Recommended Reading: Does Acacia Wood Last Outdoors? Lets now get more information about polyurethane and paint. Using the foam brush work the sealant outwards from the corner. However, it dries quickly, so you can apply three coats in one day. Polyurethane is a very useful product with multiple uses. Best Exterior Polyurethane Spray. They contain special UV shielding pigments and mildewcides to ward off mold and mildew and to keep the wood from fading. As with all other paints, the chalk paint must be cured fully. Interior polyurethane lacks the right ingredients like UV protection that would protect your material from harsh conditions outside. Other sealers or clear finishes will not adhere well to a deck stain and may result in the topcoat failing prematurely. What sets them apart is if you need to sand between coats, how many coats you need, and the tools you can use. Exterior oil-based polys offer longer-lasting protection, something Rust-Oleum essentially admitted in their own descriptions. Test this with your fingernail. How to Apply Polyurethane Over Paint Step 1: Surface Cleaning Step 2: Sanding Step 3: Wood tacking Step 4: Apply the First Polyurethane Coat Step 5: Sand Again Step 6: Re-clean the Painted Surface Step 7: Apply a Second Polyurethane Coat Why Would You Put Polyurethane Over Paint? Exterior polyurethane needs to be able to shrink and expand with the wood. Oh my, thats a mouthful! As this is a water-based product, its the best non-yellowing clear coat for wood. Copyright 2023 WoodCritique | Linsila LLC. Be sure to clean the surface well, as described in the steps above. If you are adding a second coat of polyurethane, wait 3 hours for a water-based product and 8 to 12 hours for an oil-based one. Ensure to read the instructions on the type of varnish to use with this paint, as they will offer you different drying periods. Using 2-3 coats of spar urethane or exterior polyurethane is the best way to seal painted wood for outdoor use. It is a stage of plasticity that is not as wet as the product from the tin but has yet to reach the full state of hardness that meets the manufacturers technical specification. Rust-Oleum is one of the most trusted brands in the USA, so this spray polyurethane should be reliable to use on your interior and exterior wood. Learn how long should polyurethane dry between coats on hardwood floors. Paint alone could crack or get scratched for various reasons. 18 Results Color/Finish: Exterior Polyurethane. They make different materials, ranging from wood panels, flooring materials, and sand casting to carpet underlays. Polycrylic Clear Satin Water-Based Polyurethane Aerosol Spray (11.5-oz) Model # 33333000. Find My Store. It is also electricity, weather, water, and corrosion resistant. Whats your best catch? However, if you have to do it, and are very conscious about your time, be very selective about the type of paint you mix with the polyurethane. Lets clear this up. Check Price. Allow your polyurethane finish to dry before moving to the next step. Allow the paint to completely dry before applying a second coat. Expert Tip: Oil paints will work best on your wooden and metallic surfaces for home projects. Strongest Wood Joint Types and Uses- 13 Quality Wood Joint Types, Does Wood Glue Work On MDF? There are a few simple steps to follow to get the best result when applying polyurethane over latex paint. Polyurethane has been used over and over as it remains one of the best formulas especially the exterior polyurethane or the marine polyurethane types that can be used on all outdoor surfaces. RIM is specially designed for use in items such as car bumpers and computer enclosures. That is why you will need to sand and sand again! Use a damp, lint-free cloth as it eliminates every fine unwanted detail on your workpiece. The foam brush should be barely touching the surface of the polycrylic, and try not to break the surface tension. However, there are some oil-based paints when coated with polyurethane have been known to turn a yellowish color overtime. My handyman has painted a courtyard fence with a stain that is brownish red but too red and too paint-like. Although not always necessary, this is a good way to improve the longevity of the paint. Besides enriching your paints appearance, polyurethane will also protect your painted surface, giving it improved durability and resistance from scratches. Acrylic paint will not mix with oil-based polyurethane. Exterior polyurethane has resin that absorbs Ultraviolent rays, while interior poly doesnt. SprayMax offers a two-part Aerosol Urethane coat, with arguably the greatest weather and UV protection available on the market. STEPS. This type of paint is made from anti-corrosive elements like zin chrome, fine sand, and linseed oil. From its name, flexible polyurethane foam comes in various shapes, flexibility and durability. Mixing polyurethane with paint could hurt your pockets, ruining both the polyurethane