How to Apply Polyurethane (DIY)

Publish date: 2024-09-30

Introduction

Getting a smooth, blemish-free finish with oil-based polyurethane is within your grasp if you follow the steps in this article. Oil-based polyurethane varnish brings out wood's natural beauty and grain. Our 8-step approach shows you how to apply the varnish successfully. A good-quality natural-bristle brush, a reasonably dust-free, well-ventilated space and some patience are all you need.

Tools Required

Materials Required

Finish your woodworking project or furniture refinishing job with an oil-based polyurethane varnish to bring out the wood’s natural beauty and grain. Learn how to prep the wood surface and successfully apply a flawless finish with these detailed steps.

We use an oil-based polyurethane finish in this story, though you can also use water-based urethane finishes with great results. But the color and depth you get are no match for oil-based urethanes. If you choose a water-based product, the process for achieving a smooth finish is basically the same. Just be sure you use a tack cloth to clean off dust that’s appropriate for water-based finishes, like a cheesecloth moistened with denatured alcohol.

Have a lot of polyurethane to apply? Watch this video for the fastest way to get it done:

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