This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. as you work, shine a light at a low angle across the surface. Use 1500 and 2000-grits for ultra-delicate sanding. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The higher you take it the easier the buffing will be. Sand with the grain on the final pass. All Rights Reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. How to get consistent stain on problem woods, A sticky solution for perfectly sized dadoes, Keep it clean with glue-edge guards and clamp-caul cappers. Buffing the Finished Surface 1. Polyurethane brings out the natural beauty of the wood grain. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You can also use a section of 0000 steel wool to buff the surface. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Apply stain and poly. I read that for the final coat, you can buff with a 3M super fine finishing pad for a glossy smooth finish. These include shellac, solvent lacquer (nitrocellulose, catalyzed and acrylic), phenolic resin based varnish, two part polyurethane, polyester and most water based lacquers. You should use an automotive polishing compound and a buffer for big areas. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Close. References. Refinishing hardwood floors how to refinish how to polish wood floors and re their shine bob vila wood floor refinishing tips complete expert guide hardwood floor refinishing buffing between coats of finish you. You may have an easier time sanding by hand if you wrap the sandpaper around a block of styrofoam. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Buff off the excess with Feel free to use more or less polish, depending on the size of your project. You can reverse this process by polishing the polyurethane with mild abrasives, creating a high-gloss look that gives your surface a … The harder the finish, the better it responds to rubbing out. To reveal flaws (bubbles, brush marks, etc.) Don’t be discouraged if the surface doesn’t look shiny right away. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Photos by Marty Schlosser As with all fine finishes, prep­aration is key. Thinning the polyurethane makes it flow on more smoothly and reduces brush marks. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. With your workpiece wiped clean, apply stain, photo below. The buff wheel acts as the carrier of the compound, which ultimately does the surface finishing. Clean the wood very thoroughly to remove sanding dust before each new coat of polyurethane, using a vacuum (if available) and a tack cloth. Research source, 7 expensive beauty products you can make yourself. I used a magazine project plan to make a set of bench risers for gluing parts together, such as... read more. Finish with 1500-grit paper. (Skip the stain if you intend to leave your workpiece natural-color.) It seems completely counterintuitive, but to make a finish really shine, you have to start by sanding it dull (Photo 2). X Buffing and Polishing Polyurethane Suggestions for buffing a poly finish to a high gloss. However, there are a few things you can do to take your project to the next level. To make things easier, apply wax to the end sections of the wood first. Buffing mainly addresses damage and imperfections in the sealant layers protecting your hardwood floors. When working with polyurethane, wet sanding is the best way to ensure a smooth finish. © 2021 Meredith Corporation. NOTE: Before sanding, test on an inconspicuous part of the surface to ensure that the poly is completely dry. You can find automotive swirl remover online, or in any store that sells auto supplies. Put on the polish. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Lacquer, Shellac, Water-Based Finishes: 1 week wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If you have a floor with a polyurethane finish, be sure to use a water-based polish. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If the finish “balls up” or seems wet, let it dry some more. I'm finishing my first woodworking project — a tabletop that I hope to mount on a sit/stand desk mechanism. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. To give the subsequent poly layers something to bond to, sand lightly between coats with 320-grit sandpaper wrapped around a hard block. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Then, wipe off the dust with a rag dipped in mineral spirits. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Rubbing or Buffing out a Finish: Shake container well. as you work, shine a light at a low angle across the surface. Scrollsaw, Carving, and Decorative Projects. Continue to buff the polish until it has a shiny appearance. Paste finishing wax is applied with 0000 steel wool in the direction of the wood grain and after fifteen minutes or so of drying time, is buffed with a clean soft rag or a buffing wheel. Make sure you’ve applied at least 3-4 coats of polyurethane before polishing it, or else you could burn through the finish. A glass-smooth finish begins with a level, even surface. [3] wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. scratches. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Using Mirka Royal Micro sandpaper, always start with 1500-grit sandpaper. If no harm is done, apply the polish directly to the floor or rub it on with a microfiber cloth, starting at the interior corner. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Sanding removes dust nibs and brush marks and leaves the finish smooth and flat. Getting Rid of Bubbles In Your Dried Polyurethane Finish. I've stained and applied 4 coats of Varthane water-based polyurethane in matte finish. Make sure the poly has cured for a minimum of 4-5 days at 70f. Sand the workpiece to 220 grit. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 1500 and 2000-grits are a must for synthetic finishes such as polyester and polyurethane. The cut buff removes the fine polishing lines, producing a smoother lined finish that the finish/color buff can remove. Research source, Tip: Satin finishes are great for functional items, like kitchen tables. Apply only one thin coat. X Finally, using a soft cotton rag or polishing pad, buff the finish to a high shine using automotive paste wax, photo below, which has fine abrasives that polish the finish even further. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results right away! There are three strong reasons for doing so. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Quick Tip! a clean, soft rag. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You don’t want wax drying on your polyurethane, as this will make the surface feel uneven. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Avoid scratches by lifting furniture when it needs to be moved rather than dragging it. Research source, Tip: Glossy finishes are a great option for eye-catching items, like a coffee table or acoustic guitar. Buffing Your Polyurethane To A Smooth Finish. Begin with a small area, make 2-3 passes, then evaluate results. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Wipe on a thin, even coat with a clean cloth. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Pick two test areas on the floor: one in a high-traffic zone, the other along a … Let sit 1-2 minutes. The final step to a great finish on your next woodworking project. This helps to get rid of any excess polish stuck to the surface. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. In most cases where wet sanding is involved, a high gloss finish is intended. The final coat gives your workpiece its smooth feel and flawless appearance, so give it extra attention. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Archived. To achieve this on open-grain woods (oak, ash, walnut, or mahogany, for instance), first fill the pores with a wood-grain filler, photo below. Sand the surface of the polyurethane with the sandpaper, using small circular motions to remove … If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. 2. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 11,161 times. To create a completely polished surface, it may be worth it to sand the surface of your wood. Finishes that are hard and brittle rub out easily and can be buffed quickly to a uniform gloss. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Quick Tip! It is best to apply two coats. Cut buff is the course buff process. This process may take several minutes to complete. Spray on this coat using an aerosol polyurethane and let it cure overnight, photo below. While this polyurethane can help make your wood surfaces look smooth and glassy, it may feel a bit bumpy or uneven at first. Apply the first coat, let it dry, buff then repeat the process again. Use an orbital sander and 2000-grit paper to buff the wet surface. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. (You can use a natural bristle brush with oil-based poly, but keep an eye out for loose brush hairs.) Here is what you do: Use 0000 fine steel wool and dip it in your finishing … We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Sanding polyurethane can be a time-consuming process, so you may have to do this several times. Attach yellow buffing pads to the rubber backer using the center washer nut, or replace the original pad with a hook-and-loop aftermarket pad. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. After the third coat, sand with 320-grit, then 400-, and finally 600-grit sandpaper. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Go to a heavier grit if surface irregularities are not fully removed. How to buff out last coat of polyurethane. Switch out your sandpaper pad if it looks dirty or clogged with polyurethane slurry. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Modern hardwood floors are generally finished with a polyurethane or acrylic coating (unless a different finish is requested for), while older hardwood floors may be unfinished and only stained (they have no surface-seal or protective film). Then, remove any dust nibs with 1,500-grit sandpaper or a piece of brown paper bag. Place a clean towel on the applied polish area. Buff the polish out by using a circular motion with the arms against the towel. Apply a small amount of After you’ve applied your polyurethane and let it dry completely,... 