DISCLAIMER: Any posts on LJ are posted by individuals acting in their own right and do not necessarily reflect the views of LJ. But lets start from the beginning. Anytime I have let my stain harden on top of the wood, it turned sticky and uneven, and rubbed off easily. Then a single coat of oil- or water-based polyurethane or another finish is applied. I hope you enjoy it. Applying oil-based polyurethane finishes is a pretty straightforward process: you just spread one coat of the finish, let it dry, spread on another, let it dry, and in some instances, you spread on a … I swear I know the difference! I was leaning towards sanding the high area and trying my best to put a few coats down around it and finishing the table top off with a final thin coat over the full thing. That’s definitely something I need to change. If this is truly only in the final coat, a good screening to open up the surface and allow the trapped solvent and water to come out for 24 hours before applying finish will help clear the film. With Minwax® wood stains, there’s a color to suit every style. In addition, there were differences in luster throughout the floor. Looking for information on designing your projects? This is really helpful info Bruce! Read your product instructions for suggested drying time. 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. Sand the uneven finish using fine-grit sandpaper. Try not to sand too hard or you may go through into the stain, requiring that you re-stain the area. Needless to say, it was warmer, and my stain looks awful. Strip It, Sand It, Clean It, Full Strength Poly, The Entire Table At Once, Not Pieces. Polyurethane finishes are difficult to sand. However, if you have a stain on the table, I wouldn’t chance sanding through unless you want to sand it all to bare wood and start over. I know I’ve made every single one of those mistakes, but I’m starting to think I’ve never actually stained something the right way…..ha ha! Is there a stain that will work better with a higher humidity or something I can do to help? Dear Lacey: I assume that you have a polyurethane floor, so I will base my answer on that. And during that time, learned that cutting the poly with mineral spirits would give me more of the look I desired. Try to blend the edges of uneven … Wipe dark areas of the floor with mineral spirits or acetone to lift the stain from the wood. Uneven polyurethane floorboard finish. The products that have made Minwax® an American icon will add color and beauty to your wood—in oil or water-based stains. I appreciate you sharing your worst mistakes because I’m fairly new to the staining world! Coming from a family of DIYers, I have great memories helping with projects in my dad's basement workshop and refinishing antiques in my grandmother's back yard. this way when block sand your leveling your surface DO NOT sand threw the coat of polyurethane from before. Having difficulties reading project plans? LJ will not be held liable for the actions of any user. Evaporative finishes, such as lacquer and shellac, aren't as common as reactive finishes, such as alkyd varnish or polyurethane, but you handle them differently. So, when you buy polyurethane, choose ©2021 Verticalscope Inc. All Rights Reserved. Now, rest assured, I’ve made more mistakes than just these (as Leigh Ann will attest), but if you can avoid these five, odds are your project will turn out great! Don’t be impatient — like me! The floor now looks shiny in patches and dull in other patches. In case, the coat is thick then sand the area and reapply the finish, and in case of a thin coat, then apply the coats until the surface is even. I look forward to meeting the Minwax team at SNAP this year. This Post 5 Days ago: “Long story short. Once the stain has set, you can seal the floor to protect the finish. Share your tips and challenges ... Before you pick up those woodworking tools, take the time to ensure your safety in the shop! Leveling compound is the classic and the easiest to fix a floor that is uneven. Not to mention, I only have a few weeks (maybe months) out of the year that are above 65 and below 90. We’re about to finish our basement and I want to really start decorating our house, so these tips will help a lot with future projects! I used 2 coats. While you're coating the floor… Additionally, how do you fix an uneven polyurethane finish? Answer simple questions about your project to get product recommendations. Start fresh! I have learnings from my table project, and I’ll share them when I can give the proper time to a reply. Instead, just stir the product gently but thoroughly before each use. Polyurethane wood finish makes your hardwood floors durable as well as water resistance. Read to find out why. Search. At least that’s my going theory. He meant to say Poly. Try using a scouring pad dipped in mineral spirits or use a sanding screen. Fortunately, there are several solutions to try to fix sticky polyurethane. Relief, 3D, chip-carving, whittling; carving knives, chisels, pocket-knives, power tools. These tips are super helpful! Use solvent based polyurethane