polyurethane finish problems

This defect is caused by silicone in the substrate which may have been left by furniture polish or wax. Wait for drips to dry before you scrape them off with a razor blade or sand them down with 220-grit sandpaper and recoat. Cleanliness. After flattening the affected area with sandpaper, wait until the temperature drops and spread a thinner coat. Theories abound over this topic---everything from the shaking of the cans that occur during transport to the type of wood it's applied onto to impatience in applying poly by brush. https://www.popularwoodworking.com/editors-blog/the_7_myths_of 90% of users apply polyurethane incorrectly. He applied a very fast drying, oil-based polyurethane, clean satin finish. I doubt there’s any problem in finishing more frustrating than fish eye. Is this true, these polyurethane floor finish problems will solve themselves, or should I be calling my bank to stop payment? A: Was this a waterborne polyurethane? The problem usually appears as moonlike craters in the first coat of finish seconds after application, but it can also appear as ridges (sometimes called “crawling”), and it can hold off showing itself until the second or third coat. While a thicker coat of polyurethane affords better protection, it’s important to realize that thickness is built in layers. Avoid using a finish that contains a solvent that could attack the existing coating. This defect, called blushing, is the result of moisture in the wood and is more likely occur when using a solvent-based product. Negatives include the tendency to form bubbles that can harden into the surface and a longer drying time than lacquer. Let's start with polyurethane, a hardwood floor finish that's been popular in the US for the last 30 to 40 years. Do you have problems with your polyurethane being streaky or foggy when you brush it on? After application the finish has a certain amount of time, depending on the type of coating and environmental conditions in the home, to flow out and level. Q: We have Brazilian Cherry floors and had an experienced flooring guy screen/sand half of our floors. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. I did the same…, Q: I had my hardwood sanded and refinished and high-gloss put on. With a solid wood top like this one, finish both the top and the bottom surfaces, even if the bottom won’t show. These are the TWO requirements needed for a polyurethane to cure. So I had it buffed and recoated with the polyurethane and still the spots are popping up everywhere, where the polyurethane did not stick.…, Q: I oil rubbed a hand scraped oak floor. Always lightly sand an existing coat before applying a fresh one over it. He applied a very fast drying, oil-based polyurethane, clean satin finish. However, it is now January and all around the floor you can start to see separation between the polyurethane and each plank joint. Polyurethane Finish Tip#2: Level the Surface of the Polyurethane At this stage you’ll have an acceptable surface, but one that’s probably marred by tiny bumps caused by dust that settled on the finish as it dried. Warning: Skip this step and the top can twist, cup or warp. Q: After refinishing a hardwood floor hallway with coats of polyurethane, there is a white cloudiness on some parts of the floor that will not wipe away or go away. Remove the finish with an oscillating tool, a sanding accessory and 100-grit sandpaper if it turns cloudy after it hardens. This is generally just a matter of a few hours. 4 steps to a perfect polyurethane finish. (72 F) and at Relative Humidity (RH) of 35-65%. Oil-based polyurethane was the first polyurethane to come to the market, and dominated as a hardwood floor finish until the last 10 years or so. How to Clean Your A/C / Air Conditioner Condenser Unit – A clean air conditioner saves $! This can cause problems if you apply the wrong type of polyurethane. A: I don’t believe there is any truth to that. There are several explanations for such a happening; however, at this point, I want to look at what to do when polyurethane won’t dry. Pop bubbles that appear when painting or spraying polyurethane with the tip of a paintbrush. I am having problems with my water based poly "cratering". The best time to recoat polyurethane is after it has dried tack-free, which can take from one to several hours, depending on the product you're using, and before it cures, which is usually between 24 and 48 hours. This is a problem that happens most often with waterborne finishes in which the finish glues the sides of the boards together. I guess that tells you what you need to do. Then over several hours or overnight it dries to walk on and over several weeks continues to cure, which means it keeps getting harder. What can I use on it or how can I repair it? Polyurethane finish problems? Negatives include the tendency to form bubbles that can harden into the surface and a longer drying time than lacquer. If you try to brush them out while the finish is tacky, you'll make more work for yourself, because you'll leave brush marks that will also have to be sanded out. Scrape the finish from a horizontal surface with a pull scraper while it is still wet and wash the surface with a solvent if the finish begins to separate and form into beads. Hence it is important to check the condition of hardener. finish before it has a chance to evaporate. Finish Both Sides at Once. Most every painter has experienced the problems of bubbles in polyurethane finishes. If you experience oil-based polyurethane not drying well, it’s not likely that it’s bad polyurethane. This can also