What Is Polyurethane? Polyurethane is a versatile polymer material that is made by reacting a polyol with an isocyanate. The resulting product is a strong, durable material that can be used in a wide variety of applications. Polyurethanes are known …
We know that good and professional woodworking in the shop requires patience. From measuring twice and cutting once to letting all applications of a finish dry adequately before the next one, patience is required. This is a truism when it …
We are accustomed to using a topcoat on our woodworking projects. Even when you have used a wood oil finish, many woodworking experts do suggest you apply a topcoat of some sort. Stain beautifies the wood and accentuates the wood …
The finishing part of a woodworking project has many options, with staining and painting being the most obvious. It’s the choice of topcoat that has many more options, and one of the most common today is polyurethane. You’ve likely worked …
Oil and water are two liquids that do not mix together. This is because they have different chemical properties. Water is a polar molecule, which means that it has a positive and negative end. Oil is a non-polar molecule, which …
We all have a pretty good idea of the value of a topcoat on our stained projects. Stains will enhance the wood’s appearance and grain and provide color to the wood. However, stains offer no protection to the wood. Key …
Chances are you’ve used polyurethane as a topcoat for at least some of your woodworking projects. Chances are, too, you already know what polyurethane is, or at least have a general idea. Just to make sure, though, we’ll engage in …
We all want our woodworking projects to turn out well and seek a professional appearance when completed. Accurate cuts, solid assembly, and stain or paint all play an important part in that process, but the final touch is the finish. …
We know it to be a durable finish on our woodworking projects, and we’ve all likely used it in our shop. It’s a protective finish that saves the wood from heat (to a degree, pun intended) and moisture. Key Points: …
Wood finishing using polyurethane and polycrylic can provide both beauty and protection. Polyurethane creates a durable plastic-like coating that resists moisture, spills, and wear. But it yellows over time. Polycrylic dries crystal clear without yellowing, though it’s less scratch-resistant. You …
Polyurethane is a common choice for finishing wood flooring and furniture, providing a hard, clear coating that safeguards against moisture and scratches. However, polyurethane’s drawback is its strong odor during application and drying. This odor is primarily due to VOCs …
In my woodworking projects, I often find myself reaching for polyurethane, whether it’s oil-based or water-based. This choice always leads to a crucial question: How many coats are necessary for that perfect finish? Water-based polyurethane requires 3 to 4 coats, …
Whether you’re a purist or a budget-conscious woodworker, your approach to woodworking might just answer whether a foam brush is right for polyurethane application. QUICK ANSWER: Yes, you can apply polyurethane with a foam brush. It’s affordable, leaves no brush …
In my experience with woodworking, one of the key challenges I often face is dealing with cracks and knots in wood. These imperfections can affect both the look and strength of any wood project. I’ve found that polyurethane is effective …
We know polyurethane, and we like polyurethane. We use it as a finish for our woodworking projects often. We have a bit of experience, then, in washing our brushes after using polyurethane, as well as cleaning up after its use. …
Take a guess how much polyurethane is produced every year. Go ahead, guess. Here’s a hint: it’s a commodity product, meaning it is produced in huge quantities each year. If you guessed 25M metric tons every year, you are either …
We like oil finishes for our woodworking projects. There is something about the hand finish of rubbing oil onto the wood that is so satisfying, establishing that connection with the wood and the hard work that has gone into the …
When selecting a wood finish for a tabletop, the choice often comes down to lacquer or polyurethane. This article compares these two popular finishes, highlighting their unique properties and suitability for tabletops, to help you make an informed decision for …