You can get it here: Amazon USA The Polycrylic has been a joy to apply, brushed out very nicely to a completely even finish, and left NO brush marks at all. Apply the polycrylic even slower than you would on bare wood. I applied a total of five coats to my project, each with a bit of sanding in between using fine grits of sandpaper. But this top coat can become streaky or have noticeable brush strokes if it’s applied the wrong way. After applying the first coat of polycrylic, let it dry for 2 hours. Spray on the polycrylic with slightly overlapping strokes and apply a thin layer to avoid any runs or snags. It can be applied the same as polyurethane – brush on, light sanding, brush on, light sanding, brush on. Related: What I Use Instead of Wood Conditioner. Don’t press the brush as you apply the polycrylic – let the brush do the work. If you are working with unsealed wood, ensure you use enough to seal any open joints and edges. An expert at home repair, remodel, and DIY projects for nearly 40 years. ​Polycrylic is a fantastic finisher to apply over painted furniture, especially lighter colored pieces. Fortunately, Polycrylic dries quickly, so I haven’t experience this problem yet. Three coats should be sufficient. I have applied Polycrylic to projects painted with chalk-type paints. And, as a spray can, it can be used for minor touch-ups of projects … Polycrylic can be applied with brush or sprayed. Get goof-proof results and a smooth as glass finish on your stained wood and painted furniture projects every time. This can vary depending on how thick of a coat you put on, and temperature and humidity. This is normal. Lately, I have been using homemade stains like this coffee stain or this DIY black walnut stain. You won’t need to apply as thick of coats, but because there is already paint on the surface, it will be harder to see where you’ve gotten full coverage. Recoating time is 2 hours and it’s fully dry in 24hrs. Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish is a clear finish topcoat for wood in a water-based formula that offers wood. First, remove the majority of the dust with a ShopVac and then follow up with a tack cloth. The black knobs and stenciled chandelier really pop against the bright pink. We need to prepare the chalky painted surface just like a wood surface. If you’re working with wooden furniture or doors that have been painted, it’s important to ensure you use the protective equipment. Shaking can introduce air bubbles. To use it, dip a synthetic paintbrush in topcoat and apply a … When the wood is dry, lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper. SawsHub is a collection of DIY enthusiasts and woodworking experts. Learn how your comment data is processed. If you can, leave it in the thinner for a hour, or even overnight, before wiping it clean with a rag. The Minwax com… What Size Air Compressor Do I Need for an Impact Wrench? That means less stress on my wrist. Get a smooth as glass finish by using a quality brush, applying with the grain, using long strokes in one direction, applying thin, even coats, and keeping a wet edge. Apply a thin, even coat of Polycrylic with the paint brush. Before we get into how to apply Polycrylic, be sure to click the subscribe button at the bottom of this page to sign up for my FREE weekly newsletter loaded with helpful pocket hole tricks, space-saving workshop ideas, clever DIY tips and more! I am finding that it feels fairly rough. document.addEventListener('mousemove',loadFca46); I like to use this DIY wood filler. You can get it in a spray can (which I’ve never tried) or in various different sized cans. Here are a few tips to apply polycrylic without having brush strokes on your wood piece: Polycrylic makes protecting wood easier, cleaner, and safer! Sealing stained wood with Polycrylic. Follow these helpful tips and tricks to tackle your next Polycrylic project with confidence. Apply the poly with a small foam roller instead of a brush. Chalk paint really soaks up glaze, which can make it difficult to wipe away. I use this paint brush (my favorite brush) to apply Polycrylic. Spray-on Polycrylic. In other words, the wood is no longer smooth after the finish is applied. Polycrylic is a very popular sealant for wood projects. Fill the grain with an oil-or water-based wood grain filler. var s=document.createElement('script');s.async=true;s.onload=function(){};s.src='//f.convertkit.com/a46c3f54aa/20a88c843b.js'; Working quickly apply an even coat to the surface (plan for 3-4 coats). The work area should be relatively dust-free. The liquid product has a milky white color in the can, but dries crystal clear. Let dry at least 2 hours then sand with very fine sandpaper (220 grit) to ensure an even finish and proper adhesion of additional coats. document.removeEventListener('mousemove',loadFca46); While this time frame can be frustrating, it is highly recommend you observe it for health reasons. How long should paint dry before applying polycrylic? After the final coat, leave for 24 hours ​and it should be dry. I wondered if you have tried to use Polycrylic and used a HVLP type sprayer and what the results were and why you do not use a sprayer. These