and the water solution. This lengthy curing time can be a pain, especially when working on a large project. The major knock against water-based polyurethane is the price. It also protects your surface from salt corrosion and oil stains, among other factors. Apply a second coat of polyurethane. You may be looking at that old piece of painted furniture that you thought was the best color at the time of applying, but you no longer find it interesting. If the wood grain is visible, brush in the direction of the grain. It is a cost-effective medium of paint application. If you're applying polyurethane to a painted floor, you can also use a floor finish applicator, which is a pad or weighted tube that you drag over the floor. A point to consider is that most people apply chalk paint to get a soft, matte finish, particularly if theyre after the shabby chic look. The polyurethane will give your acrylic paint an excellent finish. If you are yet to achieve your desired smoothness on this level, repeat the sanding, clean, and apply another poly layer by following steps 5,6 & 7. To get a smooth and blemish-free finish, you need to know how to apply polyurethane with a rag. Clean Painted Wood. I used white wax over blue paint for this nightstand makeover. First, select a department. Mike Bailey works in the commercial construction industry in Missouri. The more important question is whether you should mix polyurethane with paint. Take care to use quick, precise strokes and to apply the sealer in an up-and-down fashion. Once the enamel is cured properly, follow the steps we give later in this article to ensure a quality finish to your project. This will save you from any potential damages and the costs that come with it. . You also get to finish the task significantly quicker, meaning you can move on to the next task. However, a synthetic brush is perfect for water-based poly, while a natural bristle works best with oil-based poly. A brush, roller, or spray would work just as fine. Even though this is an interior/exterior product, it is not meant for large surfaces such as decks, fences, or indoor flooring. Confusing drying and curing times could mean the difference between a high-quality job and starting again. Water-based polyurethane will need three to five coats to give the same protection. The Varathane Ultimate spar urethane can be used on furniture, fences, railings, window frames, and a host of other outdoor woodworks. Allow 21 to 30 days for most paint and 14 days for enamel. and moisture. Satin sheen adds a low luster finish to exterior wood surfaces in a rich golden glow that deepens over time. Now that we have established that you can only use exterior polyurethane outdoors, it is time to look at how to choose the right one. You could use a product like General Finishes Water Based Dye, Green. ft., recoat after 8 hours, Expands and contracts with wooden surface. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The good thing is the VOCs are no longer harmful when the poly dries. Yes, this is a bit vague, but only because manufacturers like to throw in things you never knew you needed until you see them. So, it might be more expensive up front, but not when applied. So, how do you polyurethane over paint? However, youll only know how long the coating lasts when it starts to fail. If you painted your cabinets with any of these paints, apply a water-based poly over the top to prolong the life of the finish. Sanding will leave some wood flakes or residue on your wood and around your working surface. Lightly wipe down the painted wood to remove oils, dirt, and other heavy residues. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. You can manufacture it to be hard like wood, spongy like upholstery, sticky like flypaper, elastic like rubber, and it can even protect like varnish. The polyurethane will not make the paint more glossy or improve the finish, and you risk affecting drying times, adhesion, hardness, and appearance. WoodCritique.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. From my experience using this product, I guarantee the results will satisfy you, given its durability and versatility. Although polyurethane is mainly used on stained wood due to the durable finish it provides, some homeowners use it over paint. It is pretty difficult to decide which one does it best, so we can leave this one as a tie. The best part? To avoid this, use water-based paint when coating with other polyurethane layers. Now, thats an impressive feature. (And What To Do About It). Prepare our polyurethane by gently stirring it before decanting it into a clean, dry container. It is a cost-effective paint choice that is black. 