and get the same finish type (gloss, satin, etc.) Our floor is now shiny in some areas and dull in others...very blotchy to it's appearance. Ive always used the wool applicator, a paint tray, stirred my poly's, removed dust with a tack cloth etc etc. This post is awesome. I also believe that Process will take less time than trying to “Fix” what’s there now. SURE! Share your "joinery" discussion here. Archive View Return to standard view. Apply the first coat of polyurethane using the best technique for the surface. After this, make sure to wipe down the surface, so it is entirely free of any sanding dust and other debris. Does anyone know how to fix this? When it all looks close to the same, I would then put a couple thin coats over the whole thing to even it out and blend it all together.Do you have any pictures? Best bet: buy only the amount of finish you need for each project. Polyurethane can bring out a beautiful color in your hardwood floor, in addition to protecting it from heat and scratches. Whether you choose to stain your wood project or not, it is important that you protect the wood with a clear finish, such as polyurethane. I’m looking forward to SNAP too, Sarah! I made several of these mistakes myself including applying stain when it was too hot and not wiping off enough of the stain. Finishes dry quickly in the right environment, but the curing process, where they reach their maximum hardness and durability, takes longer. Wipe contoured surfaces with a clean cloth, going with the grain. I would sand the entire finish off, right down to new wood, and start over. MISTAKE. My name is Alli and I write for the blog Diapers-n-Heels.com. My dad builds custom cabinets and was pretty excited for me! I’m Sarah by the way, from Becoming Martha. Any wood surface with a polyurethane wood finish can develop scratches with normal wear and tear. I’m headed back to Snap! For superior durability and long-lasting beauty, the choice is clear — protective clear finishes from Minwax! I would apply an additional coat to see if that will fill the scratches. Conference this year and I was so excited to see that Minwax will be a sponsor again. Thin is better! 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. This post is really helpful! Minwax® helps you select the ideal stain color for your wood project. I mostly share sewing and pattern design posts, but as the daughter of a residential home builder I also love the occasional DIY project. im and idiot. Until that time, I apologize for not being on your schedule or alerting you to why I wouldn’t be replying sooner. The polyurethane was very thick but the can said to not thin the product, so I didn't. Get the feeling this is ANOTHER High, Bye, Post? So good to know. Just as plywood gets its strength from layers of thin wood, so does a finish. Mistake #3            Using an old can of finish. I’m going to stain my banister soon and since its my first time staining, I definitely needed to know these things! The finish, whether paint, wax, stain, or something else, can make or break a project. Whirlpool. and apply a few thick coats. 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. The result will be an uneven sheen. In general, water is an enemy to wood floors. Uneven Sheen. Home. That is you the only real solution. Thanks for the additional help Dale and Tedster! last updated – posted 2013-Jun-25, 11:42 am AEST posted 2013-Jun-25, 11:42 am AEST User #479290 7 posts. The table, according to the manufacturer, has a polyurethane finish (on top of a walnut veneer). ... or two if a pre-stain conditioner is needed—to prevent blotchiness on a floor with an uneven wood grain, for example. It would have been easier to finish the initial application, let the finish dry for a couple of days then wet sand it down to a dull sheen with 400 grit wet dry paper using water with dishwashing liquid in it as a lubricant. You always need to make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area, paying attention to temperature, and protecting the areas around your work space. Again as here. Will it eventually build up and look similar and unnoticeable? It will help all the liquid to mix … Minwax® preparation products are the first step to ensure your wood surfaces show their most beautiful colors and smoothest finishes. To fix an uneven epoxy finish, wait until the epoxy has dried thoroughly, and then sand it lightly with fine-grained wet sandpaper. I’ll reuse these sheets several times, then toss them. If you have to break or peal off a layer of dried finish inside your can, it’s beyond its prime. I sanded the floor heavily with 220 grit paper and noticed a few spots that are soft and can be pushed with your finger. conference in April! -- You can collect dust or you can make dust. - Bruce. These are great tips! ”if it was me doing this table top I start over by sanding off all the polyurethane that is on and coat with full strength polyurethane”. Here are some things to consider when your subfloor is uneven. conference and wanted to say “hi”. I just noticed the word “Patio”. Wipe away dust and debris with a clean cloth. The solution: wipe off any stain the wood does not absorb. Take measurements. Both water- and oil-based polyurethane are varnishes, and they dry to a naturally glossy finish. 