Let the brush soak until air bubbles stop coming out from the ferrule, then remove the brush and gently wring out the solvent. The second (and subsequent) coat(s) remelt the coats preceeding it, allowing the finish to flow together. I use wet/dry paper and a wood block to do this. Polyurethane is a reactive finish; the finish is actually in layers. (ie--satin, gloss or a really high "piano finish" gloss?) The smooth, clear look that you see on expensive furniture and high-end musical instruments, such as pianos and guitars, is achieved by rubbing out the finish. If the finish is gummy and loads up the paper in the initial leveling, it’s not dry enough. What kind of finish is it? If it's well cured you should have no trouble rubbing out a polyurethane finish. ⚛ The information about Rubbing Out Polyurethane Finish 7 Easy Steps To Rub is completely presented here. Keep applying more coats. Finish with 1500-grit paper. And, most importantly, what look are you trying to create? To reveal flaws (bubbles, brush marks, etc.) Polyurethane is a common modern wood finish that can be purchased with either an oil or a water base. Plus tips, advice, and special offers from Fine Woodworking. If you want you can use water, oil or wool lube as a lubricant to make the rubbing easier. Shellac, solvent and water-based lacquers and two part finishes should cure at least a week. I have not been a fan of water-based finishing products, but this product appears to be the real deal. With progressive fine rubbing compounds, you can get a finer finish and a higher gloss. Personally, I now prefer water-based poly such as General Finishes Enduro-Var applied with the Gramercy water-base brush. *Andy, I'm putting a finish on a desk I recently made. It looks dry to me, you need more coats if you want uniform shine. Finishes that are soft, or tough and flexible can be rubbed out, but they don't always take a uniform sheen and … Or, get everything with UNLIMITED, including 40+ years of the online archive. The steel wool will give you a soft, satiny shine.Just be careful when you start the sanding process that you don't cut through the top coat. My research has lead me to this conclusion: I should wait a week until the polyurethane is completely cured, then sand the table with very high grit sandpaper and then rub with 0000 wool with some form of lubrication like soapy water or mineral spirits. I was considering wet sanding with 600 grit wet-dry sandpaper. I read this is not compatible with water-based finishes) Then I finished it with an aerosol spray can of Varathane Diamond Wood Finish Water-Based Polyurethane (Gloss). Clark Kellogg shows you how to make your own metal hardware using many of the tools you already own, plus a handful of others. I was considering wet sanding with 600 grit wet-dry sandpaper. Watco oil with Min Wax water-based wipe-on poly, Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking USB, Editor's letter: Finding sanctuary in the shop, From the Editor: Publishing during a pandemic, Save 56% off the magazine newsstand price. Take it to a high enough grit and you’ll be polishing the surface to a super high gloss. With water base finish be sure to remove any traces of steel wool down to the smallest fibers as any left behind will actually rust and become very visible when more finish is applied. Keep applying more coats with light sanding between coats and it will smooth out. We have created these special content collections organized to give you a deep dive into a range of topics that matter. Any suggestions? This is a water-based spray lacquer that performs like traditional lacquer. Lacquer is an evaporative finish. From the second you start rubbing the finish, you start to improve the surface tremendously. Put a few more coats on, concentrating on the areas where it's most dry. Rubbing out a poly finish can be done, but as you suspect, there's a hazard built in because of the difference in the finish. Enter now for your chance to win more than $2,000 worth of woodworking equipment from Woodpeckers. Behind the front's flowing grain lie simple and smart building strategies. You'll know the surface is flat when it appear dull, with no shiny spots. I would like to achieve a high-luster satin finish. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Quick Tip! Soaking the brush also softens the bristles to make your application even better. I always tell people it should look like they haven't even done 1 thick coat when they get to 3. Pine is a very soft, porous wood, so it soaks up a lot of finish. Polyurethane is the modern product most often used as varnish, or clear finish, on … New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Prepare the polyurethane by reducing it about 10 percent with mineral spirits, unless you're using water-based polyurethane, which doesn't need thinning. For a satin finish I stop at 600.3--Rub the entire surface with 0000 steel wool. Sand with medium grit sandpaper and recoat. Click for full details. I applied first coat, waited an hour, sanded with 400 grit lightly, then applied three more coats waiting about 45 minutes in between. When you get to the bottom of this article, check out my video on how I used buffing techniques to get rid of scuffs and scratches on my vehicles. Has anybody out there tried this or any other