5 Things You Need to Know About Water Based Polyurethane

What's the best top coat? Can I use it over paint? Do I sand between coats? There are so many questions about top coats - let me answer them for you once and for all.
In this episode of Workshop Wednesday, learn the five things you need to know about applying a water based polyurethane top coat!
See more details on the blog: rootsandwingsf...
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Video filmed and edited by Brooke Rhodaberger.
Music by Levi Keller.
#howto #waterbasedpolyurethane #topcoat #woodworking

[@TurkawskiFam]

Thank you! You’re the first person who I’ve heard say not to sand between coats if painting! Thanks for that.

[@sandycrotty665]

I love your simple easy to understan video. No odd words that only a pro would understand, no big long explanations that move off topic and soon I forgot what my question was. Thank you for knowing what your talking about in an informative and refreshing way. Sandy Crotty, Vadnais Heights, Minnesota and Fort Myers, Florida

[@dorothyharberts9099]

This is the best top coat video I have seen. I have been searching for a long time. Thank you so much for making this video.

[@roxanajuarez4621]

I know this post is from years ago, I just came across it because I was getting super frustrated with topcoats, this video has been amazing and so helpful. Thank you, thank you so much.

[@ReggieAtOKC]

Thanks for the video on top coats. I use GF top coats a lot because they are simple to use and really a great product. I also spray my top coats using a Earlex HLVP spray gun. It’s relative easy to use and so much faster than using a brush. I also sand the finish with a block sander (350 or 400 grit) and apply almost no pressure; just allowing the weight of the block to glide over the flat surface. Wiping the finish down with a damp cloth is a great ideal since this product is water based and the dampness dries all most immediately. I always enjoy your videos and have learned a great deal from watching.

[@RootsWingsHome]

I'm so glad you are here! I have never tried spraying the topcoat. I will have to try that and see if it makes any difference in my finish!

[@janetw8294]

Thank you. That was exactly what I was looking for. Very clear and concise presentation on water based polyurethane application!

[@bettyboop1524]

Thank you, I love General Finishes products. I used their Flat on Flat and it gave me such a beautiful finish. Normally I do not like shiny, but I have a dresser I painted with Dixie Belle Cavair black and I will be making the top a dark, dark brown with a shiny top coat. Love your videos especially that I don't have to listen to senseless chatter, and the continual moving of the camera which makes one seasick. LOL Have a great weekend.

[@RootsWingsHome]

Yes, Flat out Flat is such a great product! I will do my best to not make you seasick - 😂

[@carsonalexandermuck1136]

When I sanded my first layer I freaked out at all the dust I was struggling to get out. The wet paper towel did the trick. Thanks!

[@emilcasas2707]

Thank you so much for teaching me! It’s been a game changer!

[@HawkFest]

Thanks! Just a little comment: water based dries faster than oil based, hence, IMHO, using a foam brush instead of bristles would be more appropriate since it leaves no bristle traces (traces which can flatten out with oil based poly, having the time to so so, but not with water based poly). If I did this very often, I would invest on a couple of high quality bristle brushes since they're the most polyvalent, but if it's just for one project or two with a _water_ based finish, using 2$ (max) foam brushes is a winner.

[@williamsandler1363]

Helpful video and explanation. I am using 320 grit between coats (versus your 400), but going very softly then dusting with a tack cloth before next layer. So far so good thanks.

[@RootsWingsHome]

Yes, that will do!

[@bp349]

Thank you! Fully agree w others re key consideration clarity sans technical mumbo jumbo - very nice. Subscribing now 👍

[@normal.3968]

Thanks so much for sharing this and ALL your knowledge. I'm in the process or refinishing my grandmother's sewing cabinet. Sanded, used Gel stain which is amazing and now onto the top coat. This video was just what I needed to remind me of what you said. You didn't show how to do the sides of a piece, so I'm just winging it. Wish me luck!

[@st6910]

If u sand 1 and 2 top coat because it's bumpy...why isn't the final coat bumpy?

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Jenni! Sister of incisive instruction! Thanks so much for a super helpful video. Cheers! 💛😎

[@RootsWingsHome]

It's my engineer brain coming out ;) You are most welcome!