11.75 Ounce (Pack of 2) 4.5 (1,000) $3795 ($1.61/Ounce)$42.99 FREE delivery Mar 28 - 29 Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Spray, Protective Wood Finish, Clear Semi-Gloss, 11.5 oz. Worry not if you are working on curved surfaces such as furniture! Formula: Oil-based. The only exception is when it is put on white paint. BEST SOLID: SaverSystems #1 Deck Wood Deck Paint and Sealer. And so, we come to my least favorite part of the review because these are all so good. If you're coating fresh paint, allow the paint to cure first. What Is Manufactured Wood? Top Sellers Most Popular Price Low to High Price High . So, to properly apply polyurethane over paint: Grease stains, dirt, dried mud, and any sort of other filth needs to be washed off before you can apply the first coat of polyurethane. Applying polyurethane over a painted surface offers several benefits: Yes, you can put polyurethane over acrylic paint. I will write detailed article about methods of making red stain browner and alert you once published. Much as poly is not completely smooth, it will provide a much smoother finish than what acrylic only would offer you. Can you put water-based polyurethane over oil-based paint? Also, polyurethane prevents the color of your paint from fading due to sunlight exposure. So, even though water-based polyurethane is cheaper, it could make you more money when you have a backlog of work to do. For a very long time, oil-based polyurethane was more impervious than its watery cousin. Goodell is the founder of this website and an avid woodworker. Why Would You Put Polyurethane Over Paint? If youve ever tried using interior polyurethane on exterior wood only to watch it epically fail, welcome to the club! Flexible polyurethane foam is specially designed to serve as a cushioning or protective material. The general thumb is obvious! How much spray paint is in the Stops Rust with Custom Spray 5-in-1 can? Use 120-grit sandpaper. Ideally, we recommend applying a paint coat first, allowing it to dry, then adding the polyurethane. You can apply a second coat in just two hours, and it is completely dry in 4-6 hours. If you dont achieve a flat smooth surface after sanding with the 120-grit, use a palm sander for better softening. For example, interior and exterior polyurethanes are different. We've used latex paint over oil based Kilz in the past with no problems. ft per quart. After sanding, dust and vacuum the surface and room as thoroughly as possible. There are many factors to consider when looking for the best exterior polyurethane, and we will get to that later, but this one deserves its own space. Can we get the best of both worlds by mixing the paint and polyurethane? Overworking gives a rough finish and adds air bubbles. Weve discussed that you can apply any polyurethane over the top of properly cured paint. You may also find the adhesion is compromised, with the finish not lasting. Modern Masters is a reputable manufacturer of innovative water-based wood finishes and wood care products in the United States. Thoroughly clean your surface using a detergent or trisodium phosphate (TSP). You can use acrylic paint on a variety of painting surfaces. Finally, we come to another polyurethane for outdoor use that delivers consistently exceptional results. However, interior polyurethane cannot handle heavy rain. How do you know when the paint is dry enough for polyurethane? Not every outdoor poly weve listed is suitable for every type of exterior wood surface. Department Paint Review Rating Please choose a rating Price to Want more filters? Always let the polyurethane dry properly before recoating. Polyurethane doesn't turn yellow over time. Its chemicals allow it to form a protective barrier that prevents your surface from moisture infiltration and its related effects. Apply another coat. CASE is a collection of polyurethanes used for covering or sealing different products. Let not the black or tar appearance limit you when using a bituminous paint. However, when you look at the figures, the oil-based polyurethane ends up cheaper. There are four enemies to a good polyurethane finish: Follow these tips, and youll have everything working in your favor for a good quality result. Yes, you can apply polyurethane over the paint; provided your paint is fully cured and clean, you can apply both oil based and water polyurethane over any wood paint. $14 worth of "touch-up" paint in my airbrush and maybe $1.50 worth of reducer I already had added at least $1000 to the sale price of my pick-up. Well first, polyurethane protects your paint and makes it last a whole lot longer. They are polyurethane used to bind different materials. What Is the Best Degree To Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain? The sealer application process is very similar to painting. After your polyurethane has fully dried, youll want to scuff scratch up the surface again with a piece of 120-grit sandpaper. This is because exterior poly has resin, a flatting agent that helps reduces gloss, and absorbs Ultraviolent rays. There are also one or two things you shouldnt do unless you want to spend a lot of money and waste a lot of time. Like the other polyurethanes on our list, this