include: As with any product that needs to be applied with a brush, it is important to get the technique right. Learn how to apply Polycrylic the right way without streaks or brush strokes. Next, lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper to remove the streaks or brush strokes. Then, remove the sanding dust. Use a high quality synthetic brush for application. Can be difficult to apply on large projects because it dries quickly. It should match the base of the stain or paint you used on your project! However, if you would like to try to fix up the surface a bit, you might want to go around and apply some wood filler. As it is sprayed in a thin layer, it dries faster. Minwax recommends applying three coats of Polycrylic. Apply the paint in only one direction and follow the grain of the wood. If you load the brush with too much polycrylic, you’ll get brush marks and dripping. I poured Polycrylic in the cup of my spray gun but only about 1/3 of the way. Spray on the polycrylic with slightly overlapping strokes and apply a thin layer to avoid any runs or snags. Importantly, you also get that crystal-clear finish that draws out the beautiful natural grain of the wood, while adding protection so you breathe new life into your décor in the most elegant way. } The Polycrylic comes in matte, satin, semi-gloss and gloss. Or, you could apply a clear oil base polyurethane. Polycrylic is an easy-to-apply protective finish for DIY projects. The answer to whether you can apply Polycrylic by spraying is … Polycrylic is much safer for interior surfaces, even in poorly ventilated spaces. First remove the majority of the dust with a ShopVac and then follow up with a tack cloth. Paint is smooth. In other words, we need to watch for drips when it’s applied to vertical surfaces like the sides of bookcases or doors. I like the Rust-Oleum and Varathane oil-based stains. However, once dry it is impervious to water, becoming a durable clear finish. It’s ready for light handling after about three hours. It depends on the humidity levels and temperatures. It’s also the method that Minwax recommends. The more coats the better. Polycrylic comes in three gloss levels: Gloss, semigloss and satin. This additive supposedly can prevent Polycrylic from drying (it will remain tacky) or dry very slowly. I practiced on a piece of cardboard making sure I had the spray pattern I wanted (an oval) then adjusted the fluid control until it was just right. Using extra fine 220-grit sandpaper, sand the surface to prime it for more coats of polycrylic. Water can cause steel wool to rust. Take the item you're finishing into a warmer area to apply the polyurethane, which you can do with movable items such as outdoor furniture. Humidity can cause Polycrylic to dry more slowly. My sealer choice for this project was Minwax Polycrylic in gloss. Apply a thin layer of polycrylic with a foam or soft bristled brush and let it dry. As with any DIY project, preparation is of the essence. Polycrylic has a slight odor, but it doesn’t have strong, stinky fumes like oil-based polyurethane. One way to prevent this from happening is to prepare the wood before applying the water-based finish. It is great for. Then, repeat for 10 seconds after each minute of using the product. Aerosol Polycrylic Use: Aerosol is a spray form of polycrylic, shake it well for 2 minutes before using it. Saws on Skates® is a registered trademark. That said, I would still apply it in a well-ventilated area. Old paint can generate dust and fumes when sanded that can be hazardous. Yes, Polycrylic can be applied over vinyl decals. Buy a good brush. Use a sweeping motion. Finish with 22-grit to remove any deeper scratches left behind. To help prevent blotchiness and help the wood accept the stain more evenly, I apply a pre-stain conditioner. Hold the can vertically at around 12 inches from the surface and fully depress the can’s button. This might be an easier method of application and is a good choice if you want to rapidly apply a thin coat. Polycrylic is completely transparent, unlike many polyurethane products. Related: What You Need to Know About a Shellac Wood Finish. Learn about the team! Stir the polycrylic well. Where many polyurethanes (except Protect) are oil based and go on stained wood and oil painted furniture, polycrylic is water based and can go on wood or paint. Then use a clean tack cloth to ensure it’s completely free from any surface dust and you’re ready for the next step. Not sealing stained wood Polycrylic This water based sealer works best over water based stain and any kind of paint. Don’t skimp on this – a good brush is worth its weight and will minimize brush strokes. Follow the directions on the can, but essentially, you apply it just like you would paint. It may cast an amber tint. Using … Many people find that polycrylic offers a slicker finish but it also get get a little sticky at times. Minwax recommends stirring the finish before and during use, and not shaking. We go through how to apply polycrylic to your wood surfaces. Don’t shake the can of polycrylic – this will produce bubbles, which can lead to brush strokes. Make sure the contents are stirred