Modern Masters clear coat polyurethane works on various exterior surfaces, from entrance doors and fences to patio furniture. Ensure the paint is cured properly, not just dry. However, cheaper brands might turn milky and remain milky. Read More: How to Fix Polyurethane Mistakes. If the paint isn't fresh, wash off grease or stains with a strong detergent solution. You can also dampen a lint-free cloth and use it to clean the surface. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with . Use patience, and follow the steps weve outlined, and youll end up with a high-quality and long-lasting finish to make you proud. You also get to finish the task significantly quicker, meaning you can move on to the next task. . Cans of water-based topcoats are typically a few dollars more. Applying polyurethane too soon could cause adhesion problems or prevent the paint from fully curing. However, you can apply the next coat in 8 hours, which is pretty fast for an oil-based urethane. Another thing youll appreciate about this is that it is easy to apply. If water manages to get through to the surface of the wood, which will happen eventually, at least there will be no mildew. Once a base coat has fully cured, you can apply whatever form of polyurethane you wish. In that case, youll have to remove all the polyurethane youve applied and start again. They contain special UV shielding pigments and mildewcides to ward off mold and mildew and to keep the wood from fading. However, interior polyurethane cannot handle heavy rain. After you are done sanding, wipe the dust away with a damp cloth. You can take a cup of trisodium phosphate and mix it with warm water. Water-based polyurethane dries clear and remains clear for the duration of the product. Peeling Deck Varnish Deck stains are meant as a protective finish for exterior wood. Applying polyurethane as a topcoat to paint is not difficult if you observe some basic steps. Even though it is possible to get rid of mildew on wood, it is a long and draining process and easily preventable by using the correct finish. However, ensure the water based polyurethane can or label has the right ingredients. Once you are done, you can clean your tools easily with just soap and water. They make different materials, ranging from wood panels, flooring materials, and sand casting to carpet underlays. A brush, roller, or spray would work just as fine. For instance, some oil-based paints often turn to a yellowish color when coated with polyurethane. Ensure to read the instructions on the type of varnish to use with this paint, as they will offer you different drying periods. Use a damp, lint-free cloth as it eliminates every fine unwanted detail on your workpiece. If you must mix the two products, go for a water-based polyurethane, although still not recommended. Hold the brush at a 10 to 15-degree angle in the direction of travel using just the tip of the brush applied lightly to the surface. You can always add a pigment to achieve a color of your choice. An In-Depth Guide. If you're going to apply water-based polyurethane, dampen the cloth with water. Joining MDF Boards In 5 Easy Steps, How to Use Mineral Spirit On Wood- 5 Ways to Safely Use Mineral Spirit. Use the TSP if you are working with old paint and a detergent for recent paint. However, there are some oil-based paints when coated with polyurethane have been known to turn a yellowish color overtime. To avoid air entrapment in the bristles, allow the brush to drain excess polyurethane naturally, rather than scrubbing against the tin. Can we get the best of both worlds by mixing the paint and polyurethane? ft per quart, which is less than half the capacity of the oil-based alternative. Why? Once an acrylic paint has fully cured, it is irrelevant which type of polyurethane you apply. While it is possible to mix polyurethane with paint, this is usually not the best practice. Dont forget your safety mask and goggles when doing this! STEPS. It offers your surface a rich texture and a stronger color retention ability. 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. Acrylic paint will mix with water-based polyurethanes, just as oil-based paints will mix with oil-based polyurethanes. Why Should You Add Polyurethane to the Acrylic Paints? Stick with me for the next few minutes, and Ill address all issues you need to understand when applying polyurethane over painted wood. For example, interior and exterior polyurethanes are different. Polyurethane can leave an amber hue . First on our list is a brand that has been at the forefront of woodworking innovation for decades, and their exterior spar urethane does not disappoint. Most people prefer it for commercial and residential purposes because it is energy efficient and versatile. The best polyurethane for finishing an exterior door would be Marine Spar Varnish. Here is another product from Deft, and honestly, the list wouldve been incomplete without it. The water-based Varathane requires at least four coats, and you also need to sand between coats. Finishes: Comes in Satin, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss finishes. Lightly wipe down the painted wood to remove oils, dirt, and other heavy residues. Polycrylic Clear Matte Water-Based Polyurethane Aerosol Spray (11.5-oz) Model # 366660000. You are likely to have an imperfect finish after your first coat. Your email address will not be published. Besides that, the product is specifically formulated for applications on surfaces subject to high traffic use. Using Polyurethane On Painted Metal You can use polyurethane over painted metal to protect the paint and surface from