Apply the finish in a clean, well-ventilated area. The decision to use an oil-based or water-based polyurethane largely depends on your project and your preferences. This is why leveling is the pre-buffing step required next. Varathane One Step Stain & Polyurethane adds rich color and a smooth protective finish. Apply the Varathane in a strip along one part of the wood. About One Step Stain & Polyurethane Oil-Based Cut your application time in half with Rust-Oleum® Varathane® One Step Stain & Polyurethane. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. It can also be used over polyurethane finishes, so you can change the color of your finished wood, without removing the existing finish. Regardless of the type you use, if your project will see a lot of wear and tear, few finishes are as appropriate as polyurethane for the protective topcoats. Avoid inexpensive bristle brushes, as these tend to leave obvious brush strokes. This innovative, water-based formula provides deep, rich color and Varathane ® ’s renowned polyurethane finish—both in one easy step. Research source Fumes may persist for some time after the final coat dries. Test Varathane Diamond Wood Finish in an inconspicuous area before beginning. Time Limit to Dry Stain Before Polyurethane: The Best Practice! Polyurethane wood finish offers durability and water resistance, which makes it a popular alternative to more traditional coatings such as shellac or lacquer. Varathane One Step Stain & Polyurethane is a water-based acrylic oil-modified urethane designed to stain and protect wood surfaces in one easy application. It came out great, thanks!". Last Updated: October 15, 2019 Chris is a freelance writer who specializes in woodworking, designs his own projects, and is experienced in commercial carpentry. The initial coat should be dry within a couple of hours, and you can then apply a second coat. If applying in this manner, you may not have to sand between coats as you do with oil-based poly; check the manufacturer's recommendations. Each coat also makes the finish a bit smoother. Work in manageable areas. Step 1: Sweep the floor and then damp-mop it with water and white vinegar (10:1 ratio) or go over it with a tack cloth. Water-based formulas generally are more neutral or clear. If the toxic fumes produced by Varathane build up, they can be deadly. A clean work area is preferred, as this will prevent dust from spreading to the Varathane as it dries. When you reach one end, start again at the beginning. Click to see full answer. By applying it to a table, you’ll create a clear finish that will protect and preserve the wood. "Simple instructions. Finish Both Sides at Once. Learn more... Varathane is a specific brand of polyurethane made by Rust-Oleum. UNFINISHED SURFACE PREPARATION. 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. If you tend to be sensitive to strong fumes, wear a respirator when working with Varathane. When you’ve added enough coats, use automotive polish to bring out its shine. Depending on the condition of your table, you may only need to lightly sand with a high grit rating sandpaper. After the first coat has fully dried (according to the manufacturer's directions), lightly sand the entire surface (again, parallel to the grain), using 320-grit sandpaper. Minwax® PolyShades® enhances wood grain by combining beautiful rich stain color and long-lasting polyurethane protection in one easy step. On the downside, water-based poly tends to raise the grain of the wood, is susceptible to watermarks, and can be temperamental when applied over some wood stains. Both water-based and oil-based products give off strong fumes as they dry (although oil-based is decidedly worse), so proper ventilation is a must. Overlapping stain on previously stained areas causes uneven colors. Only work in areas with good airflow. As with all wood finishes, good results depend on smooth, clean wood surfaces, but this goes double with clear finishes such as polyurethane. Apply a very thin coat of polyurethane with a fine brush, foam pad, or cloth. wikiHow's. At the same time letting the beautiful Ebony wood stain … Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane was going to give us the protective finish a side table requires. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. To prevent bubbles in the finish, do not over-brush, shake, or apply with a roller. Instead, just stir the product gently but thoroughly before each use. Refer to manufacturer’s label for dry times. Color is another differentiator. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Follow manufacturer’s direction for application of stain or paint. Spray poly goes on just like spray paint. About Varathane One Step Stain & Polyurethane Cut your application time in half with Rust-Oleum ® Varathane ® Stain & Polyurethane. Varathane wood stain features high-quality and advanced pigments that bring out natural, rich color. Polyurethane takes hours, not minutes, to dry; that's a lot of time for dust to settle or bugs to land on the surface, marring the final product. than 85%. Sand surfaces where you’ll apply Varathane. Lightly sand between coats with #320 grit sandpaper. The initial coat should be dry within a couple of hours, and you can then apply a second coat. The primary advantage of wipe-on and spray polyurethanes is thinness. Bristle brushes are better for molded edges and fine details. After your final coat, you may choose to rub out the finish with #0000 steel wool to a consistent sheen level, followed by an application of paste wax for a nice luster. With a solid wood top like this one, finish both the top and the bottom surfaces, even if the bottom won’t show. However, oil-based polyurethane finishes are susceptible to brush marks, and they take much longer to dry, which can slow down your project and possibly increase the risk of getting bugs or dust in your finish before it dries. Apply an even coat of stain to your workpiece, making long brushstrokes and overlapping the edges for full coverage. Water-based poly has a milky white look when it goes on but turns clear as it dries. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Additional coats can be applied with one hour dry time between coats. This highlights imperfections, such as bumps, bubbles, ugly brush marks, and spots that you simply missed or where the finish is too light. Apply using a good quality, natural bristle brush or applicator, brush in the direction of the grain until a uniform film has been achieved. Apply the stain to the wood liberally with a sponge or soft cloth. By combining a stain with polyurethane, the need for multiple product application is eliminated. If you have to work in a smaller room, make sure you open some windows. A deep, rich wood stain color plus a white paint over the top will look weathered after distressing. Applying Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane. Both can be applied in ultra-thin coats that result in less buildup in nooks and crannies, provided you don't apply too much. Standard polyurethane is applied with a brush, but there are also wipe-on formulas that are applied with a rag, as well as a spray finishes in aerosol cans. To prevent brush marks, avoid excessive brushing. Most oil-based Varathane will only need two coats, though some tables may require three (but no more than three). Use a space heater to dry Varathane when your work area is cool or to shorten its normal drying time. Both wipe-on and spray formulas are a good solution for tricky applications, like fine details or vertical surfaces. Make certain surface is thoroughly dry before applying Varathane Premium Polyurethane. Sand the coat lightly with 220-grit sandpaper when dry. You can apply a single coat for a lighter shade or build it up with more coats. Foam brushes are inexpensive (and disposable) and work well for most flat surfaces. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Plan on at least three coats of water-based poly on lightly used projects and at least four coats on floors and any pieces that need maximum protection. Oil-based polyurethanes are somewhat easier to apply and can be less temperamental than water-based formulas. It's best to apply polyurethane to flat (as in level) surfaces so the finish can self-level and is less likely to drip. Polyurethane Finish Tip#2: Level the Surface of the Polyurethane. Clean the wood very thoroughly to remove sanding dust before each new coat of polyurethane, using a vacuum (if available) and a tack cloth. You can also use a rag moistened with mineral spirits (for an oil-based poly) or cheesecloth moistened with denatured alcohol (for a water-based poly). If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Oil-based polyurethane products are available as well, but not as commonly sold on shelves. Apply a base coat of gloss water- or oil-based polyurethane, let it dry and scuff it with 220-grit wet/dry sandpaper. ... Varathane 1 qt. Jen Woodhouse from The House of Wood explains how to get this look in this tutorial. Create a weathered farmhouse-style finish with Varathane Wood Stain and Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint. Crouch down so you see the light reflecting off of the surface. Applying Varathane floor finish to a new or resurfaced wood floor enhances the beauty and texture of the wood, and provides a durable, low-maintenance protection from scuffs and scratches. Bruce has the solution: Minwax® PolyShades®. Use care when applying over white or pastel paints or stains as discoloration may occur. Lightly sand between coats with #320 grit sandpaper. If you end up with runs or drips, try to sand them out when sanding between coats, or carefully remove them with a sharp razor blade (followed by sanding to feather in the blemish). Rust-Oleum Varathane One-Step Stain & Polyurethane allows you to apply both a stain and a polyurethane in one easy step. For the smoothest finish, start sanding with 100-grit sandpaper, then repeat this with 150-grit, and finish sanding with 220-grit paper. For best results, use Varathane Premium Wood Stains. Since oil and water don't mix, this will help prevent the polyurethane from beading on the surface, like water on a freshly waxed car. All varnishes commonly available today are based on a plastic resin--Varathane's use of the term liquid plastic is just marketing language. Apply one coat of stainliberally with a brush or a clean lint-free rag. Repeat these steps until the desired level of protection is achieved. Don't forget to pick out a high-quaity, natural bristle brush. Water-based polyurethanes don't match well with oil-based stains, so if you're applying over stain you'll want to "rough up" the stained surface slightly before applying your water-based polyurethane, using some synthetic steel wool. Warning: Skip