well...don't shake. We need to prepare the painted surface just like a wood surface. Allow more time on humid days. The best way to apply Polycrylic is with a synthetic bristle brush. It works best as any waterbase polyurethane will when sprayed (if you are equipped). For areas that require a brush, make sure you are using a good quality brush (Purdy is great). You could coat the entire surface with the Polycrylic. Gloss produces a high "wet-look" shine, whereas semigloss and satin produce satin sheens. The painted surface will need to be completely smooth for the Polycrylic to be completely smooth. Stir the Polycrylic. What you need to do is apply 2 or 3 layers of the paint before you get started. It will be completely clear when dry. Polycrylic needs something to bite into so that it will stick to the surface. Remember to make sure you remove any dust from the sanding so that additional coats adhere to the surface. All-in-all, there are many advantages of water-based polycrylic over oily polyurethane. Not as durable, heat resistant, or water resistant as polyurethane. I am planning on on using a gloss Polycrylic finish on top for a more modern look. It is inexpensive and easy to apply. It’s important to mention that water-based finishes could react with oil-based and water-based stains. If you are working with unsealed wood, ensure you use enough to seal any open joints and edges. Apply nice, thick coats. I should also mention if your painted project has visible streaks or brush strokes, you will see those brush strokes even after the Polycrylic is applied. Don’t add very much water – you’re looking to get it to roughly a 90% poly / 10% water mix. Aside from preparing the area, you’re working in; it’s also ultra-important to prepare the wood surface before applying polycrylic. s.setAttribute('data-uid','a46c3f54aa-XX');document.head.appendChild(s) I’d really appreciate it! This makes polycrylic the perfect product to protect the finish. Do not use steel wool. function loadFca46(){var i=function(t){if(!t)return;var n=t.getBoundingClientRect();return 2222>n.top||-2222>n.top};if(initeda46||!i(document.querySelector('#fcka46,#convertkit_form-2')))return;initeda46=!0;console.log('load f.convertkit in widget a46c3f54aa'); Purchases made using these links help support the Saws on Skates website and allows me to share more projects and tips with you. More on that below…. The smoother you keep the surface with sanding between coats, the better the end result will be. We've had huge success using Polycrylic, wood stain or acrylic paint, all of which you can find at your favorite craft store. First, remove the majority of the dust with a ShopVac and then follow up with a tack cloth. When sanding, start with 100-grit medium sandpaper. Don’t shake it. After wiping off the dust, apply … His first experience came in completely restoring an antique home. Apply in one direction with the grain. First, lets clarify one important point – there is a big difference between the amount of time for polycrylic to dry, and for polycrylic to cure. Yes. It adds a layer of protection to wood projects by preventing dirt, dust, water, oil, grease, etc. TIP: Don’t use steel wool to sand between coats when using water-based products like Polycrylic. Opt for a wood filler that accepts stain, so that the polycrylic will still go on well. Polycrylic is a water-based protective finish or top coat made by Minwax. Thank you for stopping by. Get a smooth as glass finish on your stained wood or painted furniture projects. The other thing we’ll notice is Polycrylic has a runny consistency. To give you more control over how much glaze you leave on the project, apply a topcoat like polycrylic, which is a protective sealer. Try it on a sample first. Using a roller can introduce air bubbles into the finish. Apply Polycrylic Without Streaks Use a quality synthetic bristle brush Apply with the grain of the wood Use long strokes in one direction. Wood surfaces should be dry and free of grease, wax, or polish before you can apply polycrylic. Let the coat with streaks or brush strokes dry completely. Streaks and brush marks can be fixed by sanding and reapplying. Make sure you have everything you need on hand before starting. Then remove the sanding dust. function loadFcSCa46(){if(window.scrollY>88)loadFca46()}; If that happens, feel free to apply some corn starch on the board to get things a little slicker. Dry: After applying polycrylic, now let it dry for minimum 2 hours before following the next step. When we open a can of Polycrylic, we’ll notice it has a milky white color. So if you are looking for a nice glossy and easy to use finish for your paintings, give Polycrylic a try. Clean off all dust. For example, water-based top coats can sometimes remove water-based stains like the coffee stain and the black walnut stain.To prevent this from happening, we can apply wax-free shellac. If you do opt for polyurethane, we have a step-by-step guide on how to spray it on your wood. This runny consistency can make it difficult to apply on vertical surfaces. That means we need to lightly sand the painted surface with 220 grit sandpaper. This is because polycrylic dries clear, unlike