on poly because it goes on thin, and feels good to me once it's cured. Sanding in-between coats will improve the finish. If you are looking for a glass smooth finish, it will take quite a few coats, and the bushes recommended here already. I'm not a finish guru, I just like the results I have gotten with wipe on products lately. Good luck.

Pfenning

 

[Mike B]

I put mine on with a rag too.  But not a paper towel.

You can get a "pound" of cotton rags inna bag at the hardware if you don't have any old "holey" t-shirts around.

 

[aragorn723]

rags seem to work pretty good, I got a layer on with that, but it is super thin, guess I need a bunch more?

 

[galyons]

You want thin!  Thin and multiple layers will give the nicest finish.

Cheers,
Geary

 

[Mike B]

Yup, that's the secret, multiple thin coats.

The first coat I use a cheap disposable brush.  I put it on heavy 'cause I know it's gonna soak in.  But not gloppy heavy, I brush it out even.

All the rest I rub.

 

[Deluk]

220 grit is VERY rough. OK for initial wood finishing. Getting the wood as smooth as possible first is always needed. First coats of finish will tend to lift the grain a bit and this has to be smoothed back before you can start to get it smooth to the touch. No dust! Wipe off with a tack rag after sanding. If your coats are very thin 800 grit will be fine enough.

 

[JamieMcC]

For pointers there are plenty of videos on applying poly on youtube.