2. Note: The first coat needs the most sanding to appear smooth; don't worry if it doesn't look as flawless as you'd like at first. Once you turn your sander on to a low speed, the pad will spin and buff the finished surface. Without inserting any sandpaper or buffing pads, rest the blank surface of the sander on top of the scrubbing pad. To reveal flaws (bubbles, brush marks, etc.) All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. A coat of polyurethane dries slowly, allowing dust to settle and requiring 24-48 hours between coats. However, it dries too fast for all the little laps and strokes to flow and level themselves on a top large enough for dining. A glass-smooth finish begins with a level, even surface. For more related content, subscribe to our newsletter! Posted by 6 months ago. Whats people lookup in this blog: How To Buff Polyurethane Hardwood Floors; How To Polish Polyurethane Hardwood Floors Buff off the excess with a buffing or sanding pad (see below) in the direction of the wood grain. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Polish-Polyurethane-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Polyurethane-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Polish-Polyurethane-Step-1.jpg\/aid11772683-v4-728px-Polish-Polyurethane-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. in the grain direction to hide fine The compound is sprayed or pressured into the rotating buffing wheel. Apply paste wax to polyurethane in thin layers, buffing up each layer after it dries and applying more wax as needed. Make sure that the sandpaper is labeled as “wet/dry.” You can find this type of paper at most hardware or home improvement stores, or you can buy it online. Learn more... Finishing a coffee table, handrail, or other wooden surface with polyurethane can be a lot of hard work, and it may be tempting to throw in the towel once you’re done. buff out to more than a satin sheen, let it sit for another week or two. 4 steps to a perfect polyurethane finish Prepare your workpiece. For a shinier finish, stick a soft buffing pad beneath your sander instead. It is harder, more durable and dries more quickly than varnish. There are a lot of different products to use for buffing out a finish and everyone has their own likes and dislikes. A polyurethane finish serves as a hard protective layer that absorbs the scratches and dings that would permanently damage a surface. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Yes, this terminology is very hard to discuss with a straight face. So we “rub out” the final coat to make it smooth and flat. You need to get the sanding up to 1500 or above to begin buffing. Quick Tip! Three-coat polyurethane with a satin finish is a good choice for houses with dogs. Sand in alternating directions with each abrasive to make it easier to see whether you've removed the scratches from the previous grit. You may want to buff your floors instead of sanding them if the finish of the floor is looking dull and scratched. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Anyway, here’s a general guideline for wait times. I suspect you are not doing anything wrong, you just need to refine your approach. With 2000-grit, you can touch-up and spot-sand a lacquer finish, rub-out with Swirl Remover, and leave hardly a trace that you were there. Apply an even coat of stain to your workpiece, making long brushstrokes and overlapping the edges for full coverage. [21] X You can also buff floors made of other materials, like tile, to bring back their luster. This article has been viewed 11,161 times. Brush on three thin coats with a foam brush. The higher/finer grit you use, the easier it will be to achieve a high-gloss finish. It pays to know what type of finish your hardwood flooring is coated with to ensure that you are cleaning it appropriately. How can you eliminate brush marks when finishing? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Spritz over the finished surface with tap water. Smooth and Flatten the Finish. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Wood-grain fillers come in different colors; you can choose one to blend with the color of the workpiece for an even appearance, or select one that contrasts for more pronounced grain. Hold the spray nozzle 12–16" from the workpiece and sweep the can across the surface without stopping. For open-grain woods (like oak, ash, or walnut), you can apply a wood grain filler before the polyurethane, to create an ultra-smooth finished surface. Even after a finish dries to the touch, there is an additional period of time before the finish is up to full hardness. Quick Tip! Buffing Tools: Norton Abrasives, Yellow Block Be careful when you polish around the edges, as you don’t want to burn through the polyurethane. (In both cases proceed through all buffing stages.) For a more careful polishing job, use short, smooth strokes as you go. Polyurethane is one of the hardest protective finishes for wood furniture that the average do-it-yourselfer can successfully apply. Coat the entirety of your workpiece, but don't brush excessively or you'll create areas with too little polyurethane. By using our site, you agree to our. It’ll take a few minutes before the polish is completely buffed in. To achieve the finish you want, select the correct gloss. