I just polyurethaned a bunch of boards with a water-based poly. It's not looking like what I wanted so I want to lightly sand it, then put on a coat of oil-based poly.
Any harm in doing that?
I just had the same experience and am going to strip the water base off, sand, and refinish. I think it is the only way to make the finish look good. I don't know why there isn't a warning label on the water base stuff saying you are wasting your time using it. :)
Yeah. I did some googling and some flooring sites warn that if you're going to do this, to make sure you get ALL of the water-based stuff off, otherwise your finished oil-based poly will have spots that look different. :(
The wife says I can try another coat of the water-based and just go with it. Going to lightly sand the first coat with some 220 grit and hope the second coat isn't 'rough' like this first coat was.
if it's rough, you're possibly getting dust in it. you may need to lightly, very lightly, sand the top coat.
you could try a coat of shellac, then topcoat with oil based.
disclaimer: I haven't tried this, but I understand shellac to be good for this type of thing.
First coat of water base poly will almost always raise the grain of the wood. You will have to light sand before next coat. When my floors were redone they asked if it was oil base or water base. Oil over water base seems to be a no no. You should be able to get a good finish with the water base even if you have to do 3 coats. bg
I used some water based poly on a quilt stand. It turned out ok. I think I put 4 coats on it with sanding in between.
Thanks gents. Didn't make it back to the project today. Will let you know how it turns out.
You guys weren't kidding. It only required a VERY light sanding with 220 grit, by hand. 3 or 4 swipes and it was ready for the next coat. The second coat of water-based poly went on much better. Still a tiny bit of roughness so I'm probably going to use steel wool on it now, then do a third and final coat.
Appreciate the advise, gents.
It will be a success by the next one I am sure. bg
DON'T use steel wool if it's water base. Particles of steel wool will be left in some of the wood pores and you will end up with discoloration with the next coat. A light 320 sanding will knock of any dust. What wood are you going over?
Well, too late on the steel wool. LOL Haven't put on the 3rd coat yet so will use a damp cloth to try and clean it well.
This is just pine for some trim around the windows.