How to Spray Poly

Applying poly to your chess pieces will not be as difficult as learning the game.

Poly, or polyurethane, is one of the most common materials used to finish wood products that receive a lot of use over their lifetime. However, poly can give off a high gloss, so you may wish to reduce the number of coats you use. Spray types of polyurethanes are convenient and easy to apply. In just a few steps and a couple of days, your polyurethane-coated product will be completed and ready to use.

Instructions

1. Read the directions on your spray can of polyurethane. Most spray polyurethanes apply in a similar way, but read the directions just in case.

2. Shake the spray can for about five minutes, or until you can hear the ball bearing inside hit the sides of the can.

3. Apply a very light first coat of poly to your product. To do this, hold the can about 12 inches away from the work, hold down the nozzle and apply the poly using slow, sweeping motions. This coat should be so light that you shouldn't be able to see any of the poly. Allow the poly to dry for a few hours.

4. Turn your work upside down and apply a second coat of polyurethane to it using the same slow, sweeping motion. Turning the piece upside down will ensure that the details are given a light finish. As you did in Step 3, try to apply a very light coat. The poly should feel grainy to your touch when you've finished this coat. That graininess will disappear after you apply more coats. Let this second coat dry for a few hours.

5. Apply further coats using the same motion you did in Steps 3 and 4. Again, apply light coats until you've achieved an even finish.

References

• Carving Patterns: Applying Spray Urethane/Polyurethane Finish