With the lid in place, the poly will remain fresh for a couple days. Simply take a piece of 0000 steel wool, and put a small lump of wax on it. Is Tung Oil the Best Choice for Finishing Plywood? Then use rubbing compounds until the finish is acceptable. Polyurethane is the toughest, most flexible, least obtrusive, and most durable clear-coating available. Unlike water-based polyurethanes, you don't have to worry about drips or brush marks. But some rubbed out finishes are easy, and don’t take a long time. October 19, 2005 . I sanded the area smooth then shot it with the spare. That means waiting several days for an evaporative finish like shellac or lacquer, and at least a week for reactive finishes like varnish. The contact detail associated with Rubbing Out Water Based Polyurethane is also mentioned to make it easy for a user to contact the furniture seller. The web is full of proper methods to solve this problem. Start with one of the old pieces of the 240-grit sandpaper you used to sand between coats earlier, then wrap it around a block of … If you’re like most of us, the minute a newly finished project is dry enough to handle, you pick it up to proudly examine your accomplishment. $94.95 + applicable taxes + shipping and handling . Lacquer is an evaporative finish. Use these sample pieces to make sure the finish is properly cured and ready to rub out. Don’t freak out when you see the finish right after you lay it down. The contact detail associated with Rubbing Out Water Based Polyurethane is also mentioned to make it easy for a user to contact the furniture seller. Perhaps after the fix your wife will see you as genius instead of the current death treat. Time to start rubbing out? Begin with a small area, make 2-3 passes, then evaluate results. Above and below this patchy strip, you see the result of the buffing. Fortunately rubbing to a satin finish is easier:1--Sand the surface flat so there are no ridges, brush marks, depressions, dust specks, etc. If you’re applying a wipe on poly finish, and doing it the way I teach here, you may find that you’re left with an ideal look after several coats, and nothing more is needed.. Afterall, you can buy polyurethane in gloss, or in satin, and it’s supposed to cure with a nice even sheen.. Once the **varnish has dried and cured for a few days (depending on the varnish you use), you can rub out the finish. First by diluting the polyurethane itself and second by applying very thi So we “rub out” the final coat to make it smooth and flat. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. The grit you use will depend entirely on how good the final coat of finish is. He always used the finest wire wool between coats but I have also used the wet and dry sandpaper to good effect. A black mark means the moisture has penetrated all the way into the wood – that’s the more difficult kind of mark to remove. Once you have sprayed polyurethane onto the wood surface, let it sit overnight. After you apply 3 or 4 coats of shellac, give it 2-3 days to cure. Anyway, here’s a general guideline for wait times. Learn Woodworking Tips & Tricks with Rockler. 4 steps to a perfect polyurethane finish. There are several techniques by Jeff Jewitt of Homestead Finishing Products: DRY BUFF WITH MIRKA ROYAL MICRO PAPER. Master wood finisher Jeff Jewitt prefers the stearate coated variety for this type of rubout. Rubbing out a finish is the last step in finishing and the object is to remove imperfections, even out and smooth the surface, and establish a consistent sheen to the finish. Quick Tip! Make social videos in an instant: use custom templates to tell the right story for your business. home | projects | blog. Once you have sprayed polyurethane onto the wood surface, let it sit overnight. 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. Practice on scrap wood before trying it on a major project. The abrasive produces extremely fine, uniform "scratches" that go in the direction of the wood grain, helping to hide both brush marks and the "orange peel" texture common to sprayed finishes. I use wet/dry paper and a wood block to do this. Rubbing out the finish of shellac is pretty much the same as rubbing out the last coat of polyurethane. Alternatively, you can continue with finer grits of sandpaper and final rubbing with pumice and rotten stone to reach a high gloss surface (provided the finish you started with didn’t contain flattening agents, as anything labeled “satin” or “semi-gloss” does). Let the finish fully cure! After a few days, the solvent will begin to degrade the plastic, so don’t use plastic for long-term storage. No doubt there is a lot of fear generated by the concept of sanding and rubbing a clear finish that’s only six-thousandths of an … Ontario residents pay 13% hst. Then experiment on them to get a feel for rubbing out. Brush on three thin coats with a foam brush. Manufacturer guarantees/warranties for power tools, CNC and laser products will supersede the Rockler Guarantee if these items are damaged or defective. The reactive finishes (varnish and polyurethane) and coalescing finishes (water based) are more difficult to rub out. If for any reason you are not satisfied with the merchandise you ordered, just return it within 90 days to receive a refund in the manner of original payment. Cover the whole surface and rub it accurately. Here's a demonstration on how to rub out a finish after you've put your last coat of finish on your project. Those of you who have heard of rubbing out a finish may associate it with hours and hours of painstaking work and difficult to master techniques known only to members … Ideally, using an alkyd or phenolic resin varnish that contains no poly is the best way to have a hard finish (poly