How to Seal Wood Furniture

Sealants have come a long way since that 1970s "encased in liquid plastic" look, and any wood will stay cleaner and last longer if it's sealed against grease and grime. Clear polyurethane is an all-purpose protector for most jobs. It comes in different finishes, from satin (almost matte) to high gloss (very shiny), it is versatile and with several coats, it will protect even high use surfaces like coffee tabletops.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Polyurethane Finishes
• Quality Brushes
• Tack Cloths

1. Decide on your desired look: matte, gloss or shine.

2. Use a whisk broom or, better yet, a tack cloth (this is a sticky cloth that will pick up even tiny bits of pollen or dirt - inexpensive and worth it if you want a clean finish) to get rid of dust and pet hair.

3. Place the piece on newspaper or a drop cloth (you may want to set the legs on bricks or scrap wood to keep them from sticking).

4. Brush the polyurethane on in a thin layer, working from the top down. If you're working on a table, do the table top first; for vertical surfaces and legs brush top to bottom.

5. Allow 12-24 hours to dry. (If the air is dry and warm, you may be able to recoat in as little as 4-6 hours, but don't count on it.)

6. Check your work. If there are obvious drips, sand them down (or carve them off carefully with a sharp knife). If you spot any loose bristles or other detritus, pick off carefully.

7. Recoat and allow to dry. Two coats is fine for most surfaces, though you may want three for a high use table top.

Tips & Warnings

• Waxes, oils and varnishes require different levels of skill for application, and vary in "staying power." Most dedicated refinishers develop strong preferences. If you're refinishing a valuable antique, you may want to consult a professional.
• Polyurethane is sticky and loose bristles show - use a good quality brush for this job.
• Seal furniture inside, in a clean, well-ventilated (but non-drafty) area. Polyurethane remains sticky for several hours and even a haphazard gust can wreak havoc with this project, if pollen and pet hair is blown onto your fresh surface.

on 11/22/2005 If you are using an oil-based varnish (as opposed to water-based), you can use artists' oil colour in any shade you want. Add the oil colour to the varnish slowly and stir extremely well. Add more colour if necessary.