08-16-2014, 09:15 AM
Applying a Water-Based Polyurethane:
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. Since oil and water don't mix, this will help the polyurethane to avoid beading on the surface like water on a freshly-waxed car.
Apply a very thin coat of polyurethane with a fine brush, foam pad or cloth. Work with the grain, and avoid applying too much polyurethane to avoid raising the grain.
The initial coat should be dry within a couple of hours, and a second coat can be applied. If applying in this manner, one shouldn't need to sand between coats as with the oil-based version. However, in order to get the same amount of protection, you may need to add a dozen or more coats of the water-based polyurethane.
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. Since oil and water don't mix, this will help the polyurethane to avoid beading on the surface like water on a freshly-waxed car.
Apply a very thin coat of polyurethane with a fine brush, foam pad or cloth. Work with the grain, and avoid applying too much polyurethane to avoid raising the grain.
The initial coat should be dry within a couple of hours, and a second coat can be applied. If applying in this manner, one shouldn't need to sand between coats as with the oil-based version. However, in order to get the same amount of protection, you may need to add a dozen or more coats of the water-based polyurethane.