is actually softer, too) that you can rub out to get a sheen less than high gloss or to level and … Thinning the polyurethane makes it flow on more smoothly and reduces brush marks. my walnut coffee table i've had for years and years was finished with 4 coats of polyurethane and i NEVER use coasters. You may also return purchases to a Rockler store near you for store credit. Lacquer, Shellac, Water-Based Finishes: 1 week Rubbing out is nothing more than abrading the surface until it’s nice and smooth. Multiple coats fuse together into one layer, and they cure brittle and hard. Ideally, using an alkyd or phenolic resin varnish that contains no poly is the best way to have a hard finish (poly is actually softer, too) that you can rub out to get a sheen less than high gloss or to level and even out the gloss for a mirror shine. These days, after drying and inspecting, we usually don’t have to go back to work over areas that are polished too little. Getting a high gloss "rubbed out" finish from an oil base varnish or oil base urethane/polyurethane requires letting each application to "cure". Rubbing out a finish is the last step in finishing and the object is to remove imperfections, even out and smooth the surface, and establish a consistent sheen to the finish. How to Apply Polyurethane, Oil-based Polyurethane Wood Finish; Re-staining Over Previously Stained Woodwork; Restoring Wood Trim Finish Without Stripping; Wood Finishing Paste Wax; The Hand Rubbed Satin Finish – Part 3. Polyurethane is one of the hardest protective finishes for wood furniture that the average do-it-yourselfer can successfully apply. Instead, you’ll use something else to smoothen the surface and remove these scratches (or the sanding scratches from before). Popular Post; Charles Neil 19 Posted February 21, 2014. Great Write up! Polyurethane is the modern product most often used as varnish, or clear finish, on stained and painted wood surfaces. However, it dries too fast for all the little laps and strokes to flow and level themselves on a top large enough for dining. You'll know the surface is flat when it appear dull, with no shiny spots. Approach rubbing a finish as you would cutting your first dovetail joint. Even after a finish dries to the touch, there is an additional period of time before the finish is up to full hardness. Once the area is clean, now apply the Polyurethane finish on the piece, apply the even coat of the Polyurethane finish it is very important to make the long strokes, for the full coverage overlap the edges, then if there is any excess stain wipe it off and then let it dry. Using lubricant slows down the cutting action of the steel wool, but it also makes it harder to judge how much finish you are taking off. I keep a can of spray poly handy in case of bubbles. This breaks up the light reflecting off the surface. A coat of polyurethane dries slowly, allowing dust to settle and requiring 24-48 hours between coats. It looks terribly uneven, but the highs to lows (glossy to dull) are only a few ten thousandths apart. Rubbing out is nothing more than abrading the surface until it’s nice and smooth. Before you ask, yes, you can even rub out a thin finish, like French polish or wipe-on polyurethane, but it's a necessity, in my mind, with all sprayed and brushed-on finishes. In reality, simply applying a few coats of clear finish and waiting for them to dry rarely leads to a smooth, consistent look. Try not to sand too hard or you may go through into the stain, requiring that you re-stain the area. Rubbing a thick finish With a thick finish (6 to 10 or more coats), start with 400- or 600-grit abrasive paper torn into quarters and wrapped around a backing block. The Finish. Rockler Mixing Mate® Paint Lid, Gallon Size - Stir, Pour, and Store! Use medium to heavy pressure, and try to keep the pressure and the direction of your strokes as consistent as possible. This is most important for a successful rubout. It’s a good idea to sand these areas separately after you’ve sanded the bulk of the surface so that you can pay close attention to how much finish you’re taking off near delicate edges. Rubbing out the finish. HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish HVLP Sprayer, January 2021 Woodworker's Journal Free Plan: Dog Feeding Station. 7. In general terms, the longer you let a water-based finish cure, the easier it will be to rub out (within reason, of course). 3902 posts in 4554 days #2 posted 02-05-2011 06:59 PM . But this is something to try as a fun experiment, not if you need a guaranteed result. But its application is demanding and aggravating. Rubbing out a finish means working it with a mild abrasive such as pumice or steel wool. If the finish is already semi-gloss rubbing compound will turn it into gloss. In order for this finish to work properly you need to use the proper polyurethane. 8. Here's the process in a nutshell. Your order will come with a return form with convenient instructions, or you may send your returns directly to Returns Department, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 4365 Willow Drive, Medina, MN 55340. That depends on the look you’re after. Firmly rub the wax onto the piece, stroking with the grain. But the rubbed scratches will most likely still be coarser in some areas than others. Simply take a piece of 0000 steel wool, and put a small lump of wax on it. That process is called rubbing out. Then we buff with an abrasive pad. It’ll look like it’s full of flaws. Silky-smooth in three steps. Thin happens in two ways. While you’re sanding away, remember that it’s all to easy to accidentally sand through the finish near sharp corners; be extra-careful not to bear down too much. