How to Apply Minwax Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a hard, glossy and transparent finish commonly used for hardwood flooring. To protect new wood and to update the look of kitchen cabinets, hardwood floors and other wood surfaces, old finish can be removed and polyurethane applied. The Minwax Company produces its Fast-Drying Polyurethane for cabinets and other wood surfaces. It also makes Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for floors. Both products require essentially the same application procedures, though the Super-Fast Drying type takes, as its name implies, less time to dry. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sander
- Shop vacuum cleaner
- Cloths
- Mineral spirits
- Minwax polyurethane
- Applicator pad
Instructions
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1
Sand the floor or item to be finished. For floors, it is a good idea to rent a sander from a home improvement center. Follow the directions for the type of sander you rent.
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2
Vacuum all the sanded dust with a shop vacuum cleaner. Wipe the floor with a clean, soft cloth that has mineral spirits on it. Turn the cloth often and use clean ones as needed to pick up all the dust. Let the floor dry completely.
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Stir the chosen Minwax polyurethane product well but do not shake it. Use an applicator pad and carefully apply a thin, even coat of the polyurethane over the wood item. Start at one end with a small section and make your way across the floor or other item, overlapping small sections before the previous one dries to eliminate overlap marks.
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Allow the hardwood item to dry for at least three hours if using the Minwax Super Fast-Drying product and four hours for the Minwax Fast-Drying product. Apply a second coat in the same manner, making sure to overlap small sections. Wait three more hours and apply a third coat following the same procedure, especially if you did not stain the item prior to applying the first coat of polyurethane.
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Wait at least 24 hours before using the item or allowing light foot traffic on a floor. Wait an additional 48 hours before allowing heavier use or foot traffic, or placing furniture on a floor.
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Tips & Warnings
Closely follow all label directions on the specific Minwax product you are using.
You can use a lambswool or natural-bristle brush instead of a synthetic applicator pad for the polyurethane.
Use mineral spirits or paint thinner to clean brushes and applicators.
Minwax recommends using Minwax Hardwood Floor Cleaner to regularly clean any floor after the polyurethane has cured.
Drying times may vary according to temperature and humidity. Make sure the finish is not tacky before applying a subsequent coat or using the finished item.
If you let a coat of polyurethane dry for more than 12 hours before applying the next coat, re-sand the finish with 220-grit sandpaper and wipe with a clean cloth dampened with mineral spirits to remove dust.
When you put furniture on a newly finished floor, do not slide it. Wait at least seven days before putting rugs on a floor or cleaning the polyurethaned surface.
Sanding previous finishes can put dangerous dust into the air, especially if the finish was made from substances containing lead. Wear a protective mask and do the work in a well-ventilated area.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit hardwood floor texture image by GoodMood Photo from Fotolia.com
