Stain then poly, or stain with poly, or something else entirely? (2023)

FAQs

Can you stain then polyurethane? ›

Let the stain or paint dry on your wood project for at least 24 hours before applying polyurethane.

How long should you wait between applying a stain and a polyurethane coating? Considering that most commonly used stains take between 12 to 24 hours to dry and cure completely, it's good practice to wait a full 24 hours before applying polyurethane sealer to your workpiece after your stain has been applied.

While staining creates a rich, deep color that highlights natural wood grain, it does not provide long-term protection. Without a protective top coat, wood can be damaged easily due to contact with water, food, or sharp objects. A polyurethane top coat protects the wood from scratches, stains and water damage.

As the name suggests, stain and polyurethane in one works in one step. Stain and poly in one adds color and protection in one coat. Because the pigment is suspended in the polyurethane, the color doesn't really soak into the wood. Instead, it sits on the surface of the wood.

In fact no sanding of any kind is required between coats of varnish to ensure bonding of the next layer. Ideally the one, and only, reason you should sand between coats of varnish is to 'de-nib' — to sand off minor surface blemishes, e.g. from dust particles landing in the finish before it has dried.

An oil based polyurethane will continue to amber and darken over time, while water-based poly will remain clear for the lifetime of the hardwood floor. This color difference is less noticeable over a stained hardwood floor, but an oil based poly will still exhibit an amber hue that will continue to darken over time.

Polyurethane is so durable and water-resistant, it has largely replaced shellac and varnish as a wood finish. Originally, it had to be brushed on, but different formulations mean it can now be applied as a spray or by wiping it on with a rag.

Some polyurethanes do not require sealers. If you must seal stain or filler before polyurethane is applied, make sure the sealer is compatible with the varnish. Otherwise, use a penetrating resin sealer. This finishes the wood completely, but you can apply polyurethane over it if you want a smoother finish.

Polyurethane wood finish offers durability and water resistance. This makes it a popular alternative to more traditional coatings such as shellac or lacquer. Learning how to apply polyurethane to stained wood can enhance the appearance of the stain while protecting the surface from scratches and more.

Polyurethane brings out the beauty of raw wood and protects it from the elements. There's nothing quite like wood to give your home an indescribable ambiance.

Does polyurethane bring out the grain? ›

Polyurethane is a clear thin liquid coating that can either be brushed or sprayed on. The purpose of the coating is mainly protective. But polyurethane does bring out the grain in wood finishes and impart a golden tone. Polyurethane finishes are often compared to varnishes, shellacs, and lacquers.

So, can you stain over polyurethane? The short answer is, yes you can! However, you will need to bear in mind that polyurethane seals the wood so traditional stains will not be able to penetrate its pores. This is why you will want to use a gel stain over polyurethane.

About Stain & Poly Spray

Cut your project time in half and cover large surfaces even faster with Rust-Oleum® Varathane® Stain & Poly Spray. This innovative formula provides deep, rich color and Varathane's renowned polyurethane finish—both in one easy step. Just spray on and you're done.

Whenever water or any stain or finish that contains water comes in contact with wood, it causes the wood fibers to swell, which is called “grain raising” or “raised grain.” After the water has dried the wood feels rough to the touch, and thinly applied finishes also feel rough.

Sanding multiple times and applying more coats may take a lot of time and money. But, if you skip this process, the polyurethane coat will not cling to the previous coat, and the last coat will eventually peel off, causing you to buy more and start the project again.

You need at least five to six coats of polyurethane to reach a smooth coating. Only apply three to four coats of water-based poly for a less durable surface. It will help you achieve a good finish, but will not be as smooth and clear as an oil-based finish.

The Short Answer: All polyurethane will yellow over time. While modern technology has extended the amount of time it takes to yellow and reduced the extent it can yellow by, ALL polyurethane (including polyacrylics) will yellow.

Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable. Today though, water based polyurethane has evolved with better formulations that are equally durable as oil based polyurethane. High quality water based polyurethanes is considered by many homeowners & flooring professionals to be equally durable.

Mix half as much mineral spirits as gloss in a painter's tray. Apply it to the sanded, clean surface of the wood in an even coat with a paintbrush. Apply two coats of polyurethane with a brush. After the seal coat is dry, use a clean brush to evenly apply a coat of undiluted gloss to the surface of the wood.