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  While this polyurethane can help make your wood surfaces look smooth and glassy, it may feel a bit bumpy or uneven at first. Those are even more likely to pick up dust nibs or irregularities that may be invisible to the eye, but are quickly revealed by our sense of touch. Currently I am using paste wax and 0000 steel wool to rub out my finish, but I hear if other guys using different methods. This is why leveling is the pre-buffing step required next. I want to find out the same thing as the communion table I made for my church keeps getting small particles in it no matter what I do. Prepare your workpiece A glass-smooth finish begins with a level, even surface. ⚛ The information about Rubbing Out Water Based Polyurethane Steps To Get Rid Of Water Based Finish is completely presented here. The reactive finishes (varnish and polyurethane) and coalescing finishes (water based) are more difficult to rub out. I was applying wood carvings to this beautiful panel when the carving slipped and ruined the finish. Pro Tip: Don’t keep working the finish. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Most of our tabletops are finished with polyurethane varnish. Again, it’s best to do the edges separately and with extra care not to cut through the finish. Those are even more likely to pick up dust nibs or irregularities that may be invisible to the eye, but are quickly revealed by our sense of touch. This is just abrasive enough to take most nibs off without the risk of rubbing through the finish. Sand with the grain just enough to smooth out major imperfections. "Rubbing out" is an abrasive process so poly will fight it. Pro Tip: Don’t keep working the finish. Most of the time, you have to “finish the finish”. Rubbing out the finish. Go to a heavier grit if surface irregularities are not fully removed. The finish really needs to be applied and left alone. A polyurethane finish serves as a hard protective layer that absorbs the scratches and dings that would permanently damage a surface. The way a finish works is there is a flattening compound in the finish that looks like baby powder. Short of educated scrutiny, the finish is indistinguishable from the oil finish on our chairs. Rubbing Out Shellac by Paul T. Radovanic (email extract) Basically, "rubbing out" means the same thing as "sanding the finish". Create . This product flows out nicely due to its thinner viscosity, so there are no visible brush marks to remove. It is a beautiful finish guys. Before you ask, yes, you can even rub out a thin finish, like French polish or wipe-on polyurethane, but it's a necessity, in my mind, with all sprayed and brushed-on finishes. 1. So for a truly professional looking finish multiple thin coats of polyurethane is the key, not globing on extra thick coats. Rubbing out a finish means working it with a mild abrasive such as pumice or steel wool. When you apply the final coat of clear wood finish to a project, are you “finished”? How to rub out a polyurethane finish. Change ), Rubbing Out a Polyurethane Varnish Finish. - The rule of thumb is that if you have a white or gray mark, it means moisture is trapped beneath the finish. After the final coat dries for 48 hours or more, we wet sand it with water and 400 grit sandpaper. For international returns, please click here. sure, it might yellow over time if left out in the sun for years and years at an extreme case but it's also extremely durable and wear resistant. Hand-rubbing a polyurethane finish with fine sandpaper or pumice can overcome poly's "plastic" or "removed" look, and bring back some of the wood's natural tone. A flawless surface is elusive. Wool Lube is formulated specifically for use with steel wool, and helps make a smooth, even sheen easy to achieve. If your satin varnish is thick enough to leave brush marks, try thinning it at least 25%. Hand-rubbing also removes dust nibs (the inevitable dust particles picked up during the finish application) and brush marks and other surface imperfections. We can’t see what we are doing. This compound will make your wood a glass-like finish on to the clear coat. A finish that isn’t fully cured won’t rub out well, and the risk of sanding through the finish is much greater. ( Log Out /  A wet/dry sandpaper lubricated with water or a stearated sandpaper, like Norton 3X, will stay free of clogs almost indefinitely when rubbing out a fully cured finish. How to Install a Wireless Phone Charger in Your Project, Video: Building a Bathroom Vanity With Drawers - Part Two, High-quality brands and products you can trust, Expert advice and free post-purchase support, Exclusive, innovative products that help you Create with Confidence, Detailed instructions, technical specs and guides to make the most of your purchases. October 19, 2005 . And since it dries faster than any other finish, I'd try rubbing it with a brillo pad or scotchbrite (and water or oil as lube) after a few days or a week to get an even dull sheen rather than a strong gloss. We proudly stand behind all of our products. Almost always there will be a few dust nibs sticking up from the surface, and a couple of places where the brush or applicator marks didn’t level out perfectly. Once you are satisfied with the look of the finish, and have completely removed the rubbing residue, apply a coat or two of a quality paste wax. Items shipped directly from the manufacturer cannot be returned in store. Wipe-On (also called oil-based) polyurethane blends the best of both worlds of finishing: the high durability and protection of polyurethane with the simple wipe on application of an oil finish. Then lightly sand it, dry, with 400 or 600 grit paper. I keep a can of spray poly handy in … I have two areas with very glossy halos I