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Polyurethane Finishes
When you are looking to seal
wood, whether
it be a floor or furniture, one
of the most
popular alternatives to paint
is to use polyurethane.
Polyurethane provides a clear
or near clear,
hard coating.
Selecting a Type
Polyurethane is available in water-based
and oil-based mixtures. Water-based mixtures
are easier to work with (much lower fumes,
faster drying, less likely to yellow over
time) but lack the hardness of an oil-based
polyurethane. Do not mix types of polyurethane
(oil and water don't mix); make sure the
prior coat is completely dry (matter of days,
if not weeks) before switching.
Finishes
Polyurethane, like paint, is available in
a range of finishes. Flat or
satin finishes
are dull, semi-gloss (as the
name implies)
has some reflective shine to
it, and gloss
is very shiny (think of a basketball
court).
Finishes are a matter of personal
taste;
however, the shinier finishes
tend to wear
longer.
Undercoat
Using a sanding sealer is highly recommended
before coating with polyurethane. Just make
sure the sealer is compatible with the type
of polyurethane you will be using, and be
sure to lightly sand between the sealer and
the polyurethane (and between coats of polyurethane)
so that the top coat has a surface it can
grip.
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