I am refinishing an old dining room table. I've sanded it down to bare wood, which is a beautiful light wood (https://imgur.com/a/ZWfAO9p, unsure what kind of wood this is). I really like this light wood color, so decided not to stain and used polyurethane directly on the unstained wood. Show
Oil-based polyurethane made my test piece look MUCH darker and gave it that amber hue I'd like to avoid, so I am now using water-based polyurethane (https://imgur.com/a/taue8Rz). However, I've added three coats of water-based polyurethane now and the finish is still not as thick and durable-seeming as the oil-based. This table will get heavy use so I'd like it to be easy to clean. Also, I have two cans of oil-based poly I'd like to use up. Instead of adding another few layers of water-based poly, can I add a layer or two of oil-based poly ON TOP the water-based without giving it that amber-orange look? *My posts may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link! Thank you for supporting my website!* Last updated on October 28th, 2022 at 03:55 pm Can You Put Oil-Based Polyurethane Over Water-Based Paint? Find Out Here!Wondering if you can use an oil-based polyurethane over a water-based paint? Well, look no further because I have your answer! Oil-based polyurethane can be applied over water-based paint as long as the paint has dried fully (at least 24 hours). If the paint creates a good powder while lightly sanded then it is dry and ready for a top coat. Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s break into the details further so you can get the best polyurethane finish on your painted project. Let’s dive in!
What Happens When You Apply Oil-Based Polyurethane Over Water-Based PaintIf water-based paint has not fully dried before applying an oil-based polyurethane, then the oil will have a hard time sticking to the water. This can result in the polyurethane peeling off of the paint and not curing properly. However, if the paint has had at least 24 hours to dry and creates a good layer of powder when lightly sanded with 320-grit sandpaper, then it is fully dry. In this case, the oil-based polyurethane will have no problem adhering to the dried paint. This video does an excellent job of demonstrating how oil- and water-based products can be used over one another. Should You Use Oil-Based Polyurethane Over Water-Based Paint?In general, oil-based polyurethane is much more durable than water-based. So if you are painting a tabletop or highly used piece of furniture or cabinets, then you will want to use oil-based polyurethane. This will provide the best protection for your newly painted piece. The only time you do not want to use oil-based polyurethane over paint is if you are using white paint. Oil-based polyurethane has a natural amber tint to it. When it is applied over white paint, it will turn the paint color yellow. Check out my article about fixing yellowing topcoats if this has already happened to your painted project. If you are using white paint, then using a water-based polyurethane such as MinWax’s Polycrylic found at Amazon will help your white paint stay looking white. Water-based polyurethanes have a little tint to them, but they are more blue-tinted than yellow-tinted. This helps the white paint retain its whiteness. Related Polyurethane Articles
Advantages & Disadvantages Of Using Oil-Based Polyurethane Over Water-Based PaintWhether you are using polyurethane over water- or oil-based paint, there are several advantages and disadvantages to doing so.
How To Apply Oil-Based Polyurethane Over Water-Based PaintApplying oil-based polyurethane over water-based paint is a fairly straightforward process.
Final Thoughts On Putting Oil-Based Polyurethane Over Water-Based PaintThere you have it! While it’s normally recommended to use water-based products over water-based and oil-based over oil, you can mix and match them without much consequence. And sometimes, it’s better to mix and match them because oil-based is always more durable. All that’s required is that you let the first coat dry completely before applying the opposite top coat. Then you are good to go. Catch you in my next post! Love this post? Share it with others so they can decide what type of polyurethane is best for their painted project!
Applying Oil-Based Polyurethane Over Water-Based Paint: What Happens?DIY With Christine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Can you put oil based polyurethane over water based?Flooring wholesalers and veteran floor finishers agree that you can recoat water-based poly with oil-based as long as the original coating has completely cured—generally 30 to 60 days. You'll have to lightly buff the old finish with a power buffer to prepare it for the new polyurethane.
Can you put polyurethane over water based paint?Yes, you can. As long as the water-based paint is fully cured and you clean and scuff sand the paint surface, oil-based polyurethane will adhere well.
Can you put oil based sealer over water based paint?When using an oil based topcoat over a water based stain or milk paint, allow water based finishes, such as HP topcoat to dry at least 24 hours before coating with an oil based product. - Oil based finishes amber over time. Do not use them over white or very light colors.
Can you put oil based over water based finish?You cannot mix water- and oil-based products together. General Finishes original Enduro-Var can only be used over raw wood or General Finishes water-based wood stains or dye stains. Original Enduro-Var cannot be used with any oil-based product, sanding sealer or shellac.
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