[@elizabethhamilton4678]

Great video. Thanks for sharing the sanding and top coat tips. Have a great night. Hugs from the southeast coast of Florida🌴😎💙😎🌴

[@RootsWingsHome]

Thank you for watching - as always 😉

[@fabiolagalindo9102]

Yes, this was very helpful thanks for sharing. Have a nice day!

[@RootsWingsHome]

Thank you for watching!

[@mikeboehmer1180]

Thank you very much! I followed your system completely, and my basement doors(7 of them) look great!

[@bartskorupski1124]

Thank you! Great video - I feel confident to apply my top coat now.

[@stephaniekelly3223]

Thank you for your easy to understand explanation.

[@klbiondo]

great video! clear and easy instructions.

[@brucetaylor2887]

Useful thanks. I'd probably add don't paint out of the paint container (tip some in little container). This way you keep your product cleaner, including the can and you don't risk spilling it all. Also that first board looked like it needed the wet paper towel too (appeared dusty) so always wipe off first.

[@shannonv8364]

This video is very informative. I am in need of your professional opinion. I am refinishing a dining room table where the wood grain is circular so very hard to apply to direction of the grain. Have done so but the middle is clumped from it meeting in the middle on a diagonal. I have applied 3 coats with General Finishes high performance using a purdy brush but have brush marks. What can I do to smooth out the finish? Help!! Anyone?

[@crafts_avenue]

after I applied the top coat from varathane waterbased ..but my smooth sanded finish turnd to a rough surface again? it's like I never sanded it ! I'm making a serving try. thank you for your helpful suggestions.

[@catcar8212]

Thanks, I like your process

[@erinpelosi3624]

I bought a table it is painted from factory but it not made for heavy use, crazy, but it is a hardwood, I am thinking of sanding it lightly then applying a either a hand rubbed oil based OR polycrylic OR using a few coats of Johnsons paste wax, Thanks so much.

[@RootsWingsHome]

Polycrylic would be your most durable option out of those you are thinking of ;)

[@kimb6541]

Yes! That's what brought me here, too! I chose a water-based poly (General Finishes) and roughed it up but when I wiped it with a damp cloth the water beaded on top making me wonder if it was enough to then use a water-based poly on. *sigh* So, now i'm back online looking to see if I need something in between! I just saw somewhere that I should use a dewaxed shellac in between the original poly (from the manufacturer) and my water-based poly. For what it's worth, I chose water-based poly after a bunch of research because the table weighs about 400 lbs and can't move out of the kitchen (but is near a bunch of windows). So, I chose the lowest smell but still super strong recommendation. (A bunch of people said that old water-based polys might not have been as strong as the oil-based ones but the new ones, particularly the General Finishes, is super durable with less smell. This also has faster drying between coats even though you need more coats (like 4 or 5).) So, here's my question, @Root & Wings Furniture & Home , if I am refinishing a kitchen table that had a half-rate finish (shiny over the stain), do I have to do anything more than rough up the original stained/poly finish (that might be oil-based) before I start with my GF water-based poly?

[@thedodsons38]

Thanks for all that info I’ve been going crazy trying to figure out topcoat. I just recently put on a topcoat of varathane triple thick and had the worst brush strokes left behind. After watching this I believe it was because I worked it too much. Any advice is appreciated.

[@123blablabla098]

Great video! Thank you! And now, could you make a video about what kind of brushes are the best for chalk painting? Everyone talks about expensive fancy ones, how about anything else? And, flat brush? Thick round brush? Help

[@cactusladysouth1000]

Good Video...did not repeat yourself

[@funnyman352]

Awesome video. So many good tips for beginners. Real quick. How long should we wait in between coats

[@sarahkonsker2827]

What about urethaining over old, sanded but partially still with paint wood (as on a porch bench).

[@theperfectkingcake4374]

Do you have to put a top coat on both sides of a desk? Can one side be left unfinished?

[@donnamoore2153]

Ugh I have brushstrokes. Maybe I didn’t buy enough for my pressure was too hard. I’m guessing I need to sand and redo the topcoat?

[@yogaqueen1527]

How long do you let it dry, before adding a second coat?