polyurethane. Store-bought pre-stain conditioners are available, but I like to use natural, DIY versions instead. It’s always a good idea to clean away the dust when sanding so the surface is completely smooth and scratch-free. I just used Magnolia chalk spray paint on a console table. And the shorter handle means less weight. Brush strokes on your finished product are really frustrating. It’s easy to make with just two ingredients and it takes stain well. I’m using MW Polycrylic brush-on application over both the finished top and the painted body of the cabinet. Apply a second coat in the same way. Brush or spray it on for best results. However, there are a few things to watch for: Polycrylic provides an added barrier of protection when applied over paint, and is a great choice for high use or outdoor pieces of furniture. Because it’s water-based, it cleans up easily with soap and warm water. All rights reserved. Now that you brought it up, I’m going to try spraying it! Apply the polycrylic with the synthetic brush with long slow brush strokes to painted surface. How to Apply Polycrylic Paint Applying polycrylic with a brush is relatedly straightforward. Those bumps will need to be sanded out and an additional coat will need to be applied. Then, switch to a finer 150-grit paper. We need to be careful during this time because it can scratch or dent before it’s fully cured. Then, remove the sanding dust. Also Know, can you dilute Polycrylic? Dip a rag in water and wipe it on the surface of the wood. To get the best finish when spraying polyurethane, you should try to apply a thin coat (as thin as possible). You’ll notice it looks milky in the can. Polycrylic vs.. Polyurethane is available in either spray on or wipe on form.. . Make sure you don’t overload the brush and apply only a thin coat in the direction of the wood grain. Leave to dry for at least 2 hours before applying the next coat. As you learn how to apply polycrylic, you’re learning how to protect your wood while simultaneously keeping it cleaner and more attractive. Step 3 Warm up the temperature where you're applying the polyurethane if you cannot move the item you're finishing. I would recommend that you try it on some test pieces before applying to your project to be sure the Polycrylic will dry properly with your chalk-type paint. After each coat dries, sand with fine 220-grit sandpaper. The secret of using spray polycrylic is to ensure you shake the can vigorously for two minutes before starting. How To Apply A Water Based Finish - Finishing 001 - YouTube It will become crystal clear as it dries. Spray one coat of lacquer. That means we need to lightly sand the painted surface with 220 grit sandpaper. Spray Polycrylic Wood Finish Combining all of the features of the wipe or brush-on polycrylic but converting it to a spray can, this type of finish is quick and easy for all projects. Speaking of it being hard to see, pay special attention to bubbles forming as you apply the polycrylic. Minwax recommends temperatures above 50 degrees. Now you want to use very fine sandpaper, just to sand it a little bit in order to get some texture going on the paint. Allow polycrylic to dry for several hours between coats. loadFca46(). Before applying second coat, lightly sand the surface again. Apply the next coat, and repeat the coating process. The finish comes in a spray can and is simple to use, which is why many choose this option. Sand in between coats with a very, very light grit sandpapper. 11 Secrets for Sanding Wood Projects Like a Pro, What You Need to Know About a Shellac Wood Finish. However, once dry, these bubbles will be a lot more noticeable. Apply a thin coat of Polycrylic™ Finish with a high-quality synthetic bristle brush. We will take you through the recommended steps to achieve the best results with both the liquid and aerosol types of polycrylic: If your wood surface has any cracks, chips, dents, or dings, now is the time to address it. Brief excerpts and one photo may be used provided full and clear credit is given to Saws on Skates® with appropriate links to the original content. Then, remove the sanding dust. Content from Saws on Skates® may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author. Apply a second coat of polycrylic and sand. You will hold the canister upright about a foot from the surface, and then push the button down completely. Works well on small projects like small side tables, decorative trays, home decor projects, and more. Pine often becomes blotchy when it’s stained. Then, remove the sanding dust. The slower you brush, the lower the chances of brush strokes. Lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper between each coat. It is more affordable, making polycrylic perfect for beginners or DIY projects. As you spray on the polycrylic, you will want to make sure to cover surrounding areas to protect from overspray. Should I sand off the roughness before applying the poly or will sanding after application work. Yes, it is possible to apply Polycrylic over paint, but it is a little bit tricky. Clean dust with tack cloth. Water-based products like water-based Polycrylic raise the grain of raw wood (wood