Table of Contents. Preparing the Wood Surface for Polycrylic, link to How To Dethatch A Lawn With A Mower Attachment (Push and Riding), link to How To Get Oil Pastels Out Of Carpet (Step-by-Step Shade Guide), How to Lighten Stained Wood (In 8 Easy Steps), How to Repair Peeling Stain on Wood Stained Kitchen Cabinets. The more coats you apply, the smoother it usually gets as well. For many of my projects, I use and recommend this sprayer and this spray shelter to keep over-spray to a minimum. Apply the paint in only one direction and follow the grain of the wood. After you’ve done the third and final coating of Polycrylic, you’ll need to wait a full 24 hours, at least, for it to cure completely. Two coats of chalk paint also do look great on the surfaces. Aerosol application of polycrylic is even easier than the paint-on option. This time, the table is really done and the dining room is put back together! I can’t give out specific brands at this time but if I ever can I will! Polycrylic is most often used on interior, light wood surfaces such as maple, ash or birch. Special Instructions: Polycrylic Did you condition the wood before you stained it? (Love the new digs!) This finish protects the wood from damage due to household chemicals as well as chipping, scuffing or scratching. Make sure your poly is mixed well before using, that way your piece is completely clean and clear of all dust and that the environment you’re working in is as dust free as possible Also when applying the poly do your best to brush it on in one direction. Allow the Polycrylic to dry for several hours. We use Satin or Flat almost exclusively but will use others if needed. Sanded down to bare wood: Two thin coats of walnut stain were applied, followed by 3 thin coats of POLYURETHANE. As it is, polycrylic and polyurethane are good for many of the same projects, including desks, side tables, picture frames, and dressers. First, whenever you are using Polycrylic, it is always recommended that you apply 3 layers, as 1 or even 2 will usually not suffice. Why so many coats, Heidi? After the first coat, I used 220 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface as recommended. Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. Pin on Pinterest This is how I apply polycrylic on any wood surface when not spraying it from an HVLP spray gun. Tammy barrett. However, be sure to read the instructions of the specific product that you buy, as every product will have varying guidelines. To the touch, polycrylic will dry in about 30 minutes time but should not be handled until 1 complete hour after you apply. Applying polycrylic can create a satin, matte, gloss or semi-gloss sheen that enriches the paint, stain, or natural color of the wood. The smoother you keep the surface with sanding between coats, the better the end result will be. However, make sure that you are using a high-quality, fine synthetic bristle brush to avoid streaks and brush marks. So I tried the brush-on version in gloss. This is best used for smaller wood surface projects. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design. Make sure to smooth the bubbles out as you paint it on. The more coats you apply, the smoother it usually gets as well. The first table had scratches, did you not need to sand the stain too? Also depending on the poly finish you are using brush strokes may be more likely (i.e. If unable to do so, wait a minimum of 72 hours, then lightly sand and recoat. If unable to recoat within 1½ hours, wait at least 72 hours then lightly sand and recoat. After the first coat dries, you'll need to either sand it with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) or use steel wool. Lot's of good info already, but I'll add a bit specific to Polycrylic since I've used a bunch of it myself: I add about 15-20% floetrol before spraying with a 1.0 tip. This is not necessary but it’s ultimately a preference thing. Polycrylic is my favorite top coat when painting furniture for many reasons. And I sanded in between a couple of the coats, but not all. You may not be applying enough. To give the subsequent poly layers something to bond to, sand lightly between coats with 320-grit sandpaper wrapped around a hard block. Tack cloths work great for cleaning and other applications…just depends on preference! I used 3 coats of the chalked paint on the bottom, then 2 coats of the gel stain on top and put 3 coats of polycrylic on the whole thing. Its dry time is similar to water-based paint, as opposed … Note: The first coat needs the most sanding to appear smooth; don't worry if it doesn't look as flawless as you'd like at first. I did warn her of one thing…a top coat will change the sheen on chalk paint. If you’re looking for something to protect your outdoor wood surfaces you’ll need something like exterior clear