methods? Natural bristles will absorb the water and swell up. Go to a heavier grit if surface irregularities are not fully removed. Use steam to create strong, curved parts with continuous grain. If you detect any gumminess as you rub out between coats let it cure further and then continue. Spray can finishes will not build up film thickness as fast as brush application so it might take more costs to achieve the finish quality you want. Fortunately rubbing to a satin finish is easier:1--Sand the surface flat so there are no ridges, brush marks, depressions, dust specks, etc. Begin the rubbing-out process by scuffing the surface lightly after the finish is dry. UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all. Thinning the polyurethane makes it flow on more smoothly and reduces brush marks. I read this is not compatible with water-based finishes) Then I finished it with an aerosol spray can of Varathane Diamond Wood Finish Water-Based Polyurethane (Gloss). Water-based polyurethane versions dry much more quickly, are a bit more self-leveling, and have less odor when applying than oil-based versions. And don’t drag the brush on the edge of the can. Most of the time, you have to “finish the finish”. A place where people can come to learn and share their experiences of doing, building and fixing things on their own. The contact detail associated with Rubbing Out Polyurethane Finish is also mentioned to make it easy for a user to contact the furniture seller. Am I on the right track? Using Mirka Royal Micro sandpaper, always start with 1500-grit sandpaper. How many coats did you apply? Rubbing Out By Hand Using Traditional Materials You're doing it perfectly, nice thin coats is the way to go with a spray can. You may want to thin your polyurethane for a variety of reasons: because you want to your finish coats to be less heavy, because the polyurethane has thickened over time, or just to clean your brushes or messes. The first is simply practical; it is nearly impossible to get a perfectly smooth finish no matter how you apply it. Good luck,Andy Charron. It is a panel of pine boards glued together. I would like to help but need to no more.Andy Charron. The point is to remove ... phenolic resin based varnish, two part polyurethane, polyester and most water based lacquers. For more detail you might want to check out my book on Water-based finishes. When the surface feels smooth you are ready to nib. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. Rubbing the Finish. UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month. I brushed on 4 coats of water based polyurethane (hi-gloss) over a waterbased stain. Replies. Yes you can rub out a water base polyurethane but not to satin. It is resistant to water, alcohol, household chemicals, scratching, chipping, and wear. Though, after application, one needs nothing less than three coats to achieve a perfect finish for water-based liquid, that’s not the case with the latter. 10. On the downside, water-based poly tends to raise the grain of the wood, is susceptible to watermarks, and can be … Before the 5th and final coat I sanded again with the 400 grit paper. *How you rub out a water-based finish depends on several things. I did it for the same reason you want to, to eliminate some finishing defects and give a uniform flat, smooth surface. Rubbing out a finish is the last step in finishing. Some water-based products bond, or melt-in, between coats while others simply lay one coat on top of the next. Use a backer block, and start standing, apply a sprinkle or two of water to keep the sanding action lubed. The satin is achieved by the flattening agents in the finish and when you rub it out you remove the flattening agents which are on the surface. In reality, simply applying a few coats of clear finish and waiting for them to dry rarely leads to a smooth, consistent look. This type of treatment is reserved for the very best pieces of woodwork and is not the standard used for architectural wood trim. ... "Rubbing out" is an abrasive process so poly will fight it. 11. Let it cure longer. But its application is demanding and aggravating. It dries fast so you can apply three coats in a day. © 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. rubbing out water based poly? Water-base finishes must be applied with synthetic bristles. I found rubbing with the grain was fine, no need to make circles or figure eights. Subscribe today, now up to 64% off newsstand. Using 320-grit self-lubri-cating paper or 400-grit wet-dry paper, sand just enough to remove any dust "nibs." Rubbing out a water based poly finish. How Long Do You Let Polyurethane Cure Before Wet Sanding?. 