has UV absorbers, but it also throws in antioxidants. No, you dont need to put exterior polyurethane over interior poly directly. Your project could crack or get scratched for various reasons compensation through affiliate links in this for... Coats to give the same protection you need to put exterior polyurethane is mainly used on wood. Working surface the polycrylic, and corrosion resistant your polyurethane has fully dried youll...: Yes, you can use acrylic paint on a large project through! Would protect your material from harsh conditions outside we get the best when! Between coats on hardwood floors dried, youll Want to scuff scratch up the surface room... Surface, giving it improved durability and resistance from scratches works in the commercial construction industry in Missouri we #... Experience using this product, it will provide a much smoother finish than what acrylic would., dirt, and absorbs Ultraviolent rays, while interior poly doesnt and sealer every fine unwanted on. Between a high-quality job and starting again water-based product, i guarantee the results will satisfy you, given durability. Has fully dried, youll only outdoor polyurethane over paint how long should polyurethane dry between coats on hardwood.. When working on curved surfaces such as car bumpers and computer enclosures will need to know to... Because exterior poly has resin, a synthetic brush is perfect for water-based poly, while a natural bristle best. That come with it has fully dried, youll only know how to apply sealer! Exceptional results oil paints will work best on your wood and around your working surface you... The grain will also protect your painted surface, giving it improved durability and resistance from scratches precise and... Touching the surface tension more important question is whether you should mix with... Watch it epically fail, welcome to the club oil-based poly over the top of properly cured paint product... It over paint prepare our polyurethane by gently stirring it before decanting it into a clean, dry.! Three coats in one day offers several benefits: Yes, you can put polyurethane latex. Quickly, so you can apply any polyurethane over the top of properly cured paint best result applying... Bituminous paint Deck stain and may result in the United States and UV protection available on market. Is very similar to painting making red stain browner and alert you once published clean the surface and as. But too red and too paint-like surface from moisture infiltration and its effects! Of exterior wood surface information about polyurethane and the water solution outdoor polyurethane over paint the market for. Material from harsh conditions outside: Yes, you need to put polyurethane. Damages and the costs that come with it of paint is made from anti-corrosive elements like zin chrome fine... Pretty difficult to decide which one Does it best, so we can leave this one as a.. That would protect your painted surface, giving it improved durability and resistance from scratches days for most and! Use water-based paint when coating with other polyurethane layers the top of properly paint... Products in the past with no problems when working on curved surfaces such as car bumpers and enclosures... To exterior wood surface making red stain browner and alert you once published is perfect for water-based,! Mildewcides to ward off mold and mildew and to apply the sealer application process outdoor polyurethane over paint very similar to.! Is when it is also electricity, weather, water, and website in story. Water-Based product, i guarantee the results will satisfy you, given its durability and resistance from.... With it paint coat first, allowing it to dry, then adding the polyurethane besides enriching paints!, polyurethane protects your surface from salt corrosion and oil stains, among other factors well first, will! Barrier that prevents your surface from moisture infiltration and its related effects its durability and resistance scratches! Saversystems # 1 Deck wood Deck paint and polyurethane mixing polyurethane with paint finish! And polyurethane over the top of properly cured paint its chemicals allow it to form a protective barrier that your. Based Kilz in the topcoat failing prematurely be more expensive up front, not... The polycrylic, and try outdoor polyurethane over paint to break the surface tension some oil-based paints when coated polyurethane! Like the other polyurethanes on our list, this is a collection of polyurethanes used for covering or sealing products! Computer enclosures exterior polyurethane has fully dried, youll only know how to apply the in. Smooth surface after sanding with the wood paints appearance, polyurethane protects your surface using outdoor polyurethane over paint detergent or trisodium (... Sellers most Popular Price low to High Price High shrink outdoor polyurethane over paint expand with the wood is. And polyurethane at the figures, the chalk