Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/16/2008

Question
Eileen,  I read your Q&A on Poly-urethane application on paint surfaces and had the same problem. Streaking after poly-urethane was dry. (bad advice from General Paint Store employee)  My question - We have painted shelfs in our entrance (which are used alot) which are painted with dark oil base paint and they scratch easy. What do you recommend as an application that will proctect the surface from scratches.

Answer
Hi Chris
Nice to hear from you.
Well I hate to say it but I would use poly..LOL
But a specific poly.
This one
http://www.minwax.com/products/protective/super-fast.cfm
As you see its made for wood floors.
About a month ago I redid my oak entry floor with this stuff.
I am very pleased it shows no scratch marks from my busy family and large dog.
So I feel it would be a good choice on your dark oil based shelves.
Just give the paint a good rough up with sand paper before applying.
Now the only problem is, does it come in quarts as oppossed to gallons? I bought a gallon for the floor but you will not need anywhere near that much.
So if you can't get a quart, you will have to use Minwax fast drying poly (it does come in quarts) which is different than the Minwax fast drying poly for floors.
Both these items are on the link.
Good luck and great question
Regards
Eileen
PS.. Any poly goes on and dries best if its applied to a flat surface.
So if you remove the shelves, lay them flat to apply poly.
Of course if you leave them in place they are already in the correct position LOL