Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Applying Polyurethane

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Expert: - 9/25/2007


Question
I am restaining an old set of bookshelves.  Ive already stripped, sanded, stained and am ready to poly.  Is there a step im missing, or do I go ahead and apply the poly on top of the stain?

Answer
Eric,

Sounds like you know exactly what you're doing!

The correct order is: Strip - Sand - Stain - Poly.  So you're right on schedule. The poly goes right on top of the stain, after it's dry. Make sure the wood is smooth, some stains (water based) can raise the grain a bit. So if anything is rough, hit it lightly with some fine sandpaper. It'll make the final coat that much nicer.

Good luck, you're right on track,

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks

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Jamie Yocono

Expertise

Woodworker, Furniture designer/builder, industrial arts educator. Bachelor degree in Furniture Design, and journeyman carpenter, with a 4 year apprenticeship. Currently owner of custom furniture/cabinet shop in Las Vegas, NV. Can answer most woodworking questions EXCEPT those regarding repairs, refinishing, and antiques.

Experience

Bachelor in Furniture Design - Ohio University (1980) Journeyman Carpenter, Local 639 Adult educator - Developed adult education woodworking program for the University of Akron, and taught classes there for 9 years. Opened a private woodworking school in Las Vegas, NV and teach private and semi-private lessons. In 2011, I will begin teaching UNLV woodworking classes at my school. Sweet!

Organizations
Furniture Society

Publications
Tile Design and Installation Magazine (Article on inlaying tile into wood)

Education/Credentials
Journeyman Union Carpenter Bachelors degree in Furniture Design (Ohio University) College of Hard Knocks!

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