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. By doing this, youll remove small dust particles in addition to squishing and flatting any bubbles that have became hard in the finish. Synthetic for water-based, and natural-bristle for oil-based. It also shouldnt be used on white-painted surfaces. Even so, ensure you are cautious of discoloration, especially when using oil-based polyurethane. This amazing product comes in three colors: clear gloss, clear satin, and clear semi-gloss. 3. If you're going to apply water-based polyurethane, dampen the cloth with water. As it is water-based, it dries clear, and you can apply the next coat in 2 hours. Even though it is meant for exterior use, many reviewers have used it for indoor projects with admirable results. As a result, the paint isn't resistant to UV rays or extreme weather. Like the other polyurethanes on our list, this has UV absorbers, but it also throws in antioxidants. I know mine! 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. This type of paint is made from anti-corrosive elements like zin chrome, fine sand, and linseed oil. If you are yet to achieve your desired smoothness on this level, repeat the sanding, clean, and apply another poly layer by following steps 5,6 & 7. However, ensure the water based polyurethane can or label has the right ingredients. Velvet Finishes paint already has a topcoat built into the paint. Watco 63041 Lacquer Clear Wood Finish. Before a coat dries, run the brush over it . Polyurethane is a magical chemical compound that gives a new life to wooden outdoor furniture, hardwood floors, and all types of wood surfaces. Well, in this case, lightly scratch your work surface to create a keying surface that will enhance the adherence of polyurethane. Protects against UV rays and prevents molds and mildew growth. Mix the TSP with warm water in the clean bucket. Most of the water sealers available today are designed to be applied directly on top of painted surfaces without the need to sand or prime prior to application. Most paints cure through a chemical reaction; however, latex cures by evaporation. Your workpiece will also remain shiny for a more extended period. The Defthane Polyurethane delivers a quality finish on interior and exterior surfaces, making it as good as the other products included in this review. So, whats the best exterior polyurethane when it comes to color? You also get protection from mold and mildew. Its properties are equally dynamic as you can use them with sporting products, automotive manufacturers, and furniture used in day-to-day activities. Always thin oil-based polyurethane with mineral spirits. When using a natural bristle brush, you can apply another coat in 4 to 6 hours. Dries to the touch in 2 hours and recoat in 4 hours. This combination forms a solid dry, adherent film following an oxidation process when applied on a surface as a thin layer. Its a polyurethane, but unlike Minwax, it is non-yellowing and water based, which is why . Theyve been advised to use only water-based polyurethane. Aerosol Can (Packaging May Vary) 4.6 (1,861) $997 This lengthy curing time can be a pain, especially when working on a large project. Carefully apply a thin layer by dipping your brush into the polyurethane. However, bituminous is not recommended for use in areas exposed to the sun as its quality diminishes with sunlight. Read on to find out! Due to its flexibility, polyurethane plastic can be tailored into several forms. So if you need the best exterior polyurethane that will dry in less time, water-based is the way to go. ft. per quart, recoat after 2 hours, The best water based outdoor polyurethane, Provides superior protection on exterior wood surfaces, Outperforms other exterior clear finishes by 2-1, It contains UV absorbers and antioxidants, This item is a MODERN MASTERS MCS90132 Clear Coat Matte, Purpose of use for Painting Supplies, house-paint, This product is manufactured in United States, Works on a wide range of exterior surfaces. 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. Enamel paints cure more quickly than latex and acrylic paints, but theyll still take about 7 to 14 days to cure fully. Learn how long should polyurethane dry between coats on hardwood floors. The battle between water-based and oil-based polyurethane has plagued man from the beginning of time, or it at least feels like it. Check Price. The good thing is the VOCs are no longer harmful when the poly dries. Acrylic paint will not mix with oil-based polyurethane. 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. Plus the fact that it will never rot makes polyurethane perfect for outdoor use on decks, and furniture. It dries quickly to an ultra-clear finish, delivering a durable coating that protects wooden surfaces from damaging elements. One such feature on our list is mold and mildew resistance. Some of our readers get concerned about whether oil-based polyurethane will go over acrylic paint. Exterior latex paint is a durable paint used for outdoor surfaces. ft per quart, which is less than half the capacity of the oil-based alternative. But you should never use interior polyurethane outside. Next up, we have an outstanding interior and exterior spar urethane that boasts similar characteristics to the Varathane Ultimate. Besides being waterproof, it also contains UV rays protection, so no need to worry about your furniture turning gray over time. Yes, you can put polyurethane over paint. They can rise through the finish and through your final paint to create an orange or yellow appearance. Lightly sand the surface with 120 to 180 grit sandpaper. Special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with . Some people find it repulsive, and if you are working around children and pets, it is much safer to use a water-based finish. However, the following steps will guide you. A point to consider is that most people apply chalk paint to get a soft, matte finish, particularly if theyre after the shabby chic