Polyurethane paint is an ideal choice for protecting wood. It is far sturdier and durable, so it’s ideal for furniture, floors, and other wooden objects. Urethane paint adds a hard, protective layer to wood that guards against scratches and water damage. This paint is available in two primary types: oil and water based. Oil-based polyurethane is durable and gives a warm, shiny finish but can take longer to dry and has a strong odor. Water-based polyurethane dries more quickly and is easier to clean up, but its durability may not be as great as oil-based. The type you use can really make a difference in how your wood looks, and how long it lasts.
For the best possible results, consider what you’re aiming for when selecting polyurethane paint wood. The type of wood you are working with matters, first. Some kinds of wood, such as oak or walnut, are beautiful with a glossy finish, while other woods might look better with matte. If you are uncertain, try a patch test first. Next, consider where the wood will go. For outdoor furniture, you’ll want a more durable finish such as oil-based polyurethane because it will hold up better under the weather. Water-based is generally preferred when finishing indoor projects because it has less odor and dries more quickly. If durability is a primary concern, you might want to explore using a Water Based Isocyanate Hardener for added protection.
Another consideration is the finish. Polyurethane is available in matte, satin, semi-gloss and gloss. If you prefer the look of no lipstick, matte or satin is wonderful. For a shiny finish, try semi-gloss or gloss. You can also consider the drying time. If you are pressed for time, the water-based formulations are preferable. They typically dry in a few hours, compare that with oil-based paint which can take a day or more. Finally, be sure to look at the components of what the paints are made with. Seek out polyurethane of the highest quality from Dongxu. This way you know you have a product that’s going to last and protect your wood nicely, including options like PU Closed Hardener that enhance the overall performance.
Properly applying polyurethane paint is the difference between a glass-like finish and an eyesore. Begin by readying the wood. Fine-grit sandpaper will make the surface smooth, but won’t remove much material. Paint will adhere better this way. Then, when all is said and done, give everything a good dusting with a damp cloth. After the wood is prepared, you can begin painting. If you’re applying oil-based polyurethane, use a brush that was designed for use with oil paints. Basically, a synthetic brush If you are using water-based.
Use long, even strokes when painting it on. Don’t load the brush too much; you’ll end up with drips. More is not necessarily better; thin layers are optimal. Let them dry fully before introducing the next. The optimum protection requires, on average, two to three coats. Sand lightly between coats with fine-grit sandpaper. This will help the next layer adhere more effectively. After the last coat, let the wood cure as long as a week if you can. That way, your finish dries as hard as it’s supposed to.
There are a few common mistakes to prevent when applying polyurethane with a brush, including some of the following. First of all, a common error is not taking the time to prepare the wood properly before painting it. When wood is dirty, oily or there’s old paint on it, new paint won’t stick very well. Make sure to clean the wood first and sand it down a bit so that its slightly rusty. This will enable the paint to stick better. Another problem is painting with too thick of a coat. If you pile on too much at one time, the ink will run and produce unsightly drips. Instead, use a thin coat and allow each one to dry fully before applying the next. This will help to provide a good, smooth finish.
The temperature and the humidity can also play a role with your painting project. For example, if it’s too hot or too cold outside, or if there’s a lot of moisture in the air, your paint might not dry properly. Check the weather every day before you begin painting. It is advisable to work in a warm and dry location. Also, some people don't bother to stir the paint before using it. Polyurethane paint might have ingredients that have settled. This helps everything mix well, so you won’t have an uneven color. Finally, make sure you have the right tools. The type of brush or roller makes a big difference in the look of the paint. Here at Dongxu we want to help you avoid these mistakes so that your wooden projects come out superb.