How to Apply Polyurethane to Cabinets

A polyurethane finish will help increase the durability of your cabinets. This material is ideal for do-it-yourself projects. Polyurethane is fairly simple, even for beginners, and serves as an excellent way to increase the value and strength of your cabinets with a weekend home improvement project. With proper preparation, you can easily create quality finished cabinets.

Things You'll Need

• Flat work surface
• Drop cloth
• Lint-free cloth
• Mineral spirits
• Paint brush
• Polyurethane finish
• Fine sandpaper

Instructions

Applying Polyurethane Finish to Cabinets

1. Spread a drop cloth over a clean, flat surface. Lay your cabinet flat on the surface. Clean the cabinets off with a lintfree cloth dipped in mineral spirits. Do not proceed until the cabinets are clean and dry.

2. Dip the tip of a clean paintbrush into the polyurethane finish. You should only soak about one inch of the brush in the finish.

3. Apply the finish to the cabinet using smooth, straight strokes with the brush. When you begin a new strip, make sure the edges overlap slightly with the last line of finish you applied. Continue until you have covered the whole surface.

4. Allow the finish to dry. Lightly sand the finished cabinet with fine sandpaper.

5. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 to apply a second coat. When the project is completed, let the cabinets dry overnight before reinstalling.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you are working in a well-ventilated, dust-free environment when applying polyurethane finish.

Resources

• How to Finish Kitchen Cabinets