[@dawng5764]

Hi, thanks for this video! I am preparing to stain and poly a set of cornhole boards I built for a wedding gift. I see many use an interior water based poly over oil gel stains. What is your opinion on the finish. Should it be exterior vs interior and can I use water based poly over the oil stain if it is completely dry? The game will not be left outside like furniture. Thanks for your help!

[@davidfagerberg9283]

How much you put on depends on Which water based poly you use. Follow the instructions on the can. For example it says on aqua zar poly that you should not apply to much

[@natesambo9759]

The wood in this example looks rough so a smooth finish isn't really noticeable. What about if you have a smooth table that you want to look more glossy? The more glossy, the more difficult it seems to become.

[@lisarideout2320]

Thank you- excellent video with great information. How do you clean the brush after using a water? based top coat?

[@kaarenguest4685]

if you use an latex paint can you use the general finishes water based sealer?

[@nazblack6771]

Nice & simple I love it

[@yazannazay1500]

Thank you so much for the video! My question is: can I use this brand on a cabinet which has already been painted but I am going to do a top coat on it because it is would be set in the bathroom.

[@XatxiFly]

Thank you! Glad I don't need a sander.

[@mshinn13]

Great video! Thanks for sharing the info

[@RootsWingsHome]

Thank you for watching!

[@emilystubbs5650]

Can I put this over oil based Polly if I rough it up first?

[@sandycrotty665]

I am refinishing my dining room table top. I sanede down to rawood, painted it a pale tea,, whipped it off, Got a beautiful color then lightly sanded it and put on a water base polyurethane satin finish. I now have brush strokes. I know why that happened, how do I get rid of this? Please Help!

[@laurenl5843]

Very pleasant, straight forward and informative. I'm working on some painted furniture now and this was a big help. When dealing with painted furniture... I'm just wondering do I need to do two coats of the top coat? Thank you. 😊👍🇨🇦

[@misty1836]

Looking to buy this brush..is it medium stiff, while trying to purchase there are different ones. Medium stiff etc, which one is the one I need to do top coats?

[@msnchez1]

Thank you for sharing your tips🥰💕

[@RootsWingsHome]

Thank you for watching!

[@nmoran2046]

If you’re a big fan of the Purdy you should try a corona I switched about three years ago won’t go back

[@draeleigh1]

I want to top coat my new table to preserve the finish. Would this top coat be a good choice?

[@harryrodriguezjr8579]

We are finishing our dining room table of 38 years but our top has cross grain. In other words, when you pull apart the left side has a split grain as well as the right side. Ideas for top coating?

[@lakshmipaniker4960]

Thank you so much, you have no idea how this video has helped me considerably to apply topcoat. Now I use GF hp flat or satin for all my projects. May I ask your advice? I have teak and cane furniture set, almost 20 yrs old that has only some varnish or French polish on it. In natural teak wood color and natural cane. This has been never used roughly. But I think it is time to give this some tender loving care. I now want to give a little stain and a topcoat to these pieces. Not really knowing what the actual product used to protect it, where do I start? I will be doing everything inside only, so I need only water based products and no heavy sanding. I want to avoid stripping, light sanding is ok. Want to use one of GF water based stains, maybe provincial. But how to prep it? Thank you in advance..

[@connielahman5725]

Does it hurt to sand between coats if painted surface

[@mhdz10]

Hello! I liked your video a lot, I found it very helpful. Thank you! I just have one question: how to totally avoid air bubbles? Regards! 🙂

[@Flavourdynamics]

Give it a little pass with a heat-gun or a blow-drier. Start from max distance/low heat and just give it enough to let the bubble dissolve out.

[@deng2023]

Keep it Simple...Listen to what she’s saying and you’ll be more than satisfied with your finish.

[@denisekays7553]

How many coats to I use on a painted piece and when do I sand it?

[@wendywilmarth2893]

What is the different between polyurethane and polycrylic, aren't they the same?? Also thank you, I was having a tough time applying water base polyurethane to a piece of furniture!

[@randallmarsh446]

How durable is it in a wet environmental conditions like in a bathroom or showers ?I am wanting to water proof some acrylic paint which is also waterbase.Will this seal the paint?