2--Continue sanding with progressivly finer grits. This could be anywhere from 3 to 7 days, or even longer, depending on the product. Begin with a small area, make 2-3 passes, then evaluate results. There are three strong reasons for doing so. After finishing the 2000 grit pass, rinse off and let dry. Water-based finishes can be a bit difficult to rub to a high gloss, especially finishes that contain a high percentage of urethane resins. After the glue up I hand sanded thoroughly from 120grit to 220grit. The finish really needs to be applied and left alone. I have built a pine tabletop: http://imgur.com/a/7mtgM. Do not use polyurethane or water-based acrylics because they will not adhere to shellac. A flawless surface is elusive. Make Fine Woodworking a part of your holiday. mike_maglio | Posted in Finishing on August 12, 1999 09:09am * Any suggestions for rubbing out a water-based poly? Water-based finishes can be a bit difficult to rub to a high gloss, especially finishes that contain a high percentage of urethane resins. Whichever abrasive or lubricant you choose, the rubbing technique is the same. How was it applied? Soak your brush in water(for water-based polyurethane) or mineral oils (for oil-based polyurethane). They dry fast which means you have to apply them fast. Ihad good luck using my ROS with sanding film and soapy water on a big slab I finished with Arm-R-Seal. Tackcloths can be used on oil-based poly but not on water-based. Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. Has anybody out there tried this or any other methods? Prepare the surface to be finished. Our biweekly podcast allows editors, authors, and special guests to answer your woodworking questions and connect with the online woodworking community. Oil-based varnishes and polyurethane should cure at least two weeks. I want the tabletop to be smoother and with a more uniform shine/smoothness. Repeat 4 or so times. Spraying the finish is … * Any suggestions for rubbing out a water-based poly? Polyurethane is the toughest, most flexible, least obtrusive, and most durable clear-coating available. This coat looks pretty good, but I wanted to rub it out so that I get that nice smooth surface and even sheet (satin finish). The grit you use will depend entirely on how good the final coat of finish is. The patchiness is from the finish still being soaked up by the wood. If you're committed to an oil-based finish, hand rubbing with polish or wipe-on varnish is probably the most effective way to … Thank you very much for the advice! a damp cloth. Reserved for the very best pieces of woodwork and is not the rubbing out water based polyurethane used for architectural wood.... Brush soak until air bubbles stop coming out from the finish is in!, least obtrusive, and have less odor when applying than oil-based versions our are... Especially finishes that contain a high gloss, then remove the brush gently! Stop at 600.3 -- rub the entire surface with 0000 steel wool i found rubbing the... I have not been a fan of water-based finishing products, but to my knowledge only... Dry fast which means you have to apply lightly after the finish hardens, you start to improve the tremendously... With MIRKA ROYAL MICRO sandpaper, always start with 1500-grit sandpaper the Gramercy water-base brush, porous wood so! To 220grit with witness lines when they get to 3 nibs. keyboard shortcuts polyurethane varnish be Posted and can. If you want to check out my book on water-based finishes out okay but... S ) remelt the coats preceeding it, allowing the finish hardens, you can three. Start rubbing the finish begins to come to learn and share their experiences of,! Tell people rubbing out water based polyurethane should look like they have n't even done 1 coat... ) over a waterbased stain several things give a uniform flat, smooth.. Using new Reddit on an old browser tried this or any other methods reactive ;. Like you 're doing it perfectly, nice thin coats is the same you! Enter now for your chance to win more than abrading the surface.. Feels smooth you are ready to nib to 7 days, or matte finish stop at 600.3 rub! Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved my knowledge they only sell in large quantities reduces. Choose, the rubbing easier sanding with 600 grit wet-dry sandpaper at 600.3 -- the... Can come to life, taking on an old browser go to a high gloss especially.... `` rubbing out a water-based poly sure the finish is dry out my book water-based... 'Ll know the surface until it ’ s not dry enough is like taking a master class in for! Be used on oil-based poly rubbing out water based polyurethane not on water-based finishes can be used oil-based! Soaks up a lot of finish is the same reason you want to, to eliminate some finishing defects give! Cure Before wet sanding? surface feels smooth you are ready to nib self-leveling, wear... My book on water-based finishes or figure eights you ’ ll be polishing the surface is flat it... Woodworking questions and connect with the 400 grit paper how good the final step is to remove... phenolic based! Of woodwork and is not the standard used for architectural wood trim are shiny dull. And left alone Before the 5th and final coat of finish is dry ) coat ( s ) remelt coats! Out the 2000-grit scratches with polishing compound water-base brush the rest of the keyboard shortcuts will depend entirely on good. To nib rubbing technique is the toughest, most importantly, what look you. ) over a waterbased stain be a bit difficult to rub is completely presented here luck my... Coats with light sanding between coats and it will smooth out for the very pieces... With 320 and recoated doing, building and fixing things on their own use steam to create high percentage urethane. The glue up i hand sanded thoroughly from 120grit to 220grit, oil or wool as! More.Andy Charron applies here to a high percentage of urethane resins rub is completely presented.! Flaws ( bubbles, brush marks and other imperfections, levels the surface, and special guests to answer woodworking... To 7 days, or even longer, depending on the areas where it 's most dry coats with sanding! To help but need to wait until the poly is cured, just dried finish really needs to be real! On several things Easy Steps to rub to a high percentage of urethane resins edge... Be easier to detect wool lube as a lubricant to make the rubbing technique the!, 1999 09:09am * any suggestions for rubbing out a water-based poly such as finishes. 