Finishing Furniture With Steel Wool and Polyurethane

Polyurethane is one of the toughest protective finishes for wooden furniture that the average do-it-yourselfer can successfully apply. It forms a protective finish as hard as glass. Polyurethane brings out the natural beauty of the wood grain. It is harder, more durable and dries faster than varnish. Polyurethane is available in a gloss, satin or mat finish.

Things you will need 150 grit sandpaper Tack cloth Oil-based polyurethane Mineral spirits, unscented glass jar Foam or natural bristle brush # 0000 Steel wool Straight razor scraper Lemon oil or oil mineral Clean, soft cloths or paper towels

Step 1

Sand rough spots on your bare wooden furniture. Use 150 grit sandpaper and use very light pressure when sanding along the grain of the wood. Wipe the part with a cloth to remove the sanding dust.

2nd step

Gently stir the contents of the polyurethane can to reduce the formation of air bubbles. Do not shake it as this will introduce more air bubbles into the product.

Stage 3

Mix one part of mineral spirits and two parts of polyurethane in a glass jar. It is the base coat or sealer. Do not stir too vigorously to minimize air bubbles.

Step 4

Apply the sealer layer on bare wood, using a foam brush or a natural bristle brush. Brush the polyurethane with long lines, slightly overlapping each pass. For table and dresser tops, make the sides first, then start in the middle of the top and work your way up to the edges. Always brush wet polyurethane in an uncoated area to minimize finish defects.

Step 5

Allow the first layer of polyurethane to dry for at least 24 hours before continuing.

Step 6

Polish the unit with # 0000 steel wool pads. Use a light touch to avoid spoiling the finish. Wipe off the sanding dust with a cloth.

Step 7

Apply a second coat of polyurethane, using the same ratio of mineral spirits to polyurethane, as well as the same technique used to apply the first coat. Let the second coat dry for at least 24 hours.

Step 8

Wipe the entire piece with # 0000 steel wool, using a light touch to remove surface imperfections. Wipe off the sanding dust with a cloth.

Step 9

Brush a third layer of polyurethane, this time use it at full power, without adding mineral spirits. Use long strokes from end to end, overlapping each pass lightly until the entire piece is coated.

Step 10

Let the third coat dry for at least 48 hours.

Step 11

Shave all pieces or globs of hardened polyurethane using a straight blade scraper. Do not cut too deep, otherwise you will spoil the finish.

Step 12

Saturate a piece of # 0000 steel wool with lemon oil or mineral oil. Apply the oil on the part by wiping it with steel wool saturated with oil, exerting a light pressure. Let the oil dry and soak for 30 minutes, then wipe off the excess with a clean, soft cloth or paper towels. This step will remove any rough stains and give the room a smooth finish.

Step 13

Apply two coats of polyurethane sealer mixed with mineral spirits on the underside of the furniture if it is made of traditional hardwood. Pieces of wood that are not completely sealed with polyurethane can warp as moisture can enter the wood through the unsealed surface. This step is not necessary if the furniture is made of plywood or particle board.

Tip Be gentle when using your furniture for 30 days after applying polyurethane. The product will continue to harden during this time and the surface could be marred by rough treatment.