How to Finish Wood with Polyurethane Varnish

Polyurethane varnish is very popular and one of the best finishes available. It's tough and can stand up to traffic and water. Finish wood with polyurethane varnish by brushing it on, letting it dry and then sanding it. You repeat this process until you get a shiny and smooth finish on the wood.

Things You'll Need

• Polyurethane varnish
• Natural bristle paintbrush
• Sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Container for the varnish

Instructions

1. Buy some polyurethane varnish. Like paint it comes in high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, matte or flat. Gloss is shiny and a little tougher. Matte is more subdued. Pick one that fits with whatever look you're going for.

2. Make sure the area you are going to work in is well-ventilated but not dusty. You don't want dust landing on your finish.

3. Make sure the wood you are going to finish is sanded, clean and free of dust. Clean it with a tack cloth.

4. Stir the polyurethane varnish well and pour some from the can into another container so you avoid contaminating the can. Dipping your brush into the original can of varnish will risk getting dirt or debris in your varnish.

5. Apply the varnish to the wood using smooth, even strokes along the direction of the wood grain. Hold the brush almost vertically while doing this. Be sure to use a new, clean natural bristle paintbrush. Watch for drips and brush them out if you see them.

6. Allow the varnish to dry completely overnight. Then sand the varnish with 220 or finer sandpaper and remove any dust with a tack cloth.

7. Repeat this process until you get the desired look. It will take at least four or five applications.

8. Rub the surface with "0000" steel wool, clean it with a tack cloth, and apply paste wax to get the best looking surface. Wait a week after finishing before doing this.

Tips & Warnings

• It's best to varnish wood if it's horizontal. This avoids drips. If possible, put whatever you're varnishing flat on a table.