this step and the top can twist, cup or warp. This article has been viewed 23,182 times. Wood surfaces are enriched with a deep, beautiful color and protected by a long-lasting polyurethane with a semi-gloss finish. First of all, stir—never shake—a can of polyurethane. Apply One Step Stain & Polyurethane using a high quality synthetic bristle brush in the direction of the grain until a uniform film has been achieved. Complete each area with long, straight strokes to brush out as many bubbles as possible. Oil-based polyurethane typically adds a warm amber glow to wood, particularly to lighter wood species, such as white oak, maple, or birch. Applying polyurethane to new stairs can be tricky if you have to use the stairs while the finish is drying, but you can get around this by coating only every other step at one time. This may negatively interact with the Varathane. Water-bases may need up to a dozen coats. Applying Polyurethane to Hardwood Floors: Step by Step. Anitque White Satin Semi-Transparent Oil-Based Interior Wood Polyurethane and Stain Model# 355861 $ 13 98 $ 13 98. For protection, two coats are the minimum, but floors and anything else that will see hard wear or occasional moisture should get at least three coats. Allow to penetrate for 5- 10 minutes; then remove excess by wiping with a rag in the direction of the grain. In rooms with less than ideal airflow, use a fan. This is a perfect way to showcase your table’s woodwork, and you can do it on your own. Varathane One-Step Stain & Polyurethane contains premium pigments which provide deep, rich color and the high quality Varathane polyurethane, which provides a smooth, even protective finish. Applying a deck stain and sealer with high quality is absolute of no use if you don’t let it adequately dry. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Follow the label directions on your polish for best results. Hand Sanding Is Essential for a Fine Wood Finish, How to French Polish Your Woodworking Project, How to Apply a Beautiful Shellac Finish on Woodwork, Beginner's Guide to Painting a Metal Miniature, How to Apply Finishing Wax to a Wood Finish, Blue Squid Face Paint Kit for Kids Review, How to Remove Dust Before Finishing Woodworking Projects. X Prepare the polyurethane by reducing it about 10 percent with mineral spirits, unless you're using water-based polyurethane, which doesn't need thinning. Wipe-on poly is applied with a clean, lint-free rag. Generally, you should dampen your cotton cloth before using it to apply the polish. The stain will probably get mixed up with the poly. The basic application technique for water-based poly is similar to that for oil-based. 1. If you notice significant bumps in the dried coat, use a razor blade to shave these off. Leave plenty of space between the Varathane and the heater to prevent fires. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. The polyurethane will sand easily, so be careful not to sand through the thin coat and damage the stain or wood underneath. Additional coats can be applied allowing one hour dry time between coats. Apply a very thin coat of polyurethane with a fine brush, foam pad, or cloth. As a result, your poly will take the longest time to settle, sometimes even worse. Some tables may already have a finish. Apply oil-based poly using a fine-bristled brush (natural or synthetic bristles) or a foam brush. Learning how to apply polyurethane to stained wood can enhance the appearance of the stain while protecting the … By using The Spruce Crafts, you accept our. Shaking a can of polyurethane will introduce numerous bubbles into the product that will show up in your final finish. Oil-based Varathane will take 24 hours to dry; water-based ones only take 4 to 6 hours. Easy to understand for my first project. % of people told us that this article helped them. Use a sufficient, but not overly thick, coat of finish. The Spruce Crafts uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Test the coat for dryness. Sand your project with progressively finer grits of sandpaper. Water-Based Wood Finish. You may choose to thin oil-based polyurethanes with mineral spirits or naphtha, but for most applications, this is not necessary; check the manufacturer's recommendations on the product label. The few remaining bubbles will typically disappear within moments. We let the wood stain dry for 1 hour before grabbing the water based top coat. As you're finishing each fresh coat during application, check your work with a bright side-light. Drag the brush along the wood’s grain to apply the stainer. Brush on the polyurethane so the brush strokes are parallel to the grain of the wood. By using our site, you agree to our. Sand the Surface. By lightly sanding each coat of Varathane, you’ll also remove any particles that got stuck in it while drying. When applying polyurethane on vertical surfaces, you may experience drips or runs. Work with the grain, and avoid applying too much polyurethane to avoid raising the grain. Start at one end of the wood and follow the grain toward the opposite end. References. In these cases, sand away all finish before applying Varathane. Just don't finish your work outdoors, where you can't control dust, bugs, and other flying finish-ruiners. Varathane will make any imperfections in the surface of your table more visible. How to Varathane a Table. 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