need to soften to the original lacquer satin finish. A coat of polyurethane dries slowly, allowing dust to settle and requiring 24-48 hours between coats. The lubricant helps to float away grit and abraded materials and to reduce the size of the scratches made by the wool, allowing for a deeper sheen. The abrasive produces extremely fine, uniform "scratches" that go in the direction of the wood grain, helping to hide both brush marks and the "orange peel" texture common to sprayed finishes. I was wondering what you feel is the best method. My wife wants to kill me. 6 / 13. Just roll it out and use the raking light to make sure the surface is completely covered. You can use spray polyurethane to get a flawless appearance on the wood. – piojo Apr 25 '17 at 10:45. Wipe away the rubbing slurry frequently to check your progress, and stop as soon as you have a consistent satin sheen. Sand the surface flat. You can use the abrasives you're already using, but another tip you might like to try is to use the rough side of brown paper. Hand-rubbing a polyurethane finish with fine sandpaper or pumice can overcome poly's "plastic" or "removed" look, and bring back some of the wood's natural tone. Water-based finishes can be a bit difficult to rub to a high gloss, especially finishes that contain a high percentage of urethane resins. Let it be, and it will flatten out. After rubbing out, the wood does not appear to be plastic coated. Cover Large Areas Fast. From the second you start rubbing the finish, you start to improve the surface tremendously. Add more wax to the steel wool as necessary. The best finishes to rub are the evaporative finishes, shellac and lacquer. It gives him a better feel for how much finish he’s taking off and makes it easier to avoid sanding through the finish. This compound will make your wood a glass-like finish on to the clear coat. Unfortunately not. 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. The wax will “warm up” the look of the finish, increase the sheen, and help protect the surface from scratches. You'll want to use OIL based polyurethane, not WATER based polyurethane. Jeff Jewitt’s, Great Wood Finishes and Bob Flexner’s, Understanding Wood Finishing both have excellent sections on rubbing out a finish, along with everything from detailed information types and properties of wood finishes to the basic finishing “dos” and “don’ts” that every woodworker should know. Take it to a high enough grit and you’ll be polishing the surface to a super high gloss. Rubbing out a finish is the last step in finishing and the object is to remove imperfections, even out and smooth the surface, and establish a consistent sheen to the finish. 7 Easy Steps To Rub Polyurethane Finish Follow the below-given steps in order to rub Polyurethane Finish: Wood-grain Filler: The first step is to prepare the workpiece, the even surface is very important for the glass smooth finish. Those of you who have heard of rubbing out a finish may associate it with hours and hours of painstaking work and difficult to master techniques known only to members of organizations with names like “The Absolutely Secret Society of Buffers and Polishers”. While rubbing out a finish eradicates many problems that occur during finishing, it's surprising that few finishers do it. "Rubbing out" is an abrasive process so poly will fight it. My hat is off to Gary and his crew for the work. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. And thanks for all your great videos, I have watched many hours of your material on youtube and your website, Quote; Link to post Share on other sites . Dip your rag into the finish, squeeze out the excess and wipe on. It forms a protective finish that is as hard as glass. Film hardness is the quality in a finish that produces the best results when rubbed. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. You can use spray polyurethane to get a flawless appearance on the wood. Take it to a high enough grit and you’ll be polishing the surface to a super high gloss. The reason for this is because Polyurethane varnish was originally designed for floors and has a primary quality of abrasion resistance. By hand-rubbing your lacquer finish, you can take it one step further and give it a mirror-like shine. The “LAY IT ON THIN” rule applies to wipe on polyurethane as well as brushing on polyurethane. The second (and subsequent) coat(s) remelt the coats preceeding it, allowing the finish to flow together. The clumps of dried finish that quickly collect on uncoated, un-lubricated sandpaper are called “corns” and will damage the surface of the finish. Firmly rub the wax onto the piece, stroking with the grain. DRY/WET BUFF WITH ABRALON POLISHING DISCS. Begin by sanding just enough to flatten the finish, removing any nibs, drips, or other defects (Photo F). Fortunately, there is a way that just about ANY finish can be improved and it happens well after the final coat is applied. Rub until the compound gets dry totally. This rub-out technique has only three steps. The harder the finish, the better it responds to rubbing out. When you apply the finish the flattening compound comes to the surface and interrupts the sheen. Yes you can rub out a water base polyurethane but not to satin. You’ll find a few resources for learning the more advanced techniques at the end of this post. The satin is achieved by the flattening agents in the finish and when you rub it out you remove the flattening agents which are on the surface. The table shown here is made of figured cherry that has been finished with General Finishes Arm-R-Seal satin polyurethane, applied with a foam brush (see Sources, page 66). Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out Author: Hendrik Varju.