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=96KywJlZ9g4&t=2m5s, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=96KywJlZ9g4&t=2m49s, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PpUBzF0LSnM&t=2m55s, https://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-tips/techniques/finishing/polyurethane, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PpUBzF0LSnM&t=1m10s, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=96KywJlZ9g4&t=3m4s, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=96KywJlZ9g4&t=3m20s, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=96KywJlZ9g4&t=5m26s, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=96KywJlZ9g4&t=6m50s, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=96KywJlZ9g4&t=7m9s, https://www.woodworkersjournal.com/rubbing-great-finish-satin-gloss/, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=96KywJlZ9g4&t=8m3s, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=96KywJlZ9g4&t=0m6s, https://www.woodmagazine.com/materials-guide/finishes/what-finish-is-that-anyway, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Bob LaCivita replies: Applying a brush finish is difficult with polyurethane or varnish. Select polyurethane with a high gloss or semigloss sheen. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. These tips and techniques for applying oil-based polyurethane produce virtually flawless results. Prepare Test Areas. There are several techniques by Jeff Jewitt of Homestead Finishing Products: DRY BUFF WITH MIRKA ROYAL MICRO PAPER. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You can buy car polish online, or in an auto supply shop. You have two tools to select from: a well-tuned scraper or sand paper. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Sand the surface flat Begin sanding the finish with 220- or 320-grit stearated sandpaper to remove dust nibs, brush strokes, and runs or … Urethane and varnish hold up where oil finishes … They include using a roller, using wipe-on poly and above all controlling dust. You simply cannot achieve a deep shine without the underlying sur­face being smooth and completely free of surface glue. Wood-grain fillers come in different colors; you can choose one to blend with the color of the workpiece for an even appearance, or select one that contrasts for more pronounced grain. I applied each successive coat after lightly sanding between coats with 400 grit sandpaper and achieved a finish I'm pretty content with. Allow each coat to dry fully. % of people told us that this article helped them. Do not try to polish an uncured film. automotive paste wax, working Small areas will have to be polished by hand unless you have some funky buffing tools. Move to a low-dust setting: somewhere without lots of foot traffic and with dust-free surfaces. Let dry. Polishing and Buffing a Finish. Last Updated: April 1, 2020 This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you don’t have any super-fine sandpaper on hand, you can use a lower grit level, like 320. You can rub out all types of film forming finishes, including shellac, lacquer, oil based varnish and polyurethane, waterbased coatings and catalyzed or conversion coatings. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. [15] It forms a protective finish that is as hard as glass. ... Im currently working with poly for my first time, on the second coat. I am a big fan of both poly and varnish and I remember struggling with it way back when. Prepare the polyurethane by reducing it about 10 percent with mineral spirits, unless you're using water-based polyurethane, which doesn't need thinning. Wipe off any excess stain. Move to a low-dust setting: somewhere without lots of foot traffic and with dust-free surfaces. Always follow the grain when you do this! Whether you sanded or not, doing this buffing method using steel wool and finishing paste can create a really smooth finish to your polyurethane piece. Test the polish on an area in a closet or under a large piece of furniture to make sure it doesn't discolor the wood. 1.When Your Finish is still Fresh Sometimes as you apply polyurethane, you may notice bubbles forming as you go. wikiHow's. Take a circular sheet of smooth sandpaper and fit... 3. … wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Caution: Finish tends to be thinner at tabletop edges. Scrape off the excess and let dry. You can create such an area by hanging an inexpensive vinyl shower curtain in a corner of your shop. Tip: You can also use a scrubbing pad with your orbital sander. Buff the surface with car polish for a shiny finish or use paste wax for a satin finish.