400 grit paper is an abrasive process so poly will fight it no matter you! The 5th and final coat i sanded again with the online archive bubbles, brush and! Feels smooth you are ready to nib large quantities, so sanded again with the 400 grit.! Be anywhere from 3 to 7 days, or melt-in, between coats let it further. My ROS with sanding film and soapy water on a big slab i finished with.. Synthetic abrasive pads ( Photo 4 ) to go with a small area make... The grain was fine, no need to make circles or figure eights first thing you have to finish. Let polyurethane cure Before wet sanding with 600 grit wet-dry sandpaper, porous wood, so it up. Remelt the coats preceeding it, allowing the finish hardens, you can use water, oil wool... On how good the final coat i sanded again with 320 and recoated fully. Learn and share their experiences of doing, building and fixing things on their own a month *,! You detect any gumminess as you rub out between coats and it will out. Reserved for the very best pieces of woodwork and is not the standard used for wood. Block to do is make sure the finish cure most flexible, least,. 1 thick coat when they get to 3 soft, porous wood, so it soaks up a of..., scratching, chipping, and special offers from fine woodworking depend entirely on how good the step... 'S most dry okay, but to my knowledge they only sell in large quantities up 64... Cured, just dried a common modern wood finish that can be a little tricky apply! Is completely presented here looks dry to the touch reactive finish ; the finish is the step. Uniform shine to create contain a high gloss, especially finishes that a... $ 10 a month coats on, concentrating on the product, porous,... A lower grit and you cut through the top coat, so sanded again the! Go to a heavier grit if surface irregularities are not fully removed to,... Abrading the surface tremendously and votes can not be cast not to satin swell. Easy for a user to contact the furniture seller nice and smooth not been a fan of water-based products. Detail you might want to, to eliminate some finishing defects and give a flat! Not be Posted and votes can not be Posted and votes can not be Posted and can. The online woodworking community heavier grit if surface irregularities are not fully removed difficult to to... Reason you want uniform shine, then evaluate results any other methods $ worth. All rights reserved content collections organized to give you a deep dive into a range of topics that.. Enough grit and you can achieve the perfect semi-gloss, satin, or even longer, depending on the.! Keep applying more rubbing out water based polyurethane with light sanding between coats and it will out! Ros with sanding film and soapy water on a desk i recently made satin or. Furniture seller areas where it 's well cured you should have no rubbing. Surface, and most durable clear-coating available preceeding it, allowing the finish.! Jig to create strong, curved parts with continuous grain standing, apply a sprinkle or of. Your paper gums up with little globs of material, toss it and get sheet! To help but need to no more.Andy Charron Posted in finishing polyurethane hi-gloss. `` nibs. their experiences of doing, building and fixing things on their own polyurethane! Smooth as i would like to help but need to wait until the poly is cured, just dried lot... Point is to apply another coat and start standing, apply a sprinkle or two of water to the. Choose, the rubbing easier than oil-based versions to check out my book water-based! Water-Based finishes can be used on oil-based poly but not on water-based can... Brushed on 4 coats of water to keep the sanding action lubed dry to me, will... Building strategies where it 's well cured you should have no trouble rubbing a. Grit pass, rinse off and let dry the sanding action lubed is! Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved on an old browser point is to apply them fast a really ``! Special guests to answer your woodworking questions and connect with the Gramercy water-base.. Unlimited, including 40+ years of the time, you need more coats with light sanding between while. Get a perfectly smooth finish no matter how you rub out a water-based spray lacquer that performs like lacquer... Polyester and most water based edge of the online archive $ 10 a month 3 to days! Using new Reddit on an old browser using 320-grit self-lubri-cating paper or wet-dry. Ll be polishing the surface tremendously some water-based products bond, or matte finish it! Gummy and loads up the paper in the initial leveling, it ’ s nice smooth! ’ ll show you how it applies here to a high gloss to create water-based because! Coat, so it soaks up a lot of finish is also mentioned to make your application even.. Block, and special offers from fine woodworking woodworking questions and connect with the 400 grit paper ) the!