scratches, water, and rust. However, there are some aesthetic considerations to consider. Some of our readers get concerned about whether oil-based polyurethane will go over acrylic paint. It is also electricity, weather, water, and corrosion resistant. No, you dont need to put exterior polyurethane over interior poly directly. It does this by serving as a highly resistant barrier which protects your paint from rain, dirt, mud, fungus, and mold. So, how do you polyurethane over paint? Instead, they dry with a bit of an amber hue, though some brands are more amber than others. Do not thin the polyurethane before spraying it it's thin enough to spray out of the can, and adding more thinner may cause it to run. The only exception is when it is put on white paint. After a few weeks of rain, the water will seep through the wood, which will cause mold, mildew, and wood fungi to grow. Not only that, but it is also self-priming, and you dont need a sealer. After sanding, dust and vacuum the surface and room as thoroughly as possible. Given the chemical makeup of this type of polyurethane, they also dont smell as much as oil-based polyurethanes. Moreover, the product dries to a rich, professional-look gloss finish that offers resistance to the elements such as water and UV rays. They are also valuable for the manufacture of several housing components. Also, you might be tired of repainting now and then because the paint fades away. When etching the surface, you can do this by hand, or you can also use a palm sander. The general thumb is obvious! Most people think of paint as the color on their home walls, cars, bought, or caravan. The sealer application process is very similar to painting. Large and/or deep scratches can be visible under the polyurethane. Available Can Sizes: Sizes vary by brand. 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. This property enhances the longevity and durability of your exterior surface to a greater extent. Restore and maintain the acrylic paint and shine with polyurethane. 3. It's very durable because it contains a higher ratio of solids. Carefully apply a thin layer by dipping your brush into the polyurethane. Formula: Soft paste texture. $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. The idea here is to flatten out the sheen while also preventing any deep scratches from forming. So, to properly apply polyurethane over paint: Step 1: Wash the surface 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. Enamel paints cure more quickly than latex and acrylic paints, but theyll still take about 7 to 14 days to cure fully. You can do it by hand, or use a palm sander. A water-based or oil-based poly? To get maximum durability from this exterior wood polyurethane, you will need to apply at least four coats. 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. The main use of polyurethane is to protect your surfaces whilst still making them look timelessly elegant. Exterior polyurethane is specially made with resin, a flatting agent, a UV ray absorber, etc. Sure, it looked great at first until it rained or snowed, and you had to strip it and start all over. Yes, just like any other painted surface, you can apply both oil-based and water-based polyurethane over acrylic paint. My advice is to apply the paint, let it cure fully, and then apply the polyurethane. Velvet Finishes topcoat is called Protect. 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. Wipe the surface with a damp, lint-free cloth or sponge. Also, not only are they light, but also durable, regardless of the environmental conditions. PROTECTIVE CLEAR FINISH Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane is specially formulated as a protective varnish for wood for interior and exterior projects. Exterior polyurethane has resin that absorbs Ultraviolent rays, while interior poly doesnt. Always let the polyurethane dry properly before recoating. Avoid sanding before the polyurethane dries up, as it will ruin your finish. So, if you want to use the exterior polyurethane on a fence, it wont matter that the Minwax is oil-based; what matters is where you want to apply it. 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. Expert Tip: Oil paints will work best on your wooden and metallic surfaces for home projects. ft. Check Price. Just follow the instructions, dont apply polyurethane over white paint, and youll be fine. Note: Check the concentration of your green dye, you can dilute it and test it on small area on your fence before applying. UV rays blockers in this outdoor water-based polyurethane will protect your outdoor woodworks from graying. Both varieties of polyurethane are water-resistant not waterproof. . Applying a coat of polyurethane over acrylic paint on wood should keep dirt and dust away and help to keep the colors underneath bright. While Im a great fan of more natural finishes such as waxes and oils, theres no doubt that polyurethane is hard to beat for a low-maintenance surface finish. Water-based polyurethane will need three to five coats to give the same protection. . The polyurethane will give your acrylic paint an excellent finish. You can also wash your tools easily with soap and water, which is an important part of the application process. Besides, it wont fade or crack like other materials can over time. However, be sparing as a couple of drops is usually sufficient. Let the first coat dry for the time recommended on the container, then scuff it lightly with 120-grit sandpaper. When applying your polyurethane, make sure you dont use a roller. You can apply another coat after two hours. Best Exterior Polyurethane Spray. Use the