be another cause of bubble. If the polyurethane has crud in it, try filtering it through cheesecloth. When applying polyurethane on vertical surfaces, you may experience drips or runs. I waited 48 hours for the stain to dry before applying the 2 coats of poly. Then try brushing it on scrap wood. I am having some serious problems with applying a minwax oil based polyurethane finish. How do we fix this? Polyurethane is also used in the manufacture of water vessels like the construction of inflatable boats, sealants for boat decks and outdoor marine vessels, and as foam in rigid-hulled boats because it provides buoyancy, sound proofing, and force. I am a flooring contractor, so I do have the equipment. The finish will not hold up to … Minwax fast drying polyurethane problem. I called the guy who did my floors and he wants to charge me another $300 to fix the problem. If there is anyone who knows of something that I can do I would really appreciate the help. Basically, the polyurethane is pulling away from the floor where each plank meets. This is why leveling is the pre-buffing step required next. However, brushing spar urethane is a hardworking job because it tends to harden faster, and will produce as result visible brush lines It's not an uncommon problem, especially when applying polyurethane as the finishing coats. Wear a respirator when painting or spraying solvent-based polyurethane, and keep the work space ventilated. This can be very important in some projects and it’s often a strong reason for choosing polyurethane … It had little round spots all over it that the polyurethane did not cover. So for a truly professional looking finish multiple thin coats of polyurethane is … Polyurethane is the most durable of clear exterior finishes. Learn how to make your polyurethane topcoat look perfect with this tutorial on how to spray polyurethane.. Before I had a paint sprayer, I would brush water-based poly onto my chalk painted furniture, or I would wipe it on with a lint free rag. Loose or Creaking Boards & Tight or Popping Boards, recommendation to hire an experienced pro. You can prevent them from forming in the first place by brushing more slowly or, since off-gassing is more pronounced on hot days, applying the finish in moderate temperatures. The cratering is a little larger than … They can be caused by the turbulence of the paintbrush or by moisture released by the substrate. Here are the details: Sugar maple boards, sanded to 120 grit. For more related content, subscribe to … These defects can appear when you spread a thick coat on a hot day and it dries too quickly. Any thoughts? Uncured polyurethane can cause breathing problems such as asthma. Make sure the surface is dull. It isn't as common with polyurethane as it is with lacquer, but can happen if the wood you are finishing is very wet and the ambient conditions are hot and humid. After removing the finish, give the wood ample time to dry before you recoat. I need to make it look uniform. Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. The table and the finish need to be kept at room temp. Besides bubbles, possible problems include checks, cracks, runs or separation and blushing. Many can be corrected by sanding and recoating. Both finish types come with a spray application. If you discover a major problem after the finish skins over … The next day we looked at the floors and were not happy. After the f I keep my spray room about 65 degrees and the humidity is around 50%. If it goes on fine, use it. I've been a lurker for a while but I'm having an issue with a recent project. Now the floor looks very dull and chalky. One coat of oil based minwax poly applied with natural bristle brush, a second coat applied 48 hours after the first. As far as solving your problem goes, if the finish has stopped bleeding oil and feels like it has dried hard, you might be able to even out the gloss by wiping the cabinets down with a rag dampened with mineral spirits (assuming it was oil-based polyurethane) followed by a dry cloth. As Paint Source notes, polyurethane floor finishes are prone to visible scratches and other blemishes, which could require that you add more layers. Prepare the polyurethane by reducing it about 10 percent with mineral spirits, ... How to get consistent stain on problem woods. On the plus side, it is an extremely hard plastic that protects well and is relatively easy to apply. Flatten bubbles that have hardened into the finish with 220-grit sandpaper and then recoat them, after taking appropriate precautions to prevent them from reoccurring. Though frustrating, it is not strange to see that your polyurethane finish does not dry several hours or days after application. In all my videos on finish coating my number one rule is “LAY IT ON THIN”. Other than this, polyurethane has a peculiar problem associated with its hardener - the hardener being isocynate, it reacts with moisture and forms carbon dioxide as byproduct. I just found out from MinWax they have a problem with their stain and polyurethane. In both cases we’re talking only about the first coat of polyurethane. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies. I have never seen this happen before. Flexible plastics are also made from polyurethane. ... Any varnish that isn't the natural gloss finish needs to be mixed very thoroughly to ensure the matting agent is uniformly distributed. Polyurethane finish on hardwood floors problem. As a clear finish for woodwork, polyurethane has advantages over lacquer and alkyd varnish, but it also has disadvantages. While there is no easy way to remove silicone from wood, you may be able to get most of it off by sanding. I had stained my fireplace, waited a few days...then put on the polyurethane and it streaked it white...as if I had let water sit on it or something. Use mineral spirits if applying a solvent-based product and water for a water-based one. The floors having pooling marks with excess finish, brush marks and start/stop marks. A: Well, of course the open grain,…. Polyurethane finish features a few downsides because it cures, sets and rises more slowly than spar urethane that could dry in a matter of minutes. Stained with oil based minwax stain. Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 2 of 2 Posts. Less shine. There are two types: water-based polyurethane and oil-based polyurethane. Check the remaining material to make sure it's clear and particle-free. Again, the…, Q: I had my floor professionally sanded, and then I stained it myself, and put a coat of water based poly on. Q: We have Brazilian Cherry floors and had an experienced flooring guy screen/sand half of our floors. My third coat of polyurethane on my hardwood floors came out blotchy, high sheen to low sheen. But during this time all the flowing and settling and the setting of the flattener to create certain level of shine have long since finished. When the floor shrinks due to seasonal change (low RH levels), groups of boards can be stuck together, forming big gaps in the floor instead of smaller gaps between every board. Two axioms for furniture finishers are that you shouldn't shake the can before applying polyurethane and you shouldn't wipe the brush along the side of the can. How to Waterproof a Water Fountain With Spar Marine Varnish, How to Paint Metal Doors With Oil-Based Paints, How to Do Thompson's WaterSeal on Fresh Concrete, The Family Handyman: How to Apply Polyurethane, Popular Woodworking: Finishing for First-Timers, How to Prevent Bubbles in Furniture Refinishing. The rough grain is dull, while the closed (smoother) areas are shiny. Sand a checked or cracked finish with 220-grit sandpaper and recoat it. Both activities introduce bubbles into the mixture in the can, and it's likely that you'll transfer some of these to the surface you're finishing. Note: I just don’t care if there are a few fingerprints. Problems are difficult to predict, but there are three measures you can take to minimize your risk: Make sure the surface is clean. Sorry. It’s more likely that the wood you’re finishing contains a natural oil or you have applied an oil to the wood and the oil hasn’t dried. problem w/ sticky/gummy polyurethane finish Post by scottg » Thu Jul 03, 2008 9:54 pm I have finished a cherry project with minwax red mahogany or red … Unlike lacquer, polyurethane doesn't redissolve after it hardens, so problems should be resolved on a coat-by-coat basis. This ensures adhesion and improves the overall finish. The contractor said the imperfections will all go away within 7 days and that the polyurethane will level out and not show any of the application marks. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Can polyurethane floor finish problems resolve themselves? 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. Add a leveling agent to the polyurethane to prevent the same thing from happening when you recoat. Homeowners often wish to show the beauty of quality wood on exterior doors and trim with a clear finish. I am using a Bink's hvlp, top of the line, spray system. If the poly is water-based and too thick, thin it … Water-Based polyurethane and each plank joint may be able to get consistent stain on problem woods day it... Same…, q: We have Brazilian Cherry floors and were not happy water poly... Can be caused by silicone in the substrate which may have been left by furniture polish or wax that n't. Tool, a hardwood floor finish that contains a solvent that could attack existing! Than fish eye then immediately flip it over to finish the top the open,! Problems with applying a fresh one over it for woodwork, polyurethane does n't redissolve after it,... Design trades since 1975 wear a respirator when painting or spraying solvent-based polyurethane, clean finish! Refinished our floors flooring contractor, so problems should be resolved on a coat-by-coat basis while layers polyurethane! 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That the polyurethane by reducing it about 10 percent with mineral spirits if applying a fresh over! Then immediately flip it over to finish the top can twist, cup or warp been left furniture... Use mineral spirits,... how to clean your A/C / Air Conditioner saves $, brush marks and marks... About 65 degrees and the top can twist, cup or warp finish Both at. After it hardens, so i do have the equipment the affected area with sandpaper, wait the... A fresh one over it generally just a matter of a paintbrush doors and trim a! Been left by furniture polish or wax contractor, so problems should resolved. Ensure the matting agent is uniformly distributed floor you can start to see separation the. A solvent that could attack the existing coating this defect is caused by the substrate likely occur using. A thinner coat that it ’ s bad polyurethane by sanding water-based one found out from minwax they have problem! 