look. Polyurethane Over Exterior Latex Paint You can apply exterior polyurethane over exterior latex paint. Although polyurethane is mainly used on stained wood due to the durable finish it provides, some homeowners use it over paint. Temperatures above . Modern Masters clear coat polyurethane works on various exterior surfaces, from entrance doors and fences to patio furniture. Clean Painted Wood. Choose Your Applicator. That is one reason why water-based polyurethanes are more common. BEST SEMITRANSPARENT: SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi . The durability ability of oil paints has made them popular for use in metals, walls, doors, windows, and stained surfaces. CASE creates strong bonds between different products. From my experience using this product, I guarantee the results will satisfy you, given its durability and versatility. Below are some of the types of paint you should know: Oil paints will give you a rich finish and protect your property against water damage. Allow the paint to completely dry before applying a second coat. Only load the first half-inch to an inch of brush with polyurethane. The Watco 63041 Lacquer clear wood finish is among the best clear coat for painted wood you can ever have. As long as the oil-based paint is fully cured and you clean and scuff sand the paint surface, water-based polyurethane will adhere well. Rust-Oleum 9341 Ultimate Spar Urethane Oil Based, Quart, Minwax Helmsman Indoor/Outdoor Spar Urethane, Quart, Gloss. Once your painted surface is dry, then youll want to equip yourself with a 320-grit sandpaper, so you can scratch the surface. Therefore, it easily attracts dirt and dust. Id remove both paint and polyurethane and start again, this time allowing sufficient cure time for the paint. Sanding helps in removing any deep scratches on the wood surface. The two terms are very different. You can use a brush, a pad, or spray. You could use a product like General Finishes Water Based Dye, Green. Averagely, paint often cures within 24-72 hours. Can you put polyurethane over spray paint? 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. However, the latex paint must be fully cured. It also features innovative propellant technology and convenient nozzle design. Use light even pressured strokes. Thats what will happen with acrylic and oil-based polyurethane. To keep the polyurethane free of bubbles, stir it with a paint stick rather than shaking it, and use a natural-bristle brush rather than a foam brush. Within half an hour, your doors, window frames, or fence will be dry to the touch. On the other hand, the quickest drying oil-based polyurethanes, which are the Minwax and the Zar, need between 4-6 hours before applying a second coat, which is fast for an oil-based finish. It is excellent for a wide range of external woodworks that need a clear coating. Peeling Deck Varnish Deck stains are meant as a protective finish for exterior wood. Upon drying, your acrylic paint will look duller than they were when wet. (And What To Do About It). You can achieve the smooth finishing of your dreams by applying polyurethane over your painted surface. You can dip your rag into polyurethane and coat the furniture with it. They are polyurethane used to bind different materials. As the coat gets older, it becomes even more yellow. If you have allowed the acrylic paint to cure fully, the water has evaporated, and the resins and the pigments will have hardened using a cross-linking process. Stops Rust With Custom Spray 5-in-1 FAQs. You can mold them into any shape. The paint is also highly recommended for trim work. Given the chemical makeup of this type of polyurethane, they also dont smell as much as oil-based polyurethanes. Use a tack cloth or a damp rag. 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. Polycrylic Clear Satin Water-Based Polyurethane Aerosol Spray (11.5-oz) Model # 33333000. The Deft interior/exterior polyurethane is probably the easiest to apply, given that you can use a brush, a pad, or spray. Its unique formula is fortified with UV blockers and absorbers, which help to maintain the integrity of the coating. Heres a Video On How to Apply Polyurethane Over Paint: Polyurethane has a remarkable reputation for offering the best coating for several surfaces, including wood and concrete. Overall, I consider it one of the superior polyurethane qualities on the market that wouldnt fail to meet your expectations. You can find the paint or polyurethane doesnt dry properly, remaining soft. 18 Results Color/Finish: Exterior Polyurethane. The Benefits: It takes only 2 hours to dry between 2 coats Water-based formula makes it a low-odor polyurethane some of the differences are: Interior polyurethane dries hard and remains that way forever, while exterior polyurethane maintains a bit of rigidity. To protect outdoor wood, every exterior polyurethane must have UV absorbers, while it is not required and even rare for interior polyurethane. Youll hear a lot of talk about water-based polyurethanes being almost as long-lasting as oil-based products. Other products can be effective, just stick with oil-based sealers and always use specific exterior products. And the Kilz website states that latex and oil based paints can be used over their oil based primers. How do you use Rust-Oleum Stops Rust with Custom Spray 5-in-1? The best part? Always let the polyurethane dry properly before recoating. Even though this is an interior/exterior product, it is not meant for large surfaces such as decks, fences, or indoor flooring. Minwax PolyShades combines stain and polyurethane in one simple step. Its main advantage is the ability to protect the surface from water damage. Do not use a roller, which leaves bubbles that may harden into the finish. BEST WATER-BASED: Thompson's WaterSeal Advanced Natural Wood Protector. Rollers tend to leave bubbles. Other benefits of using this paint are that it is weather and chemical-resistant and also friendly to your pocket. The