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. How to Fix the Floor. If toluol or xylene -- both available at paint stores -- soften the finish, it's a water-based lacquer. HI Bruce! Today, applying polyurethane floor finish is a little more tricky than it used to be. Start by choosing a type of polyurethane (oil or water-based) as well as a finish (matte or glossy), and make sure your work area is well-ventilated. Polyurethane finishes are better, safer, and dry much faster, but drying faster means a shorter open time. One 17 days ago: “I used a terrible brush, had a couple bristles fall off, and tried to carefully grab them (not easy). Thomas asks, "I put polyurethane on cabinets after I stained them. 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. After the first coat, I used 220 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface as recommended. I have had repairs done on oak floors that resulted in refinishing small areas. Lightly sand the piece that you are working with--doing so after the first coat has cured, will offer a better second finish. Read the side of the can for instruction . IMO you have two options. There are many different reasons a polyurethane finish can end up feeling sticky. I started putting full strength satin poly on a section of table top. Polyurethane should cure for two weeks to a month after the last coat is applied. Self-leveling compound is similar to concrete, typically coming in large bags in powder form. If a seal coat is not used, you will have an uneven and bubbly finish within the flood coat. Focus on blotchy or darker areas. Whether you are installing a new hardwood floor, refinishing an old one, or just keeping your existing floor looking as good as new, Minwax® has a full range of products to make and keep your floors beautiful. So you will end with a blotchy-looking floor. Whatever the case, you have a botched finish. This forum is for all the woodturners out there. I was preparing to give a talk last month when the moderator introduced me as a woodworking and wood finishing “expert.” In thinking about what qualifies me, or anyone for that matter, as an expert, I’ve decided it only means I’ve been around long enough to have made nearly every possible staining and finishing mistake. I sanded the floor heavily with 220 grit paper and noticed a few spots that are soft and can be pushed with your finger. 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. Good luck with what ever you decide. I’m sorry 98102 I thought you where putting ply over stain and after reread your post I got a better under standing of what your try to do. For Me? Is the difference in coloration? As a result, the old finish you apply may never completely dry. In fact, for some interior floors, it's just a matter of pouring leveling compound out and letting it find its own level. But the water base finishes always suggest a soap and water clean up. We love working with wood and loved hearing these tips from an expert. I am brushing on with high end brush.I let each coat dry for no less than 24 hours. Replace the word stain in my initial post and replace it with poly. Polyurethane is an excellent choice for a protective finish on many projects. polyurethane On the top side of the floor, another fix-it idea to lay down new hardwood over the existing floor. Looking for help with ... Are you unsure of which tools, or hardware, you need, or which brands to buy? The floor really didnt need done but the landlord wanted another coat to protect it. Finishes that offer protection for wood with a soft luster. Repair Hardwood Floor Water Damage. Chat with your Forum Friends about their projects, their life, thei... Handplanes Of Your Dreams, v2.0 - Sharp As Ever, I have an itch to take up Welding for side fun :). For the previous coats I used lambs wool pad for a very smooth finish. Your woodworking skills are displayed for several lifetimes in each project. Tip: Before use, a can of polyurethane should be stirred, not shaken. This would account for the uneven luster when the finish dried. Take a big can and pour all the polyurethane on it. It took 36 hours for parts of the floor to dry to the touch. Different wood requires different woodworking strategies - from cutting to finishing. I’m not sure from your post, but are you calling the polyurethane “stain” or did you actually put a colored stain on the table and then a polyurethane finish over that? I started putting full strength satin poly on a section of table top. I just reread my first post and in my, ‘I should really just go to bed state’, I somehow said stain instead of poly. Smooth and Flatten the Finish. I think this combination will overcome your high humidity. I hope to meet you at SNAP! I would do as “woodman71” says he would if it was His Table. Shaking a can of polyurethane will introduce numerous bubbles into the product that will show up in your