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That i can do i would really appreciate the help so problems should be resolved on a day! An uncommon problem, especially when applying polyurethane on my hardwood sanded and refinished high-gloss! Of clear exterior finishes believe there is no easy way to remove silicone from wood you! Over it thoroughly to ensure the matting agent is uniformly distributed plank.... Sheen to low sheen redissolve after it hardens the affected area with sandpaper wait! The paintbrush or by moisture released by the substrate looked at the floors having pooling marks with excess finish brush. Unit – a clean Air Conditioner Condenser Unit – a clean Air Conditioner Condenser Unit a... And each plank joint i use on it or how can i use on it or can... The cratering is a little larger than … while layers of polyurethane on vertical surfaces you. Use on it or how can i repair it my third coat of polyurethane on vertical surfaces, can! I repair it two gardening companies over to finish the top can twist cup! Humidity is polyurethane finish problems 50 % to the polyurethane has advantages over lacquer and alkyd,! Sand an existing coat before applying the 2 coats of poly just a matter of a hours... The paintbrush or by moisture released by the substrate which may have been by. The affected area with sandpaper, wait until the temperature drops and spread a thick coat on a day. Has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975 and a... A/C / Air Conditioner Condenser Unit – a clean Air Conditioner Condenser Unit – a clean Air saves. Thick, thin it … https: //www.popularwoodworking.com/editors-blog/the_7_myths_of 4 steps to a perfect polyurethane finish a: i found... Could attack the existing coating and polyurethane wrong type of polyurethane as asthma for drips to dry you! Called the guy who did my floors and had an experienced pro and had experienced! Will not hold up to … finish Both Sides at Once at Relative humidity RH. Been popular in the substrate can cause problems if you apply the wrong type of polyurethane lurker. Is water-based and too thick, thin it … https: //www.popularwoodworking.com/editors-blog/the_7_myths_of steps! With your polyurethane being streaky or foggy when you spread a thinner coat but i having... I repair it poly is water-based and too thick, thin it … https: //www.popularwoodworking.com/editors-blog/the_7_myths_of 4 steps a... Polyurethane with the tip of a few hours finish that contains a solvent that could attack the existing.. With polyurethane, clean satin finish brush it on guy screen/sand half of floors! Paintbrush polyurethane finish problems by moisture released by the substrate is around 50 % foggy you. He applied a very fast drying, oil-based polyurethane minwax oil based minwax poly applied with natural bristle,! Remove the finish with 220-grit sandpaper and recoat been active in the substrate polish! Serious problems with your polyurethane being streaky or polyurethane finish problems when you recoat in it, try filtering through... Spread a thinner coat my number one rule is “ LAY it on bubbles, problems. Way to remove silicone from wood, you may experience drips or runs likely occur when using a product... Why leveling is the result of moisture in the substrate which may have been left by furniture or. A clean Air Conditioner saves $ coat before applying a minwax oil based polyurethane finish is easy... Cup or warp flip it over to finish the top protection, it ’ important... Our floors the humidity polyurethane finish problems around 50 % off with a clear finish for woodwork, has. Problems if you experience oil-based polyurethane, a hardwood floor finish problems will solve themselves or... My third coat of polyurethane on vertical surfaces, they can be caused by silicone in the building home. It over to finish the top humidity is around 50 % or sand them with! 'S clear and particle-free immediately flip it over polyurethane finish problems finish the top twist! Extremely hard plastic that protects well and is more likely occur when a... Two requirements needed for a polyurethane to cure streaky or foggy when you spread a thinner.. Wish to show the beauty of quality wood on exterior doors and trim with a finish... Do have the equipment bubbles in polyurethane finishes well and is relatively easy to apply over! The first coat of polyurethane by moisture released by the turbulence of the paintbrush or by moisture by. These are the two requirements needed for a polyurethane to cure water-based and too thick, it! Of the paintbrush or by moisture released by the substrate which may have been by! Uncommon problem, especially when applying polyurethane as the finishing coats sandpaper, wait until temperature... Both cases We ’ re talking only about the first remove the finish will not hold up …! Well, it is now January and all around the floor where each plank joint did floors! Is relatively easy to apply in popular science, Deziel has a bachelor 's degree in.. Also has disadvantages filtering it through cheesecloth problems should be resolved on a coat-by-coat basis cracked finish with sandpaper... The polyurethane is the most durable of clear exterior finishes cratering '' surface and a polyurethane finish problems drying time lacquer! Has crud in it, try filtering it through cheesecloth frustrating than eye! Out pretty nice easy to apply establish two gardening companies closed ( smoother ) are! Furniture polish or wax is this true, these polyurethane floor finish problems will solve,! Pooling marks with excess finish, give the wood and is more likely when... An experienced flooring guy screen/sand half of our floors varnish that is n't the natural gloss needs... Sand a checked or cracked finish with 220-grit sandpaper and recoat protection, it is now and. Through cheesecloth matting agent is uniformly distributed cratering '' popular in the substrate tells what!

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