Deft exterior/interior polyurethane had a chance to take the top spot, but it doesnt have any extra features to push it over the top. Besides enriching your paints appearance, polyurethane will also protect your painted surface, giving it improved durability and resistance from scratches. Stick with me for the next few minutes, and Ill address all issues you need to understand when applying polyurethane over painted wood. Yes, you can put polyurethane over chalk paint. Wearing latex or rubber gloves, soak the sponge or rag in the TSP solution. Minwax Helmsman Indoor/Outdoor Spar Urethane - Best Polyurethane for Exterior Wood Photo: Amazon This is a clear coating meant to be used anywhere, whether indoors or outdoors, and we can see that it was formulated for that purpose. Special oils allow the finish to expand & contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change. Pour a small puddle of polycrylic in a corner of the painting. As a result, you often need three or four coats to get a smooth finish. For a very long time, oil-based polyurethane was more impervious than its watery cousin. However, there is more to painting than just the color. 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. While you can apply polyurethane over your paint, ensure that you are working with the right paint to avoid undesirable finishes. Allow the excess poly to drip back into the tin. This will save you both time and money. You can use acrylic paint on a variety of painting surfaces. It does this by serving as a highly resistant barrier which protects your paint from rain, dirt, mud, fungus, and mold. That is why you also get to decide on what type of stain to use. Also, the acrylic emulsions will give your beautiful home undeniable resistance against cracking and a flexible finish for years. So, you can safely use exterior polyurethane both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, it allows you to be in charge of the entire process since it delivers an even and eye-catching finish. You can always add a pigment to achieve a color of your choice. The best polyurethane for finishing an exterior door would be Marine Spar Varnish. Formula: Soft paste texture. After a few weeks of rain, the water will seep through the wood, which will cause mold, mildew, and wood fungi to grow. You may want your painted surfaces to look as attractive as possible. No, you dont need to put exterior polyurethane over interior poly directly. Although different kinds of paint and different humidity levels will determine how long its take paint to cure, the average length is a week. With brushes, quality equates to cost. The seals are used to increase durability. That is why polyurethane can be useful . If you're coating fresh paint, allow the paint to cure first. In addition to protecting the wood, it also provides natural ultraviolet light protection. Zar exterior oil-based polyurethane offers a marine-grade finish to patio furniture, fences, gables, doors, and window frames. Velvet Finishes topcoat is called Protect. Neither will dry correctly, and youll end up with a horrible sticky mess. Since your wood is painted and ready for use, applying polyurethane over it should not take up much of your time. Be sure to roll back and tape down any loose canvas on the back to get thorough coverage. If oil-based polyurethane is your choice, consider thinning it with mineral spirits using a 75/25 ratio. Follow the instructions later in this article for the best method of application to ensure correct adhesion. Whether the polyurethane is water-based or oil-based, both make good surface protection for enamel paint. Before you make that decision, here are a few other things to consider before picking the best polyurethane for outdoor wood. This oil-based polyurethane for outdoors is very durable, and from the language, Rust-Oleum uses to describe it, it may be even more durable than the water-based alternative and potentially give a smoother finish. Allow 21 to 30 days for most paint and 14 days for enamel. To avoid this, use water-based paint when coating with other polyurethane layers. Water-based polyurethane has exceeded oil-based poly in many ways. Make sure you let whatever it is you coated 24 hours to fully dry. However, when it comes to the best exterior polyurethane, oil-based polyurethane is still the undisputed champion. I recommend using a damp, lint-free cloth to get rid of dust better. In addition to this, oil-based polyurethane has a stronger scent to it and tends to dry slower than water-based polyurethane. Start by pouring sealer into your paint tray. Water-based polyurethane works magic when working with interior projects, lighter-colored projects, or those that may receive knocks. They dont fade, even when exposed to sunlight. See our article for an in-depth guide to using polyurethane and a list of tools youll need. It offers your surface a rich texture and a stronger color retention ability. However, while it dries quickly to the touch within an hour, youll have to wait 6 hours before applying the second coat. #1 Home Improvement Retailer. Even though great strides have been made to improve the durability of water-based poly for floors, the same hasnt happened in exterior polyurethanes yet. I will write detailed article about methods of making red stain browner and alert you once published. This is because of its long-lasting properties discussed in our first point. This particular sealer is similar to polycrylic except it is available in two forms. Suppose you have read our reviews of the best water-based and oil-based polyurethanes for hardwood floors, you may have noticed some terminologies are missing or added. Besides, it should be labeled for exterior use to avoid chipping. A lot of spray paint is enamel, and therefore it cures quickly in approximately 14 days. They are best suited for metallic surfaces but also work well on pipes and other external structures. 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