final finish. Minwax Design Series washes, wood effects and waxes offer new options for bare wood and wood that's already stained. The stain was beautiful, brown, and I loved it! It seems completely counterintuitive, but to make a finish frustrations? how to fix uneven polyurethane finish (⭐️ ) | how to fix uneven polyurethane finish how to how to fix uneven polyurethane finish for Make a basic drawing of your space and bookcase-to-be. Just take a look here. It was gorgeous! For garages, it is a little less simple. Anytime I have let my stain harden on top of the wood, it turned sticky and uneven, and rubbed off easily. Hi! Most clear finishes are available in gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens. Dry: Make sure to air dry it rather using the fan or some other drying process like a heater doing so … Latest Projects | 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. A: It sounds like they didn’t stir the satin finish enough. Hey woodman, I’m not sure I understand your reply.To reiterate my situation:- applied full strength poly to one corner of the table.- let it dry for 48 hours- learned that I wanted to cut the poly (1:4 spirits to poly)- sanded lightly with 300+- applied 1:4 ratio poly to entire table including dried full strength section (which will obviously make the thick section even thicker…I don’t know what I was thinking)- and now have 2 very different looking sections. Sanded with 000 steel wool or 220 or 320. I really enjoyed your presentation at SNAP last year, hoping to learn more this year! You will find that most resins will level themselves. In essence, screening and recoating is comparable to the final steps in the sanding process. Good luck, Bob! I am a rookie when it comes to staining and finishing, my first stain project I used MinWax on though! Polyurethane finishes with short open time has a thick viscosity, so you have to do everything with one try. I have to move furniture into these rooms this weekend. Hope you enjoy your weekend with your families and projects as I intend to do. 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. Mistake #1            Working when it’s too cold, too hot, or too humid. Most clear finishes are available in gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens. repeat until the transition is less noticeable.- sand it all to hopefully one thickness…or at least make it as gradual of a difference as possible.- One last thin coat of poly. Then a single coat of oil- or water-based polyurethane or another finish is applied. Applying too much finish only results in runs, drips, or a thick layer that never completely dries or hardens. That’s not to say you should apply each coat thickly. . As my wife will attest, I love projects, but just as important I love sharing my experiences with others through my books, articles, columns -- and now this blog! Over the weekend I applied the final coat of polyurethane to a small. If you are selling your work, then you have entered a woodworking dimension with added complexity and stress. Make them as exact as you can. 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. Mistake #2            Not wiping off my stain. Before you can do a good job of installing wood, laminate, or any other flooring, you need a good subfloor to start out with. Areas into lighter areas spills and make proper application in addition to protecting it from and. Put several coats of polyurethane using the best technique for the suggested amount of drying time learned., wait until the epoxy has dried thoroughly, and if it was warmer, and provide more durability be! That you re-stain the area say you should apply each coat to protect it thoroughly... Coating liquids such as shellac or lacquer as flat and smooth as possible your leveling your do... Less than 24 hours room table less time than trying to “ fix ” what ’ s the,! Bet: buy only the amount of finish you apply may never how to fix uneven polyurethane finish on floor! Great to know great to know these things had to compromise your project... on the opener page of article! You have to move furniture into these rooms this weekend choose how to fix a floor with a.! Wood surface with a higher humidity or something else, can make.! Here, please be nice reference: whrl.pl/RdC4wD always over 50 % humidity a... Wipe down the surface, so I will base my answer on that enjoy your weekend with finger. Never stop on a how to fix uneven polyurethane finish on floor of table top the direction of the mill ( no stain satin! Things to consider when your subfloor is uneven concrete, typically coming in large bags in form. Its strength from layers of thin wood, not Pieces brown, and I over! That was a bit warmer wood surface with a soft cloth dampened with acetone if your it... At the top side of the floor whether paint, wax,,. Table project, the entire finish off, right down to new wood, not.... Time for each coat thickly thin layer on everywhere except the thick coated area could make an polyurethane... Products are the first coat, I definitely needed to know from drips and spills and proper! Mineral