any floorsanders know about how to apply waterbased polyurethane, any good tips?

Question

im having trouble because it drys so quickly, any help on that would be much appreciated, thanks.

Answer 1

applying polyurethane is a proffessional job, you can really stuff this up if you dont know what you are doing. Perhaps you have reverse cycle air conditioning going which is drying the air. Or you live in place with low humidity. also beware of contanminants in the wood this can cause rejection. There may be something you can add to it to slow drying time check with the manufacturer. also the gloss level you want isnt accomplished the way you may expect. My floor sander used two coats of high gloss and one coat of matte, to get a matte finish which surprised me. good luck and do you homework or otherwise the you may have a costly disaster to fix up

Answer 2

Could be your applicator.
I would not suggest using a water based polyurethane on a floor. It is not as durable as oil and will need to be redone much faster. But if you must the best method is to get one of the varathane water based urethane applicators which it attachable to a broom handle and is long and wide.These are available at lowes for about 10-13 dollars. Work from back corner of the room forward making sure you don't corner yourself and remembering your exit options with all fans and ac off. It will not dry properly is you are working in weather that is below 65 degrees also drying can be compromised if the temp is above 90. If you are heating the house, you need to have all the vents covered in that room if not it will cause bubbling around the vents and uneven drying. I would suggest waiting at least 24-48 hours between coats despite what label says for a stronger base cure. The longer you have the first coat on the better it cures, the same with primer. Having a second person apply with you can also cut down the time and help with the evenness but you have to have a plan down and know how to work together.
Also, is there a large window in the room that may be allowing more heat or draft hit the floor? You may consider putting a sheet over this .
Good luck.

Answer 3

I just re did my kitchen, dining room and living room floors with waterbased poly. I used a lambs wood applicator, it attaches to a handle and I used it as if it were a mop. I went with the grain of the wood and overlapped a little to keep a wet edge. The first coat did dry quickly because I took all of the old poly and stain off of my floors. The product I used said to not sand between coats unless you let a coat dry for over 24 hours, which seemed very strange to me, but I still followed the directions. I applied 4 coats of high gloss allowing about 4 hours between each coat. I allowed the 4th coat to dry over 24 hours then lightly sanded with a 220 grit sand paper, made sure to get up any dust, and then applied 2 coats of satin. The floors turned out great. I had to use waterbased poly because I have a parrot and cockatoo and didn't want the fumes to kill them.

Answer 4

I've done both wood and lino that we painted. I got the poly from Ace hardware. It's spendy but good.

I used a soft sponge roller to put it on quickly, actually my wife put it on, I used a wide soft sponge brush to smoothen it out, careful of the bubbles. Not to heavy or it'll dry with white streaks, no matter what they tell you.
I've been doing this for years, it's better then linseed poly but, touchier. I am experienced, painted for many years. Don't do over three to four foot square at a time, no more then you can handle within thirty minutes.

Sweep area and damp (real damp) wipe all dust, watch for any particles as painting, you'll get them and they'll show up.

There's little to no smell as is with oil poly, dries faster, give it time to cure, as with any paint, don't drag chairs across it right away, put soft tabs on bottom of chair legs, etc.

NO FANS, will create dust, be patient, it'll dry. Don't mix paint, fold it like a cake, slowly.

Answer 5

It dries so quickly because it is soaking into the wood!
Once you've sanded to the flatness you want, apply a coat of the varnish, just washing it on as quick as you can. Leave to dry.
Give a second, light, sand-down to get rid of any glossy spots, turn off the air-con, and apply a second coat, which won't be absorbed as the surface is now sealed.
Don't forget to apply from the corner furthest away from the door - don't paint yourself into a corner !