that has not been stained or painted). On the other hand. Click here to visit my site policies. I’ve tried applying Polycrylic with a foam brush and I wouldn’t recommend it. I’ve heard matte-finish paints like chalk-type paints have an additive that gives them a chalky appearance. Different types of wood, such as pine, birch, cherry, or ash, all have their own unique grain patterns and colors. If you’re looking for a specific type of polycrylic I’d recommend: Minwax Polycrylic; Gloss levels Apply the Polycrylic and allow each coat to dry for about two hours. Use a good superior brush and apply a thin layer of polycrylic according to the direction of the wood grain. In my experience, the Polycrylic dried as it normally would on any other project. Sandpaper (80, 100, 120, 150, and 220 grits). Fill the cup with thinner and spray thinner for about 10 seconds. Copyright 2021 by SawsHub.com - Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact. Tool Tips, Small Workshop Ideas & Woodworking Plans, July 21, 2020 By Scott - Saws on Skates 2 Comments. Polycrylic dries quickly, usually in about two hours. Related: Polycrylic vs Polyurethane: Are They The Same? That means smoothing the surface of the wood with sandpaper. Minwax further recommends you use a soft synthetic-bristle brush to apply the finish in thin coats. Protect adjacent areas from overspray. You can apply polycrylic over paint in the same way you would use it on bare wood. ​Once you’re done painting your wood piece, you might want to apply a finisher to protect it and make the paint last longer. Using polycrylic is cleaner because it is water-based and can be washed from the hands with soap and water. Those bubbles can cause the finish to be bumpy. I should also mention if your chalky paint project has visible streaks or brush strokes, you will see those brush strokes even after the Polycrylic is applied. This clear, water-based liquid dries quickly and provides a durable finish to your projects. Using a good quality synthetic bristle brush, apply a thin coat of polycrylic. Although it is a similar product to polyurethane, there are some distinct advantages to using polycrylic instead. How to Apply Polycrylic to Wood and Paint, How to Apply Polycrylic Without Brush Strokes, bringing out the natural beauty of wood finishes, polyurethane is oil-based and harder to clean, The Different Types of Sanders and How to Use Them. from penetrating the wood. It’s not recommended to apply Polycrylic with a roller. Those bubbles can cause the finish to be bumpy. It will be harder to see these, especially on a white paint. Apply it with a tight foam roller SLOWLY. Yes, Polycrylic can be applied over chalk-type paints. Remove the cup and then unscrew the tip and submerge it in thinner. Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter loaded with helpful pocket hole tricks, space-saving workshop ideas, clever DIY tips, plus more, and I’ll skate 3 FREE Workshop Plans over to your inbox NOW! Enhancing the beautiful natural grain and protecting wood surfaces is made easy when they’re coated with polycrylic. There is no cost to you for using these links. It’s not flammable, it’s easy to clean up after use, and it’s cheaper, too. Remember, this is a water-based product and is less viscose than oil-based polyurethane. While paint does protect the wood, there are a lot of situations where you could use the extra protection, such as if you’re piece will be sitting outside. Once you coat your wood in this base coat, you're going to want to wait 24-48 hours until your base coat is completely set before moving on to the next step. Some people choose polyurethane over spray paint, polycrylic, or other finishers because it has a more durable finish that does not chip or cracks over time.In general, polyurethane is your standard “go-to” all purpose finisher. Allow it to dry and sand with very fine sand paper. It provides strong coverage. Dust particles that land in the finish while it’s drying will need to be sanded out. It is environmentally friendly, and you can use it indoors. Cliff, you can only thin it very slightly with water. It does dry completely clear, so don’t be put off by that. I feel the stubby handle gives me better control when applying paints, stains, and finishes. It’s best to apply polycrylic with the grain and use as few brush strokes as possible. But as far as I know, you can use it in a sprayer. If any of the steel wool is left behind it could cause a stain in the finish. You might actually like the weathered, worn look that this can provide – if this is the case, then you can move on to the next step. I usually build my projects with pine. Apply very slowly. Leave to dry for at least 30 minutes before applying the next coat. If you buy something through a link in our posts, we may get a small share of the sale. Sheen is the level of glossiness. ... You can apply in temps below 55 degrees, but apply thin. Polycrylic dries much faster than polyurethane, which can take as long as 12 hours to dry completely. Then, I stain my project. A high gloss finish requires multiple coats with light sanding in between. ​Thin the polycrylic a bit by adding water and stirring.