[@sunnygiselle]

How long is dry time between

[@sheek896]

Can you use it on white wood

[@TellMeOneMoreTime]

Good video and those blue eyes are amazing. (I kept hearing "tap" coat....lol) Subtitles do help

[@LG-er6ng]

will this finish work for bathroom shelf that has woven basket pulled/slide on and off daily?

[@codacreator6162]

Is just one coat of WB Poly enough? I really like the way it looks and don't want more gloss.

[@cvillarrealb]

Thanks for sharing

[@jasonramler]

If I took a drink every time you said "topcoat", I would have probably blacked out by now...lol. Great video though. I notice you do a lot of back brushing on the finish. I've always heard that's a big no, no with water based poly. Maybe GF is more forgiving than most. I've been using Verathane water poly and it's very hard to not get brush strokes and bubbles even when I try really hard to avoid back brushing at all. I don't know if you've had this issue with other water based polys. Thanks.

[@RootsWingsHome]

At least you know this video is about topcoat. haha. GF is very forgiving, that's one of the reasons I like it so much! I also think it's more durable than most. Yes, some other polys are almost sticky in consistency, which makes smoothing out the finish very difficult.

[@jasonramler]

@@RootsWingsHome Thanks. I'll have to try GF soon.

[@markj7924]

Thanks for the detailed info. If I want to cover paint with the water based polyurethane, want would be the best type of paint (most compatible ) to use that hopefully comes in aerosols?

[@mikem3457]

great video! i’m re-staining my drum kit and i picked up some polyurethane but i heard it gives the gloss a yellow stain. i will for sure pick up the brand you used but do you have any suggestions with staining a round drum?

[@1958indyfan]

Nice job.

[@perla.gk5]

Would this work on laminated pressed wood? 🤔

[@rtgray7]

Thanks! New sub...

[@PsychoSainten]

What do you do with your brush in between poly coats?

[@tonycapone2016]

Never work out of a tin you introduce contaminants into the contents . Use a kettle as in paint kettle tip out what you need . Reseal the tin and turn it over to seal it inside .

[@rosannediller2680]

Very helpful.

[@RootsWingsHome]

Oh good! I'm so glad!

[@tiffanimurphy531]

Can you change to a flat finish top coat 1/2 way through coats? I have done 2 coats of satin finish but it’s too shiny for my liking!

[@RootsWingsHome]

Yes! That is exactly what you can do!

[@LEO-xo9cz]

As long as it's the same type of product preferably the same brand.

[@ludwigvercuiel2211]

I'm having trouble with my top coat being somewhat sticky to the touch. Not very much but enough to annoy me. Is there something km doing wrong or is my water-based poly just bad quality??

[@RootsWingsHome]

It may be the brand. I like General Finishes because it does give a nice hard finish at the end with no tackiness.

[@ry8238434]

Can i use a topcoat like this on a table that I painted on?

[@Advicesquad]

So you shouldnt sand again after your final top coat? Dont you want that smooth finish?

[@fineartlifestyling]

I wonder how this poly would work on floors

[@IsaacFNghost]

Can I use 220 grit between coats? Its all I have at the moment

[@RootsWingsHome]

If you use it really lightly - another thing that will work is a brown paper bag if you have one of those! Just crumple it up and use it like sandpaper.

[@lionel8772]

Thank you for the video. How long do you have to wait in between coats?

[@RootsWingsHome]

Usually about 2 hours.

[@Ashwynn88]

Is it safe to use minwax polycrylic over the general finishes flat polish? I've dont 3-4 coats already and it's not as thick as I was hoping, would it be silly of me to do a layer of polycrylic?? Thanks!

[@RootsWingsHome]

Yes, you could do that!

[@madisonyoung6553]

Can you use this over white paint? Or only on bare wood?

[@RootsWingsHome]

It is not recommended for use on white paint. Other colors are okay, or wood.

[@Bowgirl4]

Great video and very helpful. I Just bought a painted table from pier one that has reviews of it leaving water rings. I'm wanting to do a top layer before using it. Will this brand protect against water at all? Yours is my favorite video so far I've watched! And I've watched alot!!