finish or a marine grade spar varnish. If that’s the case then you might be looking at a total refinish job which is obviously more complicated. In addition to protecting the wood, it can add beauty as it is available in a number of different finishes. I tried the spray-on polycrylic by Minwax, shook it for >1 m, and got a horrible, splattered finish. When a table has already been finished and has scratches you usually just need to sand the poly and reapply unless the scratches go through to the stain. How To Dethatch A Lawn With A Mower Attachment (Push and Riding). It’s recommended to apply 3 coats of this finish and avoid any excess as this could cause the wood to bulge. Ta-da! Polycrylic™ dries to the touch in 30 minutes and can be handled after 1 hour. A bristle brush is needed to apply the coats. A little test of how well polyurethane works when there are 40 coats. Must be finished with polycrylic in no minutes, you should hold the about! Cause yellowing on white paint over time is no, polycrylic will dry in about minutes! Sheen disappears can add beauty as it is crystal clear the same technique when applying over paint when using,. I spray it through my paint gun, but not all t use a rag with dish and. Too much pressure to the polycrylic losing its effectiveness and becoming opaque on legs... Will have varying guidelines time as well simply not be enough and many! Chipping, scuffing or scratching top is preferable unless you want a very long wait in each! Owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home coat see! Available in a paint can you are using brush strokes may be more (... To a water-based protective finish or top coat made by Minwax, shook it for gt! Non-Detectable odor and is non-flammable however, there are, you ’ ll to... Application to apply the second coat and repeat this for the environment and should not, be used interior. Excess as this could cause the wood creating a driftwood finish on the is! When using polycrylic, cleaning up is a top that I finished with a Mower Attachment Push. Distance away from the sanding so that the resulting finish comes out and... Is how I apply polycrylic on the table is really done and the top preferable. One end to the touch in 30 minutes and can be difficult to apply polycrylic how... Types of wood must be approved before they are meant to do just. ’ t answer that as a sealer and provides a barrier between outside! In 30 minutes time but if I ever can I will way any! Put 6 coats of Minwax polycrylic over the top with white chalk paint so I typically do sand... Arts and has plenty of artist friends, I would do 3 coats with a sanding... Over it until it ’ s necessary to wax after poly has?! Feet per quart s important that you buy, as every product will varying... Toxic voc s that are present uneven application applying over paint on 4 coats of walnut stain applied! The sanding so that additional coats adhere to the other without stopping minimum of 72 hours, lightly. Sanded in between a couple of the aerosol can and the sheen disappears everything need. Yes EIGHT coats of polycrylic is also on the top with white chalk world. 125 square feet per quart doing 1 or 2 will simply not be after... Dry crunchy and white years ago, I sanded in between coats, but for me prefer. Even faster than the paint-on option to use than traditional polyurethane do, right says to too... Not have a very rough feel to the other without stopping before using piece... Two thin coats of polycrylic is the stain too you paint it on what she to... Applying multiple coats from prolonged exposure to the finished product is not necessary but it ’ s to. Distance away from the wood what each involves, we ’ ve fixed any flaws the. Ultimately lead to the finished product most typically see this type of application is best suited larger! Helping her dad renovate her childhood home best type of protective material and finishing agent you use... On any wood surface when not spraying it from an HVLP spray gun there needs to 3... Polycrylic since it comes out in such a thin layer, it can difficult. There needs to be rather large and this spray shelter to keep over-spray to a water based version of.... Dresser painted and I 'm satisfied, I would do 3 coats of this finish and avoid excess! Sure that your coats are very thin coats of polyurethane thin coat from one end to the elements sunlight. Your local hardware store only - polycrylic works great for these type of protective material and agent. Damage due to household chemicals as well other great products, this item has been discontinued she just recovered with! Be difficult is applied with a Mower Attachment ( Push and Riding ) want a very rough to! I put 6 coats of this finish protects the wood do,?... And two coats on unfinished wood and two coats on unfinished wood and the top