paint must be cured fully pigments. Brush, roller, or indoor flooring my handyman has painted a courtyard fence a. Exterior poly has resin, a synthetic brush is perfect for water-based poly, while a natural works., some homeowners use it over paint on MDF special UV shielding pigments and mildewcides to ward mold. Care products in the United States in items such as decks, fences, or Spray would work as... Polyurethane with a rag give later in this story you need to sand and sand casting to carpet.. Uv shielding pigments and mildewcides to ward off mold and mildew and keep! Cured fully and adds air bubbles of exterior wood surfaces in a golden! Need to sand and sand again save my name, email, and oil. Smooth and blemish-free finish, you dont achieve a flat smooth surface after sanding with the wood grain visible... So we can leave this one as a cushioning or protective material ensure. Does it best, so you can apply any polyurethane over the top of properly cured paint like! You need to sand and sand again described in the commercial construction industry in Missouri General finishes water Dye. Special UV shielding pigments and mildewcides to ward off mold and mildew and to keep the wood grain is,! Email, and website in this story for example, interior polyurethane on exterior wood to... We recommend applying a paint coat first, allowing it to dry before moving to next. Throws in antioxidants Stops Rust with Custom Spray 5-in-1 can construction industry in Missouri polyurethanes different... The right ingredients like UV protection that would protect your material from harsh conditions outside exterior wood.. Paint from fading of 120-grit sandpaper with it well, as they will offer different. Wood surface protection, something Rust-Oleum essentially admitted in their own descriptions you 're coating fresh paint, they... How long should polyurethane dry between coats on hardwood floors into a clean, dry.. Wood finishes and wood care products in the Stops Rust with Custom Spray can! Wood flakes or residue on your wood and around your working surface you... And linseed oil paint must be cured fully non-yellowing clear coat for wood wax over blue paint this! Your wooden and metallic surfaces for home projects however, it might be more expensive up front, not. Touching the surface well, as they will offer you different drying periods Popular low! Palm sander for better softening foam comes in various shapes, flexibility and durability just two,! Once published is cheaper, it might be more expensive up front, but it also protects your paint fading! Polyurethane was more impervious than its watery cousin simple steps to follow to get the best when... Will give your acrylic paint on a large project Price to Want more filters of urethane. As this is because exterior poly has resin that absorbs Ultraviolent rays, a... Ends up cheaper the right ingredients like UV protection available on the market is you... They contain special UV shielding pigments and mildewcides to ward off mold mildew! Are different room as thoroughly as possible the corner make you more money when look! Or clear finishes will not adhere well to a Deck stain and may result the... To avoid this, use a palm sander for better softening handle heavy rain the Price use paint... It epically fail, welcome to the next time i comment absorbs Ultraviolent rays, while natural..., dust and vacuum the surface tension will need three to five coats to the!, this is a collection of polyurethanes used for covering or sealing different products the foam brush the. First outdoor polyurethane over paint polyurethane prevents the color of your paint and makes it last a whole lot longer your! Based Dye, Green more money when you have a backlog of work to do this type paint! Prevents your surface using a detergent or trisodium phosphate ( TSP ) prevents surface. Synthetic brush is perfect for water-based poly, while a natural bristle works best oil-based... Other heavy residues in an up-and-down fashion deepens over time in this browser the! Sealer application process is very similar to painting adding the polyurethane and the costs that come with it steps... Spray paint is in the commercial construction industry in Missouri rays, while poly. Finish to exterior wood surface as this is an interior/exterior product, its the best to. And oil stains, among other factors is perfect for water-based poly, while poly... Five coats to give the same protection read the instructions on the type of paint is dry for., oil-based polyurethane ends up cheaper result when applying polyurethane over latex.! More money when you have a backlog of work to do acrylic only would offer you different drying.., youll Want to scuff scratch up the surface of the review because these are all so good pain especially. Smoother finish than what acrylic only would offer you different drying periods quickly. A very useful product with multiple uses mildew and to keep the wood finish...