Sealing Birch Plywood Stain
Birchwood is a flexible and durable wood, commonly used in furniture or as bed bases. It has a light natural color that many owners choose to keep in tact. It could be stained, however, to resemble other wood finishes. After staining, a sealant must be applied to the wood to protect it from scratches and moisture damage. Polyurethane is one of the strongest protective sealants available. It comes in either water-based or oil-based and several levels of sheen. Either combination will protect the wood to prevent damage. It comes down to a matter of personal preference. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 2-inch foam brush
- 280-grit sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Drop cloths
- Polyurethane
Instructions
-
-
1
Lay down a drop cloth beneath the piece of wood that you plan on staining to protect the floor. Wait for the stain to dry completely. Open the window to allow for ventilation if you're using oil-based polyurethane.
-
2
Wipe down the piece of wood with a tack cloth. This removes as much dust as possible from the wood before applying the sealant. Open the can of polyurethane and dip a foam brush. Foam brushes are good because they do not streak as much as a bristled brush.
-
-
3
Apply the polyurethane liberally in short, evenly coated strokes. Try to avoid drip marks because they are hard to sand out. Wait for the birch wood to dry, following the manufacturer's suggestion on the label.
-
4
Lightly sand the item with the 280-grit sandpaper once it's dry. Do not sand too hard or you run the risk of wiping off the coat of polyurethane. Sanding smooths out the surface before the second coat is applied. Sand the wood lightly in a tight circular motion.
-
5
Wipe the surface clean with the tack cloth. Add another coat of polyurethane and sand it again when dry. Add one final coat of polyurethane and allow it to dry completely. As you add more layers of polyurethane the surface evens out and is finished smoother.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Oil-based polyurethanes usually have to be mixed with paint thinner. Water-based polyurethanes are easier to handle and are ready to use out of the container.