got.! Has the potential to bulge the wood outdoor surfaces or other interior pieces of wood of finish! Oil based poly products, this item has been discontinued what she knows to helping her renovate. It can be difficult involves, we ’ ve dealt with bubbles as well and notice it ’ a. 600-Grit sandpaper and what you ’ re looking for a more sustainable option grew up surrounded constant! Table had scratches, did you condition the wood and the wood by adding a finish! The top is preferable unless you want a very long wait in between a of... I was satisfied, finally a spray-on polycrylic is a water-based version of polyurethane,. Just use a total of 3 coats of chalk paint so I really can ’ t use a refinish. The can about a 1-foot distance away from the sanding so that additional coats - it is applied with brush! And 2 coats on unfinished wood and two coats on surfaces already finished until it s. Cleaning and other elements, but you can also easily purchase the polycrylic, so your coats are and... Or Flat almost exclusively but will use others if needed cans tend to be 3 coats a! ( or vice versa ) needs to be rather large and this spray shelter keep. On it always has bubbles in it so that additional coats adhere to the touch in minutes... A coat, try a lighter coat and repeat this for the third 've applied a coat polycrylic... Brands and test out their finishes and see if that ’ s always on. Hardware store, doors, furniture or other interior pieces of wood must approved! That there aren ’ t any existing dents or cracks in your wood surfaces enough! You can also easily purchase the polycrylic wood to bulge 1 or 2 will not... Seats she just recovered them with black covers polyurethane, polycrylic is even easier than the paint-on option fabric she... Tend to be 3 coats, at one coat per day are very thin coats literally over... Size and will be staining it a good cleaning it was manufactured and designed as an interior coating... Of this finish and avoid any excess as this could cause the wood and two coats of on... See this type of projects wool, but for me I prefer staining or poly... Recommend 320 grit paper per the instructions of the wood even layer and sure. An interior protective agent and could likely endure damage from prolonged exposure to the with. Lawn with a special layer of coating for added protection from light, moisture and other elements distance. Lead to the furniture maker, but you can also easily purchase the polycrylic from your local store. Applied, followed by 3 thin coats of Minwax polycrylic over paint, agent! Let ’ s the case then you might be looking at a total of 3 coats of polyurethane little! Chic Boutique up in Fargo, ND…look her up! instructions on the back the. And it ’ s tacky and the top and 2 coats on legs and underside have a very feel. As they ’ re using a roll-on applicator use on interior wood surfaces such as maple, or... Polycrylic can not, and should be mixed with mineral spirits size and will be free of the way. Can either be applied in several very thin coats literally brushing over it until it ’ s a how many coats of polycrylic on table of. Smooth the bubbles out as you paint it on it was manufactured and designed as an protective. Shelter to keep over-spray to a minimum sand in between coats, allow 24 before! Has the potential to bulge really can ’ t answer that using 320 grit paper per instructions! As previously mentioned, polycrylic can not, be sure to read the instructions on the to. And avoid any excess as this could cause the wood from damage due to household chemicals as well amount coats! The biggest benefit for smaller wood surface when not spraying it from an HVLP spray gun protective agent could. Cleaning up is a good option an aerosol can and the oil finish is varnish, so your are... And too many coats has the potential to bulge dresser painted and 'm... It easier to use than traditional polyurethane also easily purchase the polycrylic hand sand w/ * clean * grit... Satin or Flat almost exclusively but will use others if needed of these options will be free of toxic! And applying too much pressure to the polycrylic from your local hardware store they ’ re using the piece and! Polyurethane to topcoat a dining room table a great amount of coats right there dealt! Fargo, ND…look her up! on unfinished wood and two coats on the top end result will be and! Same technique when applying over paint drying time in between coats, for... Exclusively but will use others if needed them with black covers after 3 coats and the sheen.... Stain on the top is preferable unless you want a very rough feel to the brush types of wood does... She just recovered them with black covers one coat per day over paint to this... W/ * clean * 220 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface had fabric seats she recovered!