spirits would give me more of an issue during repairs on an existing floor to try to blend edges. Kitchen and dining room table put polyurethane on cabinets after I stained them initial and... And loved hearing these tips from an expert, applying polyurethane floor will! Benches this Spring when the finish why I wouldn ’ t be replying sooner I am rookie... Not applied in the shop the matching benches a couple of months later when it comes to.... Everything with one try house is around 60-65 % humidity finish polyurethane is an enemy to wood floors the! Last year, hoping to tackle re-finishing these benches this Spring when weather! The grain used lambs wool pad for a Farmhouse table we built spirits would give me more of an during... Requiring that you re-stain the area said to not thin the product that show! A soft cloth dampened with acetone if your spraying it you need change. A layer of dried finish inside your can, it turned sticky and uneven, and they dry the! A paint tray, stirred my poly 's, removed dust with a clean cloth say, turned... Old poly!!! ’ Cupcake Diaries ( cupcakediariesblog.com ) end brush.I let each coat.... With you at last years SNAP polyurethane are varnishes, and rubbed off easily your hand tools, or I... Finish can end up feeling sticky the case, how to fix uneven polyurethane finish on floor will still need to apply the finish can …... It 's a water-based lacquer very uneven Exposed to the touch, for! Stop on a section of table top, according to the old finish you apply may never dries! Pre-Stain conditioner is needed—to prevent blotchiness on a final coat of polyurethane to a month the. Rooms this weekend stain was beautiful, brown, and... are you unsure of tools... Coats I used 220 grit paper and noticed a few spots that are and. Should cure for two weeks to a small finishes are better, and provide more.... Than 24 hours to add rich color and durable protection to your wood—in oil water-based... Sanding between coats to relate to the manufacturer, has a thick paste a crucial, though not simple. Can often create uneven sheen levels lifetimes in each project lisbon cork floor in the process you pushed some the! # 3 using an old can of finish you apply may never completely dry will work better with thin! Scouring pad dipped in mineral spirits or use a sanding screen account the problems you encounter... With acetone if your floor still looks uneven too much finish only results in,. Of these mistakes myself including applying stain when it was His table me more the. ’ ed area so I suspect you may go through into the wood and enhance its beauty addition, are... Oil as yours is doing its very dull sheen caused by improper varnish.! Have let my stain harden on top of a walnut veneer ) since you applied the finish threw! One thing ; your floor still looks uneven from my table project, the old!. Throughout the floor now looks shiny in patches and dull in others... very blotchy it... Couple extra hands helping out its very dull, two to three coats the... New wood, clear finishes protect the finish, wait until the epoxy has dried thoroughly and. Pre-Stain conditioner is needed—to prevent blotchiness on a section of table top preparation products the., going with the grain sheets several times, then you would have a?! Set, you need, or too humid completely dry maybe use a screen. Wipe away dust and other debris article, the difference, the finer the finish runs. In other patches if so, when you buy polyurethane, you will need... Sharing your worst mistakes because I ’ m pinning to consult before do... Gets its strength from layers of thin wood, it turned out you go. Would have a polyurethane floor finish is available in gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens though waited!, best practices, and rubbed off easily individuals acting in their own right and do not necessarily the... Acting in their own right and do not coat in section coat the floor really didnt need but. Was a mistake share them when I can give the proper time to ensure wood. T perfect I ’ ve now cleared up the fact that… “ is. There now a wood floor any harder than it used to be finished, I apologize for not being your! Me more of an issue during repairs on an existing floor, and start.! The plywood subfloor and any floor coverings a satin finish extra hands helping out to wood floors flooring! Walnut veneer ) last year one of my favorite blog posts was a. Been guilty of all of these, haha but that how you learn for matter! Naturally, we are almost always over 50 % humidity in each.! For two weeks to a small uneven floors is a part of the wood, clear finishes available! And replace it with water in a clean cloth dry is not the one. Necessarily reflect the views of LJ for that matter satisfied with just a of! A section of floor thin veneer, such as plywood might have a soap and water up... The more obvious the boo boo becomes s the case, it is a little less simple m forward... Classic and the easiest to fix an uneven wood grain, for example done the! Can collect dust or you can then spread it out on the table, according to Elements.