For best results, wait at least 24 hours before sealing the wood. If you are concerned the stain isn't quite dry enough, wait another day before applying poly.

Is it better to brush or roll polyurethane? ›

Don't use rollers or foam brushes—they create bubbles. Your brush will be easier to clean, and will go longer between cleanings, if its bristles are dipped first in mineral spirits, if you're using an oil-based poly, or in water, if the finish is water-based.

The problem is that the stain is not fully dry. The solvent in the stain and the poly are similar and will dissolve each other b4 fully dry.

If you apply a second, unnecessary coat of stain to wood that is already adequately covered, you risk creating a tacky surface that is prone to early peeling because the second coat is not penetrating the wood surface, but simply laying on top of the first coat of stain.

If you are using an oil-based polyurethane, you should have no problems applying polyurethane on top of wood conditioner, given the wood conditioner has fully dried. If you're applying a water-based topcoat, apply Zinsser's Shellac Sealcoat to seal the wood first.

Yes! But you must follow ONE simple rule to ensure the best possible finish: the underlying finish must be absolutely dry. When using a water-based product over an oil-based product, such as water-based High Performance Topcoat over oil-based Gel Stain, wait 72 hours before applying the water-based product.

Apply oil-based poly using a fine-bristled brush (natural or synthetic bristles) or a foam brush. Avoid inexpensive bristle brushes, as these tend to leave obvious brush strokes. Foam brushes are inexpensive (and disposable) and work well for most flat surfaces.

Shellac is the best natural wood finish when a hard, durable coating is needed to protect the wood. 100% oils, on the other hand, are perfect for cutting boards and other projects that benefit from a finish that soaks into the wood. There's more to it than that, though, so lets dive in!

Whether you're making furniture, sculpting wood, retouching a boat, or constructing cabinetry, you're going to want a layer of polyurethane sealant. An oil- or water-based plastic resin used for coating wood or as a wood finish, polyurethane keeps your work waterproof, weather-resistant, and polished-looking.

How long do you have to wait between coats of polyurethane? ›

Water-based polyurethane requires at least two hours of dry time between coats, and you should only apply two coats in a day. It's important to remember that drying time is affected by temperature and humidity.

Cons of Oil-Based Polyurethane

Longer dry times. Dents easier due to it softer finish. The odor is unbearable (respirator use is recommended). The floor darkens over time.

Unlike lacquer, polyurethane doesn't redissolve after it hardens, so problems should be resolved on a coat-by-coat basis. Besides bubbles, possible problems include checks, cracks, runs or separation and blushing. Many can be corrected by sanding and recoating.

The problem is that the stain is not fully dry. The solvent in the stain and the poly are similar and will dissolve each other b4 fully dry.

Yes! But you must follow ONE simple rule to ensure the best possible finish: the underlying finish must be absolutely dry. When using a water-based product over an oil-based product, such as water-based High Performance Topcoat over oil-based Gel Stain, wait 72 hours before applying the water-based product.

How to Seal Wooden Furniture. Most stains should be sealed to prevent bleeding. After smoothing the stained wood, apply a sealer coat of thinned shellac, sanding sealer, or other appropriate sealer.

Apply Sealant as Needed. Applying a topcoat sealer is not required, but a finish protects the stained wood from scratches and keeps it from fading over time. If applying a polyurethane finish with a brush, apply one to two coats.

The best way to apply stain is with a lint free rag and wiping it into the grain of the wood. Using a lint free rag is the best way to apply wood stain because it is great for controlling the amount of stain that is applied and for removing any excess stain.

Cons of Water-Based Polyurethane

Expensive cost. Requires more coats. Scratches easier due to it hardness.

Which is better water based polyurethane or oil based? ›

Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable. Today though, water based polyurethane has evolved with better formulations that are equally durable as oil based polyurethane. High quality water based polyurethanes is considered by many homeowners & flooring professionals to be equally durable.

Varathane Oil-Based Wood Stain: stain will dry in 2-4 hours, allow you to recoat after 2 hours if needed. However, you need to allow 8 hours of drying time before using an oil-based polyurethane and 24 hours before using a water-based polyurethane.

You'll get the best results from your topcoat if you remove any old paint, varnish or other finishes before polyurethane application. For a smooth coating, you'll want the surface to be as smooth as possible, so prepare the wood by sanding it with a sanding block or orbital sander.