[@RootsWingsHome]

Awe, thank you so much. Yes, this will protect against water. It's not water proof, but it will increase the protection of your piece. Good idea to add this before using your new furniture!

[@travisedwards9983]

Never been able to get general finishes water poly to work with a brush on any large surface, not even coffee table size. Wont level, as well as brush strokes. Have to roll it or use a paint pad. Spray would be best of course.

[@laureean9785]

Ok, so now what do you use for the stains, any suggestions on water based or low VOC stains?

[@RootsWingsHome]

Yes, General Finishes Water Based Wood stains are my favorite! Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXK9eKVmaZanfpI or this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/faPQkqSdl5aWmLs

[@k8brueckman]

Hi! So I’ve done my three layers of top coat and when I look at the top I notice one small area that it looks like I may have missed. Do I have to redo the whole top again or can I just brush some top coat on that spot? It is bothering me! Your videos were very helpful in my project! Ty!

[@yogaqueen1527]

Go green! I graduated from State!

[@pueo5785]

Sand again and apply a 4th coat on the whole piece. A spot remedy will never blend in and will stand out very, VERY conspicuously. I always sand my final coat lightly with 320 and then buff with 3M ultrafine (gray) pad to give me a nice silky smooth satin. If I want a higher sheen, I follow the gray with 3M superfine (white) pad. Using the pads with a random orbit sander will make the process effortless.

[@bravepietri6729]

how do you clean your brushes after using the water-based finish?

[@dwightl5863]

Soap and water.

[@kg4lod]

How long should you wait before sanding between coats? Does three layers take three days/overnights?

[@LEO-xo9cz]

I always wait until its dry to the touch and the flatting between coats produces dust instead of clogging up your sandpaper.

[@RootsWingsHome]

If it's a water based top coat a few hours is usually enough. Oil based topcoats take 24 hours to dry between coats.

[@Bkaz3678]

Thanks so much for the video, super helpful! Does the product you use leave any sort of scent after applying? I plan on using this on a computer desk.

[@RootsWingsHome]

I do not find this to be very smelly, especially when dry. I have it on my desk top and have never noticed an odor from the topcoat!

[@lorirapp8581]

I did a temporary faux finish on my old countertop until we can afford a new one and I used water-based polyurethane finish and did about six layers. three years later it still looks OK but because it is the water based it is getting dull from use is it possible to use a regular poly urethane over the top of the water-based so that it will last longer?

[@RootsWingsHome]

Yes! That would be a good solution. Just be sure you have time to really let it dry!

[@stevo3938]

Your eyes are glamorous

[@nodumbname1651]

hi there, first time viewer. Of course gave you a 'like'! what is the name and model of the brush? can you provide a link? Thanks!

[@RootsWingsHome]

Thanks so much! My favorite brush is a Purdy XL Cub: amzn.to/2tS9iHv

[@erinpelosi3624]

It was a great video, thank you!

[@mhdz10]

Thanks for this video. You have a new subscriber! 🙂👍🏼

[@joelhuayaban6657]

Hi there,, How many of topcoat do you normally do on your projects??

[@RootsWingsHome]

Hello! I usually do 3 coats over a stained surface, 1-2 on a painted surface.

[@johnc1280]

Roots & Wings Furniture & Home so this works fine applied on latex paint?

[@ejfranco14]

What color of stain did you use?

[@RootsWingsHome]

This was General Finishes Water Based Provencial

[@shoshonehayes3074]

How long did you let stain dry? It's been 2days and tested an inconspicuous spot and the drips show like it's pulling stain up.

[@sunnygiselle]

Do you need to sand?

[@glytch5]

I gotta say it " I don't want bumpy wood!" lol... bad pun but hey thats the internet.

[@paulcorrona3564]

You could read the phonebook to me and I'd just sit and stare into those blue eyes all day long

[@SciaticaDrums]

Just remember if you're using a water based poly you'll probably want to do more than three coats. If have to for my stair treads. It's a stairway to the basement so an oil based is not practical because of the smell. I don't want to lose brain cells, TYVM.

[@Tarasyoutube]

*note to self she is buffing with 400 Lightly wet paper towel