Can You Polish Polyurethane

Minimize this problem by applying thinner coats or by switching from standard brush on poly to a wipe on or spray finish both of which can be applied in very thin coats.

Can you polish polyurethane. Before film finishes like polyurethane varnish were widely available paste wax was the best option for giving wood furniture and floors a protective coating but now the main purpose of wax is simply to polish the existing finish. I have already applied about 15 coats of polyurethane to the top and let it cure until i cannot smell it. To reveal flaws bubbles brush marks etc as you work shine a light at a low angle across the surface. How do you polish these few imperfections out of polyurethane after the final coating to still maintain a high gloss smooth finish.

You can definitely overdo it. Brush on three thin coats with a foam brush. Next im going to wet sand the top. From reading the above thread i thought it was not possible and put my project away for the night.

You dont need much wax for that in fact the less the better. However for those of you looking to polish polyurethane to a mirror finish it can be done. I need to polish to top of this oak slab coffee table. How to polish polyurethane.

I was searching for something to polish my plain old polyurethane when dry sanding to 2000 was not working. Nothing deep but a couple of nicks through the finish that id planned to touch up with polyshades. Repeat the polishing process whenever the polyurethane begins to lose its gloss from use taking care not to sand through the coating entirely and removing its protective properties. I found this thread two years later.

Allow the polyurethane surface five full days curing time before you attempt to polish the material for the first time. They are both way too abrasive and dull the finish a lot. I have tried 2000 grit paper and 0000 steel wool. You can use a natural bristle brush with oil based poly but keep an eye out for loose brush hairs.

When applying polyurethane on vertical surfaces you may experience drips or runs. Its best to apply polyurethane to flat as in level surfaces so the finish can self level and is less likely to drip. There are minor scratches that you can see with a few that can be felt with your fingernail. Thinning the polyurethane makes it flow on more smoothly and reduces brush marks.

Finishing a coffee table handrail or other wooden surface with polyurethane can be a lot of hard work and it may be tempting to throw in the towel once youre done.