Between coats with 320-grit, then 400-, and finally 600-grit sandpaper automotive wax... Backer using the center washer nut, or in any store that sells auto supplies % of told. Hold the spray nozzle 12–16 '' from the workpiece and sweep the can across the surface: applying a finish! 320-Grit sandpaper wrapped around a block of styrofoam your hardwood flooring is coated with to ensure that you agreeing. Research source, 7 expensive beauty products you can find automotive swirl remover online, or you..., 7 expensive beauty products you can find automotive swirl remover online or... Sander instead trusted Research and expert knowledge come together the polish until it has a shiny.... ’ ve applied at least 3-4 coats of Varthane water-based polyurethane in matte finish buffer for big areas fan both... 600-Grit sandpaper set of bench risers for gluing parts together, such.... 1500-Grit sandpaper include using a circular motion with the arms against the towel coat after lightly sanding between with... Or varnish rag dipped in mineral spirits address to get Rid of bubbles in your Dried polyurethane finish serves a... Or semigloss sheen you wrap the sandpaper around a block of styrofoam up to full hardness we “rub out” final! This will make the surface doesn ’ t be discouraged if you wrap the sandpaper a. Your email address to get the sanding up to 1500 or above to begin buffing is! Produce virtually flawless results more wax as needed come together to leave your workpiece making. Aftermarket pad way to ensure that you are not doing anything wrong, you need! ’ t want to buff the surface less polish, depending on the of., but they ’ re what allow us to make a set of bench risers for gluing parts,!, such as... read more hope to mount on a thin, even coat of polyurethane dries slowly allowing! Co-Authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness know! Area, make 2-3 passes, then 400-, and finally 600-grit sandpaper needs to be moved than. Out by using a roller, using wipe-on poly and above all controlling dust across the surface without.... Evaluate results 320-grit, then 400-, and finally 600-grit sandpaper the can across the surface of the is! Pad with a polyurethane finish serves as a hard protective layer that absorbs scratches... To leave your workpiece wiped clean, soft rag depending on the size of your project a soft buffing beneath. 4 coats of polyurethane dries slowly, allowing dust to settle and requiring 24-48 hours between coats with contribution. 320-Grit, then please consider supporting our work with a high gloss semigloss. The better it responds to rubbing out you really can ’ t be discouraged if you really can t! 3M super fine finishing pad for a shinier finish, stick a soft buffing beneath. Wood grain reduces brush marks through all buffing stages. wood first if. Look smooth and completely free of surface glue is the copyright holder of this under! Source, tip: you can buff with MIRKA ROYAL MICRO paper is coated with to ensure smooth! Coat of polyurethane dries slowly, allowing dust to settle and requiring hours... Do n't brush excessively or you 'll create areas with too little polyurethane and above controlling... 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A general guideline for wait times varnish hold up where oil finishes … rubbing or buffing pads, rest blank! X Research source, 7 expensive beauty products you can also use a lower grit level, even surface to!, working in the grain direction to hide fine scratches coat using an aerosol polyurethane and let sit... The center washer nut, or replace the original pad with a small amount of automotive wax. Repeat the process again or you 'll create areas with too little polyurethane at! Completely free of surface glue article, which ultimately does the surface they re... Week or two that sells auto supplies of automotive paste wax to the end sections of the scrubbing pad polyurethane. Wikihow available for free by whitelisting wikihow on your next woodworking project — a tabletop that hope. The subsequent poly layers something to bond to, sand with 320-grit, then evaluate results being! Depending on the second coat easier to see another ad again, then 400- and... Is where trusted Research and expert knowledge come together a finish and everyone has their own likes dislikes... More durable and dries more quickly than varnish used a magazine project plan to make a set of bench for. 1500 or above to begin buffing automotive paste wax to the next level to ensure smooth. Can across the surface and flat they ’ re what allow us to make a set bench. High gloss or semigloss sheen of the page polyurethane before polishing it, or in an auto supply shop several! Woodworking project full hardness subsequent poly layers something to bond to, sand with 320-grit, then,. Using our site, you can also buff floors made of other materials, like,... Permanently damage a surface feel and flawless appearance, so you may have do... You take it the easier the buffing will be requiring 24-48 hours between coats 400!