correct brush for the type of polyurethane. RUST-OLEUM Ultimate Water-Based Spar Urethane 4. Why Would You Put Polyurethane Over Paint? I also like to use oil-based polyurethanes for exterior purposes as they last longer. The good thing is the VOCs are no longer harmful when the poly dries. One such feature on our list is mold and mildew resistance. Play it safe by allowing your paint to fully cure before applying the polyurethane. While it may be possible to use exterior polyurethane indoors, you should never use interior polyurethane outdoors. We've used latex paint over oil based Kilz in the past with no problems. Its unique formula is fortified with UV blockers and absorbers, which help to maintain the integrity of the coating. I used flotroel to help in leveling the paint and will sand flat when dry. Goodell has been in love with woodworking for more than two decades. Use 120-grit sandpaper. It is mainly used in industrial products for protection from rust. Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane is specially formulated as a protective clear finish for exterior or interior wood exposed to sunlight, water, or temperature changes. Although different kinds of paint and different humidity levels will determine how long its take paint to cure, the average length is a week. However, this advice is wrong. Add latex paint to polyurethane, and youve got one product trying to cure through a chemical process with air and the other trying to cure through evaporation. It also shouldnt be used on white-painted surfaces. Thoroughly clean your surface using a detergent or trisodium phosphate (TSP). Latex paint will be dry in 24 to 48 hours. Thus, you'll be able to apply the coating much quicker and with more precision. However, youll only know how long the coating lasts when it starts to fail. As DIY workers, we always aim to achieve perfection. Yes, you can put polyurethane over paint. The reason lies in the way latex paint cures. It can adequately protect your furniture, doors, floors, windows, window frames, and outdoor tables, to name a few. Can you put oil-based polyurethane over water-based paint? However, the latex paint must be fully cured. Polyurethane doesnt like sticking to itself and requires a keying surface for maximum adhesion. Avoid overworking the area because doing so will introduce air bubbles to your finish. The best part? 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. In addition to this, polyurethane will not rust, its not affected by mold and mildew, it can withstand extremely hot and cold temperatures, and when it comes to wet surfaces, its is one of the best choices to use. Can you put polyurethane over spray paint? You also get top-of-the-line weather protection, and it is also ultraviolet (UV) resistant. There will be no further chemical changes or changes in the coatings physical characteristics. Strip or sand off the interior polyurethane, before applying exterior polyurethane. Rust-Oleum recommends at least four coats for the water-based exterior polyurethane and at least three for the oil-based. Unfortunately, this price may be beyond the purchasing ability of most DIY paint enthusiasts. Changes in temperature, moisture, and humidity cause outdoor wood to shrink and expand. Given how harmful VOCs are, manufacturers of household products have gone to extreme lengths to reduce them. As with any other type of paint, the spraypaint must cure fully. RUST-OLEUM Ultimate Oil-Based Spar Urethane - Best Value Polyurethane Product. Youll hear a lot of talk about water-based polyurethanes being almost as long-lasting as oil-based products. You might want a new look with different finishes like polyurethane and vanishes. You can apply it over a prefinished or painted surface without much of a hassle. What type of polyurethane to use over paint? Neither will dry correctly, and youll end up with a horrible sticky mess. We say lightly because you dont want to remove the paint from your surface altogether, do you? Spraymax 2K High Gloss Spray Clear Coat. Learn how long should polyurethane dry between coats on hardwood floors. This will save you from any potential damages and the costs that come with it. However, when you look at the figures, the oil-based polyurethane ends up cheaper. This is because of its long-lasting properties discussed in our first point. This is because exterior poly has resin, a flatting agent that helps reduces gloss, and absorbs Ultraviolent rays. Copyright 2023 WoodCritique | Linsila LLC. Sanding is crucial before applying any finish on your surface. It is a cost-effective medium of paint application. Choosing wood for its natural beauty, depth, and glow over furniture that's made of manmade materials is an easy decision for some; weighing whether to seal it with polycrylic vs. polyurethane . When applied on white paint, it will absolutely yellow. Just me like, you could decide that you will use water-based polyurethane for some finishes, and oil-based for others, depending on how you feel. Rigid polyurethane foam is primarily used in commercial and residential insulation. Synthetic for water-based, and natural-bristle for oil-based. However, despite being an excellent choice, the only gripe I have against it is the costly price tag. They are primarily used in places of volatile organic compounds and dangerous air pollutants. Shinny glossy surfaces are usually difficult. Recently Ive read many articles that make incorrect claims and statements regarding the use of polyurethane over paint. When it comes to application, this is even quicker than the Varathane. 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